What Does A Hardware Engineer Do?

WHAT DOES A HARDWARE ENGINEER DO?

Updated: Jul 24, 2025 - The Hardware Engineer performs benchmarking, testing, and analysis of hardware and software to guide performance and stability improvements across system builds. This role involves maintaining test environments, developing automated scripts, validating firmware/BIOS configurations with Linux, and supporting QA processes. The Engineer also collaborates with vendors, advises on hardware configurations, and contributes to new product development and root cause analysis for hardware-related issues.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Hardware Engineer

1. Hardware Engineer Duties

Re-Designing Instruments: Redesign instruments to correct engineering defects or replace obsolete components.
Hardware Debugging: Analyze and debug hardware to the component level.
System SW Tools Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot hardware using System SW Tools.
Design Validation: Create and execute design validation plans, including data collection and analysis.
Product Enhancement: Drive cost-down initiatives, product enhancement, and new feature implementation projects.
Yield Improvement: Evaluate and implement engineering-related yield improvements.
Cross-functional Team Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams, interface with Account Teams, Global Customer Service, Operations, and Supply Line Management.
Product Life Cycle Management: Assist in managing the product life cycle of existing product lines.
Hardware Design Management: Manage hardware design processes to ensure timely delivery of design and integration into the production of electrical and PCB designs.
Design Verification: Aid in test strategies and execution of design verification.
Product Documentation: Aid in the creation of product and development documentation in compliance with Laborie QMS, ISO, and other standards.
Product Change Delivery: Design, implement, and deliver product changes to support sales, marketing, production, and service.
Compliance Collaboration: Collaborate with new product development, manufacturing engineering, and quality engineering staff to ensure compliance of new or modified products and processes with company design control and quality system requirements.

2. Hardware Engineer Details

Process Management: Own, manage, and maintain program-specific processes and procedures.
Change Management: Control change management in the event of customer, supplier, or internal design changes.
Schedule Estimation: Provide schedule estimates through impact assessments driven by change.
Obsolescence Management: Identify and manage obsolescence issues.
Technical Liaison: Provide technical liaison between design teams, customers, quality teams, and suppliers.
Data Pack Review: Generate, review, and sign off hardware data packs (e.g., change notes, technical drawings, etc.).
Customer Liaison: Liaise with customers on-site and undertake modifications.
Wiring Modification: Work within confined spaces to carry out wiring modifications.
Electrical Diagnosis: Diagnose electrical engineering problems and make key stop/go decisions.
Assembly Inspection: Inspect electrical wiring and assemblies in a quality-assured environment.
Drawing Interpretation: Interpret electrical drawings, schematics, and instructions.
Equipment Handling: Use equipment, tools, and measuring instruments associated with the manufacturing and testing of electrical assemblies.
Factory Acceptance Testing: Support the preparation and execution of Factory Acceptance Test procedures.
Inspection Guidance: Provide hardware preparation guidance for quality inspection, testing, and qualification purposes.

3. Hardware Engineer Responsibilities

Hardware Design: Design hardware using modern schematic capture tools.
Circuit Development: Creatively design, develop, and test/verify complex circuits, modules, or systems to meet customer and market requirements.
Engineering Application: Apply engineering skills, including analysis, investigation, and simulation.
Structured Hardware Creation: Create well-documented, structured hardware that delivers the required functionality.
High-Speed Systems Design: Contribute to the design or test of complex, high-speed products and systems.
Data Evaluation: Compile and evaluate design and test data and prepare technical specifications.
Technical Expertise: Under supervision, perform work assignments requiring technical expertise in one area/domain/system.
Task Management: Perform a variety of tasks such as the preparation of plans, designs, calculations, costs, and bills of material following established codes, standards, and procedures, gradually contributing to designing features/solutions.
Feature/solution Design: Contribute to the design of features/solutions in technology studies or on projects.
Training and Development: Receive training and development in various phases of engineering work.
Documentation Creation: Create documentation according to standards.
Product Support: Provide technical support to regulatory affairs, customer care, and marketing staff for product support issues and country registration processes.
Best Practices Collaboration: Work with management and development teams to establish best practices.
Requirements Documentation: Support collection and documentation of user requirements, development plans, time estimates, and resource management.

