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Computer Hardware Engineers
Architecture and Engineering · SOC 17-2061
14.5% AI Exposure — High
$161,740
Median Annual Salary
Average
O*NET Outlook
5,200
Proj. Annual Openings
76,660
Employment (OEWS 2025)
85/100
AI Resiliency Score
AI exposure from the Anthropic Economic Index (2025); salary from BLS; skills from O*NET. See /sources.
AI Exposure Analysis
AI Exposure14.5%
AI Resiliency85/100
Exposure BandHigh
Sector Avg. Exposure3.8%
Top Skills
1.Reading Comprehension
2.Critical Thinking
3.Active Listening
4.Writing
5.Speaking
O*NET occupation profile
What this work involves
Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.
Common titles: Design Engineer, Engineer, Field Service Engineer, Hardware Design Engineer, Hardware Engineer, Physical Design Engineer
Representative Tasks
- •Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
- •Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
- •Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
- •Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
- •Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
Detailed Work Activities
- •Update technical knowledge.
- •Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
- •Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
- •Create physical models or prototypes.
- •Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
Tools & Technologies
C · hotC++ · hotPerl · hotPython · hotThe MathWorks MATLAB · hotAutodesk AutoCAD · hotMicrosoft Visual Basic · hotOracle Java · hotSAS · hotDassault Systemes CATIA
Employment Projections & AI Exposure
15
Occupations Shown
4.5%
Avg AI Exposure
2
Bright Outlook
Sector Comparison
| Metric | This Career | Sector Average |
|---|---|---|
| AI Exposure | 14.5% | 3.8% |
| Outlook | Average | 15% Bright |
| Median Salary | $161,740 | N/A |
| AI Resiliency | 85/100 | N/A |