| Like the entire economy, the computer | | | | systems design and related services industry. |
| manufacturing industry was hit hard by the recent | | | | Those considering the field should have a natural |
| economic recession. While in the short term this will | | | | inclination for mechanical, electronic and computer |
| be distressing for computer hardware engineers, | | | | science problem solving. As such, a degree, or at |
| many economic reports are also saying this should be | | | | least courses, in mechanical and electronic engineering |
| the one field that will turn around faster than any | | | | along with computer science is a good idea. |
| other. Then again, of all the STEM degree (science, | | | | Continuing education is a good idea as the industry is |
| technology, engineering, math) professions, becoming | | | | constantly changing. Also, going for post-graduate |
| a computer hardware engineer has the potential for a | | | | work, such as a Masters or PhD, is smart if one |
| truly rewarding future. | | | | wants to get into the more sophisticated, and better |
| According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, | | | | paying, jobs. |
| computer hardware engineers do the research, | | | | On the plus front, salaries are exceptional. The |
| design and oversee the manufacture and installation | | | | median hardware engineer should expect a salary of |
| of computer hardware. This includes computer chips, | | | | just under $100,000. Entry level, depending on |
| boards, systems and related equipment such as | | | | experience, usually starts at slightly over $61,000. |
| keyboards, routers, and printers. | | | | The upper 10% of hardware engineers can earn over |
| The work of computer hardware engineers is similar | | | | $150,000. Jobs come with attractive perks, among |
| to that of electronics engineers, however, they do | | | | them life/health insurance, profit sharing and other |
| that work only as it relates to computers and | | | | investment programs, continued education aid for |
| computer-related equipment. The rapid advances in | | | | online colleges and retirement programs. |
| computer technology are largely a result of the | | | | All those interested should also consult with a college |
| research, development, and design efforts of these | | | | financial officer. As hardware engineering is classified |
| engineers. | | | | as a STEM profession, there are more than the usual |
| The Bureau indicates growth in the U.S. will be slower | | | | federal Pell and state grants available. The Federal |
| than usual, approximately 4% between 2008 and | | | | government has teamed up with the National Science |
| 2018. It states the use of information technology | | | | Foundation for a series of what they call S-STEM |
| continues to expand rapidly, however, the | | | | grants. Also, a number of institutions offer everything |
| manufacture of computer hardware will be adversely | | | | from the promising high school student to the |
| affected by intense foreign competition. As | | | | experienced PhD candidate. Another good source for |
| manufacturers contract out more of their engineering | | | | more information is to just go to Google and search |
| needs to both domestic and foreign design firms, | | | | "Computer Engineering Financial Aid". Major |
| much of the growth in employment of hardware | | | | corporations such as Intel, Xerox and Hewlett |
| engineers is expected to take place in the computer | | | | Packard also offer scholarships. |