4. Hardware Engineer Job Summary

Embedded Design Expertise: Develop expertise in embedded designs, including PCB, analog/digital circuits, Ethernet, USB, Op-amps, Power Management, manufacturing test, and RF technologies, including WiFi, GNSS, Cellular, and Bluetooth.
Hardware Verification: Responsible for verification of new and existing hardware architectures, electrical design work, including schematic creation, and PCB layout work.
Test Methodology Design: Contribute to the design and implementation of test methodologies to ensure products meet manufacturing requirements and product targets.
Regulatory Approval: Participate in certification and regulatory approval activities.
Regulatory Design: Design, iterate, and document hardware that meets functional and regulatory requirements while optimizing user/installer experience and manufacturability.
Procedure Development: Develop and document requirements, procedures, and tests.
Material Research: Research and obtain materials for prototyping and Lumin lab improvements.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Support and collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, software engineering, and customer success teams.
Third-party Collaboration: Work with manufacturers, suppliers, testing laboratories, and other third parties for product development and support.
Industry Engagement: Engage continuously with relevant industry sectors to understand co-located products, customer expectations, opportunities, and constraints.

5. Hardware Engineer Accountabilities

Solution Integration Design: Design customer solution integration (Clean Integration with OEM, e.g., door manufacturer) for plug-and-play customer experiences.
IoT Hardware Development: Develop proof-of-concept IoT hardware to validate end-to-end product integrations and demonstrate new business value.
Customer Support: Assist and support customers during system bring-ups, installations, and debugging.
Technical Documentation: Produce technical documentation to the highest standards of all hardware designs and help customers use products.
Hardware Solution Design: Specify, design, and develop new LRT hardware solutions.
PCB Design: Design, layout, and assembly of PCB boards.
System Bring-up: Lead the bring-up, validation, and launch of hardware systems.
Schematic Development: Own schematic and layout development based on the architecture created.
Design Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams and PCB vendors to continually improve design.
PCB Documentation: Document PCB design revisions, BOM, and instructions for PCB assembly.
Rapid Prototyping: Rapidly prototype and quickly translate product design needs into prototype forms ready for evaluation.
Data Analysis: Perform test protocols, data collection, data analysis, and presentation of test data to increase the reliability of overall solutions.
Hardware Architecture: Work with suppliers and internal teams to architect and define new hardware designs in collaboration with product and engineering teams.
Continuous Improvement: Continuously improve products, prototypes, and development processes to add value and improve efficiency.

6. Hardware Engineer Additional Details

Hardware Design: Review customer requirements and propose hardware designs, meeting challenging environmental conditions
Technical Innovation: Apply technical skills to create and build innovative solutions with a team of like-minded individuals
System Integration: Integrate and test the solutions within a platform, such as unmanned aircraft or ruggedized vehicles
Safety Compliance: Support safety and certification activities, meeting relevant standards
Continuous Support: Provide continual improvement, support, and maintenance within the workplace or customer locations
Documentation Support: Support reports and reviews
Security Collaboration: Provide support to the System Security Working Group
Technical Presentation: Present plans and designs at Engineering Technical Reviews.

7. Hardware Engineer Essential Functions

Hardware Concept Design: Develop block diagrams and schematics from the initial concept phase
Circuit Board Development: Responsible for the development of high-speed digital and optical circuit boards
Product Lifecycle Management: Responsible for the specification, design, test, integration, and release of new products to production
Design Documentation: Create a Hardware Design Specification and test plan
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work cross-functionally within all R&D disciplines to meet design objectives
Production Support: Provide engineering support for designs in production and transfer of products to contract manufacturers
PCB Design Guidance: Guide CAD designers during PCB design
Integration Support: Work closely with the FPGA/SW/Test engineering team during the integration phase of the product

