Description

Hardware engineers are responsible for designing computer hardware for their company. They participate in every aspect of product development, including concept creation, prototype design, product development, and testing. One of their main duties includes proposing architecture and design execution. They also participate in validation tasks after a prototype has been created, performing careful analysis to identify hardware issues and suggest changes to the development team. Hardware engineers generally report their progress to the hardware leader in their department.Additionally, hardware engineers provide colleagues with specific advice about product life cycle support characteristics and acceptance criteria. Other tasks completed by hardware engineers include creating specifications and hardware device performance numbers, actively participating in company meetings, and using technical expertise to conduct failure prevention analysis and improve reliability. Hardware engineers may use their engineering knowledge to provide ideas for design features as well. In all tasks, the hardware engineer must closely follow company guidelines and procedures. One of the engineer's main tools include a personal computer with specialized software to create simulations and projections related to hardware capabilities.A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field is required for this position. In addition, previous experience in a similar position may be preferred. Hardware engineers must be able to multitask and prioritize project requirements. They should possess strong interpersonal skills to communicate with other engineers and present complex concepts to non-technical staff. They must also understand hardware and software interactions and plan accordingly for product evaluation.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Hardware Engineer with 0-3 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Collaborating with the design team to develop hardware solutions, including circuit boards and electronic components, for various projects. Work closely with the design team to create hardware solutions, such as circuit boards and electronic components, to meet project requirements.
  • Conducting testing and troubleshooting of hardware prototypes to ensure functionality and performance. Perform thorough testing and troubleshooting of hardware prototypes to ensure they function properly and meet performance standards.
  • Assisting in the selection and sourcing of components and materials for hardware development. Help in choosing and procuring components and materials required for the development of hardware devices.
  • Participating in design reviews and providing input to improve the overall design and functionality of hardware products.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Hardware Engineer, the following qualifications are required:

  • Solid understanding of electronic components and circuit design, with proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout tools.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose and troubleshoot hardware issues, and the ability to propose and implement effective solutions.
  • Proficiency in programming languages like C/C++ for embedded systems development, and familiarity with microcontrollers and FPGA programming.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including software engineers and product designers, and to present technical information to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.

Essential Skills For Hardware Engineer

1

Embedded System Design

2

Circuit Design

3

Computer Architecture

4

PCB Board Diagram

5

VLSI Design

Skills That Affect Hardware Engineer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Embedded System Design

8%

C Programming

4%

Office 365

1%

Career Prospects

The role of a Hardware Engineer is vital in ensuring efficient operations and development of hardware systems. For professionals with 0-3 years of experience in Canada, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Embedded Systems Engineer: A position focused on designing and developing embedded systems for various applications, such as consumer electronics, automotive, or IoT devices.
  • FPGA Engineer: A role that involves designing, implementing, and testing Field-Programmable Gate Array FPGA circuits, which are widely used in digital signal processing, telecommunications, and aerospace industries.
  • PCB Designer: A position focused on designing printed circuit boards PCBs for electronic systems, including layout, routing, and component placement, ensuring optimal performance and manufacturability.
  • Test Engineer: A role that involves designing and executing test plans, conducting quality assurance tests, and troubleshooting hardware issues to ensure product reliability and performance.

How to Learn

The job role of a Hardware Engineer in Canada is projected to experience steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a consistent demand for professionals in this field. According to the latest data available from Google, the employment opportunities for Hardware Engineers are expected to increase in the future. This growth can be attributed to advancements in technology and the increasing need for hardware development in various industries. With the growing importance of hardware in today's digital world, Hardware Engineers can expect a promising and stable career outlook in Canada.