Electrical engineers design and build the systems that power industries, hospitals, military operations, and scientific facilities. They research new technologies, create detailed blueprints, and develop prototypes before moving to production. Day to day, they test components for safety and performance, troubleshoot problems, and oversee manufacturing to ensure equipment meets specifications. They collaborate with technicians and manufacturers to turn concepts into working installations. Their work spans power distribution, machinery controls, communications systems, and specialized equipment for demanding applications.
Licensed computer hardware engineers are regulated at the state level. Every state sets its own education, exam, and experience requirements.
Electrical engineers design and build the systems that power industries, hospitals, military operations, and scientific facilities. They research new technologies, create detailed blueprints, and develop prototypes before moving to production. Day to day, they test components for safety and performance, troubleshoot problems, and oversee manufacturing to ensure equipment meets specifications. They collaborate with technicians and manufacturers to turn concepts into working installations. Their work spans power distribution, machinery controls, communications systems, and specialized equipment for demanding applications.
Two NCEES exams: the FE early in your career and the discipline-specific PE after four years of qualifying experience.
You'll encounter an exam split into two parts. The first covers national standards that apply everywhere. The second tests your knowledge of your state's specific laws and regulations. Most states contract with testing companies like PSI, Pearson VUE, or Prometric to administer the exam. You'll take both portions on the same day at an approved testing center. The exam uses multiple-choice questions to assess your competency. You need to pass both sections to earn your license. Each state sets its own passing score, typically between 70% and 80%.
Most states require professional development hours between renewals. Some states waive CE for PEs in certain disciplines.
Computer hardware engineers must complete continuing education credits to renew their licenses. The number of hours and required topics vary by state. Most states require ethics training and instruction on state-specific regulations as part of your renewal cycle.
Strong candidates for the computer hardware engineer role combine the technical knowledge tested on the exam with judgment and communication skills you build through supervised experience.
You'll need a methodical mind to handle complex systems, but technical knowledge alone won't carry you far. You'll communicate regularly with colleagues across departments, translating technical details into terms non-engineers understand. You solve problems by testing assumptions and weighing tradeoffs between cost, performance, and reliability. You're comfortable being wrong in the lab, because that's where you learn. You document your work clearly because the next person reading your notes might be troubleshooting a problem at 2 a.m. This role rewards patience and precision more than speed.
Practicing as a computer hardware engineer without an active license is illegal in every state. Typical penalties include civil fines, forfeited income, and in some states criminal charges on repeat offenses.
Practicing computer hardware engineering without an active license violates state law across the country. Penalties vary by jurisdiction but typically include civil fines and forfeiture of any income earned while unlicensed. Repeat offenders may face criminal charges in some states. Requirements differ, so unlicensed practitioners should verify their specific state's regulations.
Employment change 2024 to 2034. Flagged as a bright-outlook occupation.
You'll follow a standard path in most states. First, complete accredited education. Next, pass a national or state exam. Then gain supervised experience working in the field. You'll undergo a background check before your license is approved. After you get licensed, you'll need continuing education credits to renew. The exact hours, degree requirements, and experience minimums differ by state, so check your state's specific rules.
National hourly wage by percentile.
Optional next steps once your Computer Hardware Engineer license is active.
Pre-license hours and fees vary widely. Pick two states to see the gap.
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