8. Hardware Engineer Role Purpose

Performance Analysis: Perform, compile, and interpret hardware and software benchmarks
Component Recommendation: Advice on best-fit component and configuration recommendations for performance and stability improvements, as well as for new hardware builds
Technology Monitoring: Keep abreast of new component releases and make configuration recommendations
Testing Environment Management: Maintain the testing area
Script Development: Create, improve, and maintain benchmarking, testing, and burn-in scripts/programs/procedures
Procedure Documentation: Maintain documentation of benchmarking and burn-in testing procedures
Product Innovation: Drive the development of new products and proof of concepts
Firmware QA: QA testing of all firmware and drivers for use with the current Linux distro and kernel version
BIOS Optimization: Optimize BIOS settings to work with the current Linux distro and kernel version
Vendor Relations: Maintain relationships with vendors, hardware manufacturers, and technical contacts
Roadmap Participation: Participate in quarterly vendor roadmap meetings
Order Processing: Create purchase orders using inventory management software
Issue Resolution: Assist with root cause analysis and mitigation of hardware-related stability issues

9. Hardware Design Engineer General Responsibilities

RF Design Coordination: Coordinate with the R&D team on the Design, development, and optimization of radio frequency (RF)
Wireless Hardware Testing: Test hardware circuits and systems for wireless communications devices
Feature Qualification: Qualify the wireless features and software for the latest wireless products
RF Feature Testing: Test RF Parametric and Shielding features, including Bluetooth
Quality Assurance: Complete both documented and ad hoc testing to ensure high-quality releases
Test Automation: Utilize and maintain automated test infrastructure
Issue Debugging: Play an active role in debugging and root-causing issues and driving them towards resolution
System Understanding: Deeply understand the Cellular/RF System with a focus on test engineering to ensure quality
Review Management: Manage both internal and external design reviews and project reviews throughout the development lifecycle

10. Hardware Engineer Key Accountabilities

Data Backup Management: Ensure regular Backup and Maintenance activities of Servers and employees’ data through a cloud backup solution (AWS, OneDrive, etc.)
Email Administration: Email setup (Microsoft Office 365, Outlook configuration, G-Suite, etc), email migration, and email backup/transfer to other email IDs
System Support: Install, troubleshoot, and configure the Operating System (Windows and Linux), application issues, and provide support to all departments for Networking-related issues
Server Monitoring: Monitor calls and subscription-related issues on servers
Antivirus Management: Be in charge of Antivirus Server Management
Hardware Support: Hardware troubleshooting, including PC’s, Laptops, racks, switches, biometric devices (Multiple Locations), access points, projectors, printers, scanners, modems, data cards, etc.
License Compliance: Ensure compliance/renewal of all software licenses, MS Exchange license, Business license, and regular backup of the File server management
Product Support: Perform product lifecycle and support activities for legacy products
Engineer Mentoring: Help train and mentor junior engineers

11. Hardware Engineer Roles and Details

Hardware Development Leadership: Take full responsibility for the hardware development within the Category
Project Ownership: Act as project manager and project owner in the delivery of hardware work packages, working with Consultants and internal stakeholders
Technical Strategy Delivery: Provide technical solutions or manage both internal and external teams to deliver GAMA's Electro-mechanical Hardware strategy
IP Strategy Implementation: Create, develop, and implement the GAMA IP strategy concerning hardware
Innovation Sourcing: Provide the Category with new possibilities and competitive solutions based on research and contacts with users, external institutions, and suppliers
Team Coaching: Coach and provide Category team members with the best working practices regarding the planning and delivery of Hardware and Hardware-related projects
Hardware Validation: Deliver Hardware and Hardware verification and validation that meet all GAMA requirements
Specification Development: Actively drive and propose methods/techniques to predict, interpret, and translate customer and business needs into product specifications within the field of hardware
Technical Guidance: Guide and coach the Category team when it comes to hardware development issues, e.g., technical solutions, internal processes, and external standards
Supplier Network Management: Build a viable and reliable supplier network to deliver the agreed Category and Franchise roadmap
Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead or participate in cross-functional development projects in all stages of the PD process, within the areas of hardware development
Due Diligence Support: Be the R&D representative in due diligence work in the hardware area
Internal Training: Educate and train people internally on product design and R&D to improve the internal knowledge and competence in the company
Process Improvement: Participate in the work and actively propose changes to the Stage Gate process to adapt to the new ways of working

