Also called: Hardware Engineer, Systems Hardware Engineer
Designs and tests computer parts like processors, circuit boards, memory, and servers.
You test a new server motherboard in the lab, measure why it overheats, and redesign part of the board. Then you work with the factory to make sure it can be built by the thousands.
May 2025 BLS median $161,740.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in computer or electrical engineering; many have a master's.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
Growing faster than average (about 7% over 10 years). BLS projected 7% growth (2024-34); AI hardware demand is strong.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI design tools speed simulation and layout, but building and debugging real hardware keeps engineers in demand.
Classes: AP Physics C, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2061.
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