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How to become a computer hardware engineer

Get on the tools to design computer systems and components, and solve existing hardware challenges.

What does a computer hardware engineer do?

Computer hardware engineers analyse computer hardware to determine improvements to equipment such as circuit boards, routers, processors and memory devices.

Duties and tasks

  • Analyse and understand user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.

  • Create prototypes to develop and test solutions to improve computer systems and equipment.

  • Continuously analyse, test and modify designs to successfully update computer hardware.

  • Oversee the manufacturing process for computer hardware.

  • Research new technologies and find innovative ways to improve the efficiency of computer hardware.

Industry bodies

Related jobs

Discover online IT courses

La Trobe University

Bachelor of Cybersecurity

UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG

Join the fast-growing world of cyber security

Discover how to safeguard businesses from digital threats. This course covers both IT fundamentals and cyber security techniques, so you can pursue opportunities across the ICT sector. You will also learn Python, one of the most used programming languages.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
La Trobe University

Bachelor of Information Technology

UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG

Features IT industry collaboration, certification, and projects

Graduate with industry relevant knowledge and experience—and work across almost any sector. You’ll develop your core IT skills in programming, networking and databases. Sharpen your competitive edge with AI and cloud tech to get you job-ready.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Cloud Analytics
  • Software Engineering
University of Tasmania

Diploma of Applied Technologies (ICT)

UndergraduateTAS-ICT-DIP

Align with rapid IT transformation and shape your future

Gain core workplace skills and specialise in information and communication technologies. You’ll cover programming, networking, security, and more. Learn contemporary technological skills. Get ready to automate. Prepare for this ever-growing industry.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Griffith University

Start your IT and AI career – fast

Learn core computing skills and get practical with AI. Explore how software and hardware interact. Structure and manage data. You’ll build job-ready digital skills for tech roles or further study. Harness AI to work on real-world problems.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
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