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17-2061.00 · Task explorer

Computer Hardware Engineers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

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This source lists 18 tasks, including 15 marked Core and 3 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2021.

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18 tasks shown

Core · Task 7391 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.

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Core · Task 7407 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.

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Core · Task 7399 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.

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Core · Task 7396 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.

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Core · Task 7402 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.

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Core · Task 7393 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.

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Core · Task 7398 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.

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Core · Task 7392 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.

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Core · Task 7400 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.

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Core · Task 7401 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.

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Core · Task 7397 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.

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Core · Task 7406 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.

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Core · Task 7404 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Provide training and support to system designers and users.

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Core · Task 7394 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.

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Core · Task 7403 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.

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Supplemental · Task 7405 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.

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Supplemental · Task 7395 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications.

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Supplemental · Task 7408 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.

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Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.