Hardware Engineers

Employment in hardware engineering will grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Strong growth will occur at management consulting services firms (where employment is expected to increase by 11 percent) through 2033, much faster than the average) because manufacturers are increasingly contracting out hardware design. Additional growth will occur as a result of engineers being needed to develop computer chips that are embedded in electronics such as medical devices, household appliances, and automobiles. Opportunities will be best for those have experience with computer software and a computer engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program.

Foreign competition, growing productivity at U.S. companies, and increased emphasis on software design may limit opportunities for hardware engineers.