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The computer manufacturing industry was hit by the recent recession. On the plus side, industry projections say it’s going to be one of the first to recover, maybe during the second quarter of 2010. The reason for this is the industry’s ability to reinvent itself through new technology, such as the recent eReaders and iPads. That’s why, of all the STEM degree (science, technology, engineering, math) professions, becoming a computer hardware engineer is still an exceptionally solid choice.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer hardware engineers do the research, design and oversee the manufacture and installation of computer hardware.  This includes computer chips, boards, systems and related equipment such as keyboards, routers, and printers.

The work of computer hardware engineers is similar to that of electronics engineers; however, they do that work only as it relates to computers and computer-related equipment. The rapid advances in computer technology are largely a result of the research, development, and design efforts of these engineers.

Thanks to the recession, growth in the field will be slow, approximately 4% between 2008 and 2018. Also domestic manufacture of hardware, for the longest time dominated by the U.S., is expected to be hit by intense foreign competition. Manufacturers will contract out more. So much of the employment action is going to go to computer-related services industries and design firms.

Before contemplating a move into this arena, one should have a bend for mechanical, electronic and computer science problem solving. A Bachelor’s with mechanical and electronic engineering courses with computer science is a solid path. As the field is constantly reinventing itself, a professional usually sets up an account with an online college even after their Bachelor’s. Getting a Master’s or PhD is good if one wants to get into the more sophisticated, and better paying, jobs.

That doesn’t mean the job doesn’t have some very good things going for it. Median salary is just under $100,000. Entry level usually starts at slightly over $61,000.  Hardware engineers can surpass $150,000 if they are in the upper ten percent. If that isn’t enough, there’s also continued education aid for online colleges and retirement programs, life/health insurance, profit sharing and other investment programs.

If a student needs financial aid, there is many a source besides the standard federal subsidies. Hardware engineering, as a STEM profession, is also accessible for S-STEM funding, as well as ACG and SMART scholarships. A number of professional organizations and private institutions also have their share of aid ranging from undergraduate student to experienced PhD candidate. A good source for more information is to just go to Google and search “Computer Engineering Financial Aid”.

Even if the hardware engineering field may have its short term issues, for those with their science degrees online, the long term prospects should see the field eventually regaining ground and forging ahead. As recent introductions of such new devices as the iPad have demonstrated, the public hasn’t lost its taste for new tech and that demand will mean ones science degrees can take one far. That should be proof enough there’s a solid future for the profession. If you are interested in this field and would like more information about your degree in science, check the internet.