12. Hardware Engineer Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Technical Support Services: Provide Service Center Operations on-site and remote support to all FCC staff and the public
Bidding System Usage: Use the FCC’s Auction Bidding System tool
Service Tracking: Track all work in the FCC IT Service Management (ITSM) system
User Management: Manage users in the RSA Security Console
Ticket Review: Conduct a monthly service ticket review with the COR or a person designated by the COR
Service Quality Measurement: Measure the quality of services to end users and submit the results and recommendations for improvement to the Government for review and approval, monthly
Demonstration Coordination: Coordinate and support all requests from the Chief Information Officer (CIO) or other Bureau/Offices for demonstrations in the FCC Technology Center (FCCTEC)
Application Support: Provide support for major applications and software for licensing and tracking

13. Hardware Engineer Duties and Roles

Software Engineering Support: Serve as a professional Computer/Software Engineer in a Contract Management Office (CMO) of the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
Acquisition Management: Provide acquisition management support for the major defense acquisition program software development
Surveillance Implementation: Implement all agency software surveillance policies and tools
System Integration: Apply knowledge and experience of computer hardware, systems software, and computer system architecture and integration
Process Evaluation: Examine software processes and products, perform software measurement and analysis
Risk Management: Identify risk and evaluate risk mitigation, and manage corrective action according to software development best practices
Process Feedback: Provide feedback to the CMO Chief Engineer regarding adequacy and clarity of software surveillance processes based on the daily application of processes and the Agency reporting requirements
Contract Review: Conduct Contract Receipt and Review (CRR) functions related to contract cost, schedule, and performance for buying activities and DCMA elements

14. Hardware Engineer Roles and Responsibilities

Hardware Solution Design: Design and create innovative hardware solutions for ruggedized server platforms and other embedded applications, including motherboards, risers, and add-on cards to meet customer and marketing requirements
PCB Design Collaboration: Collaborate with the PCB CAD teams and vendors to implement high-speed, high-reliability PCB designs
System Testing: Create and execute test plans for bring-up, functional test, and DVT/VVT of embedded and computer system designs
HDL Development: Architect and develop HDL (VHDL or Verilog) code of moderate complexity for CPLD and FPGA implementations
Specification Development: Compile and evaluate design data to create product technical specifications
Project Estimation: Assist in creating estimates and architectural proposals, and then apply processes to ensure on-time delivery
Engineer Mentorship: Mentor other HW engineers to help teach new skills and review created content
Technical Troubleshooting: Assist in troubleshooting and solution finding in response to requests from customer support or QA/RMA teams

15. Hardware Engineer Roles

PCB Development: Design, layout, and assembly of PCB boards
System Debugging: Assist with ASIC and system bring-up and debug
FPGA Programming: FPGA programming in support of IC testing
LabVIEW Programming: LabVIEW programming in support of IC testing
Design Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams and PCB vendors to continually improve design
Documentation Management: Document PCB design revisions, BOM, and Instructions for PCB assembly
Test Execution: Perform test protocols, data collection, data analysis, and presentation of test data
Component Selection: Select and approve new components and generate appropriate documentation to meet product and regulatory requirements
Cross-Functional Coordination: Work with PCB layout engineers, design test engineers, sourcing, marketing, manufacturing, and production test engineers throughout the entire development to deliver high-quality, cost-effective products
Process Improvement: Continuously improve products, prototypes, and development processes to add value and improve efficiency

