# Tasks & work activities — computer hardware engineer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 17-2061.00 (Computer Hardware Engineers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.
- **[Core]** Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.
- **[Core]** Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.
- **[Core]** Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
- **[Core]** Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.
- **[Core]** Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.
- **[Core]** Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.
- **[Core]** Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.
- **[Core]** Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.
- **[Core]** Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
- **[Core]** Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.
- **[Core]** Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.
- **[Core]** Provide training and support to system designers and users.
- **[Core]** Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.
- **[Core]** Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.
- **[Supplemental]** Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.
- **[Supplemental]** Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.
- **[Supplemental]** Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.

## Detailed work activities

- Advise customers on the use of products or services.
- Analyze design requirements for computer or electronics systems.
- Assemble equipment or components.
- Conduct validation tests of equipment or processes.
- Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
- Create physical models or prototypes.
- Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
- Determine operational criteria or specifications.
- Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
- Prepare procedural documents.
- Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
- Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
- Select project materials.
- Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
- Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
- Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
- Update technical knowledge.