THEY have the answers to your computer hardware troubles, whether related to the component parts of the machine or the peripherals.

Renee Walker, an employee of EMC Corporation in the United States, talks to Career & Education this week about the work of these professionals — hardware design engineers.

A past student of Campion College, Walker, 22, also attended Marianapolis Preparatory in Connecticut from where she graduated with the Computer Science Student of the Year Award — an indication of things to come.

She subsequently attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts from where she holds, with honours, a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering with a minor in computer science.

She is currently employed to EMC as a full-time hardware engineer, performing a variety of functions, including writing and executing design verification test plans and document specifications while participating in board design reviews. According to Walker, she also debugs and resolves board errors using in-circuit emulators, protocol analysers and high frequency scopes. She has, to date, also designed three test boards to validate the functionality of the storage platform and anticipates at least one more in the near future.

Who is a hardware design engineer?

A hardware design engineer performs design and development engineering assignments related to hardware products and systems.

What was it that prompted your entry into the field?

Since childhood when I was introduced to computers and technology by my father, I decided that I wanted to be an integral part of the ever-evolving innovative field of technology. I wasn’t sure exactly what that would entail, but as I grew up I was always intrigued by computers and the logic behind the way in which they worked and that led to me pursue engineering.

What are the academic requirements for getting into the field?

A Bachelor of Science degree in electrical or computer engineering

What other skills and/or competencies are required for entry into the field?

Proficiency in hardware, software and/or operating systems environments (as well as) problem-solving, communication and analytical skills. General knowledge and application of engineering concepts (are also beneficial).

What do you most enjoy about the work that you do?

I’m most excited when I discover a problem that requires a tremendous amount of debug and I learn new aspects of the technology as I drive the debug to a close. I also enjoy the level of freedom I am provided with as I’m encouraged to think innovatively. Innovation, invention and implementation is the foundation of my company, EMC, and the reason for which they have thrived thus far.

What are the challenges you face on the job?

Fully comprehending all the services and products that EMC provides. It’s a large company and because my day to day experience is particularly in the hardware engineering division, it’s a challenge to keep up with all the other aspects of the corporation.

How much can one earn as hardware design engineer?

Between US$60,000 and US$70,000 a year.

Trained as a hardware design engineer, what sort of employment options are open to you?

One could take a technical career path and ultimately become a senior design engineer or engineering consultant. They could (also) go the managerial route and become an engineering lead, who oversees the day to day operations of engineering projects and engineers.

Why would you advise anyone to get into this line of work?

The classes and projects you’re involved with in school may be tedious and gruelling, but the reward to spend your days working at the forefront of technological innovation is well worth it. I would advise students trying to get into the field to acquire an internship and gain real-life industry experience.