16. Hardware Engineer Tasks

Hardware Development: Responsible for the electrical hardware development of the next cutting-edge cloud systems
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with senior hardware engineers and internal cross-functional team members, such as system architects, firmware engineers, mechanical engineers, thermal engineers, and reliability engineers, to develop requirements and specifications for in-house or ODM/OEM projects
Prototype Validation: Design and validate hardware prototypes
Technology Innovation: Work with industry partners and researchers to innovate and shape future technologies
Partner Coordination: Direct the effort with ODM/OEM partners to design and test hardware solutions
Manufacturing Support: Collaborate with the manufacturing engineering team and partners to ensure product quality
System Integration: Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure integration and functionality of system solutions
Failure Analysis: Conduct failure analysis and root cause analysis of electrical and system bugs
System Quality Assurance: Collaborate with partners to ensure systems meet significant quality, reliability, and service level requirements for a cloud environment

17. Hardware Engineer Details and Accountabilities

Qualification Oversight: Follow through with Manufacturing partners to ensure the execution of requested qualifications, as prioritized to ensure optimal utilization of sustaining and manufacturing resources
Component Approval: Ensure the addition of newly qualified or revised components to the Approved Vendor List (AVL) after successful qualification completion
Documentation Closure: Ensure closure of all associated tracking documentation
Design Update Management: Ensure that updates are made to the appropriate design documents, and the disposition of any test articles
Cross-Functional Coordination: Work cross-functionally with all engineering, Supply Chain Operations, and sustaining organizations through all quality processes to develop, launch, track, and drive VE projects
ROI Calculation: Responsible for calculating ROI for VE opportunities with significant requirements and cost investment
Product Impact Assessment: Work with product management teams to ensure that any changes pursued have no adverse impact on customer satisfaction, quality, software, and product manufacturability
Project Execution: Interface and coordinate the execution of VE projects with multiple supply chain operations, EMS/ODM partners, Sustaining, and engineering teams (locally and overseas)
Opportunity Identification: Identify value engineering opportunities on existing products that would yield a significant return on investment

18. Hardware Engineer Overview

Project Feasibility: Validate feasibility, ROI, and drive projects for redesign efforts
Qualification Prioritization: Assist in determining prioritization and driving qualification efforts required at approved Manufacturing partner sites and/or Juniper facilities
Cost Optimization: Define, plan, and drive cost-saving opportunities in support of all products
Hardware Engineering Expertise: Deeply understand HW engineering (component, fab, layout, manufacturing, Front End and Back End Assembly and Test, DFX)
Value Engineering Contribution: Contribute in meeting the company's objectives of cost reduction, revenue, and gross margin protection
Internal Collaboration: Interact internally with all levels of functional managers and individual contributors to define, plan, prioritize, and execute on VE projects in support of operational cost-saving objectives
Qualification Leadership: Lead qualification efforts and measure performance to plan similar to the NPI phase exits
Testing Coordination: Interface with teams engaged in the prioritization of qualification testing to ensure maximum return on investment
Design Negotiation: Negotiate changes in product design or test requirements with sustaining engineering to ensure minimal product qualification cost

19. Hardware Engineer Job Description

Hardware Architecture: Architect and define new hardware products in collaboration with the product and mechanical engineering team
Technology Engagement: Engage with silicon vendors to stay on top of emerging technologies and future releases
Concept Prototyping: Prototype new products for a proof of concept study
Test Plan Execution: Build and execute a robust test plan by leveraging resources at JDM/ODM partners
Program Leadership: Lead JDM teams to efficiently and effectively complete programs
Solution Specification: Specify hardware architectures and solutions to problem statements
Electronics Design: Perform in-house electronics design for the allocated area of responsibility
Design Documentation: Document the design for the allocated area of responsibility

20. Hardware Design Engineer Functions

PCB Design Development: Hardware and PCB design and development, including power, analog, and digital
System Design Participation: Participate in system design
Problem Resolution: Troubleshoot, analyze, and resolve problems
Sales Support: Support the preparation of proposals and the sales process
Client Interaction: Work directly with clients
Architecture Design: Design architecture and schematics for the assigned projects and RFQs support
eBOM Definition: Define eBOM considering all requirements from the system and economic targets
Layout Leadership: Lead HW activities during layout design
Process Improvement: Participate in the improvement of the standards, methods, and tools like CADENCE, PLM Target, SIMetrix, etc.
Efficiency Monitoring: Check/audit the efficiency indicators

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