As many careers and jobs have turned into fully remote positions over the past couple of years, you may be curious if you can work from home as a hardware engineer.
Fortunately, you can work from home as a hardware engineer for the majority of your work.
This brief guide details everything you need to know, including what you can do as a hardware engineer with a remote position and what you may need to travel for.
We’ll also explains how to begin your remote job search and what you need to perform your work successfully.
Can Hardware Engineers Work From Home?
Hardware engineers design, develop, install, test, and repair machinery and the physical components within a technical system.
Since they work with physical objects, most hardware engineers need to work on-site to access the hardware itself.
That’s why, they either work within their company or organization, or they travel to other businesses as part of their job.
However, there are many instances where hardware engineers can work from home.
First, if they’re mainly hardware designers, they may not need to interact with physical machinery or equipment much.
Second, they may be able to work from home if their company provides the proper tools and equipment.
Finally, having an advanced setup allows hardware engineers to view machinery and equipment through live video footage.
This way, other people can install and fix equipment while the hardware engineer guides them remotely.
It’s also possible to oversee a team that builds, tests and fixes prototypes is also an opportunity for remote work, especially if the team members are remote themselves.
Read Can Engineers Start Their Own Business?
Can Computer Hardware Engineers Work From Home?
Computer hardware engineers work on the physical components of technical systems. As part of their job, they may also work with software and operating systems.
Typically, computer hardware engineers work in on-site locations. However, there are scenarios where they may work from home fully or partially.
If the hardware engineer can guide another individual through their on-site duties this may be ideal.
They may also be able to complete all their tasks from home if they have a remote set-up or only work in research and design.
Furthermore, they can build and test their computer systems from home as well if their companies supply the right tools and materials.
Also read: Can System Engineers Work From Home?
Where Can Hardware Engineers Work?
Hardware engineers work in many different environments.
They may work in offices, labs, research and development companies, manufacturing companies, or government facilities.
They may specialize in a specific type of industry, or they may use general expertise to accomplish their tasks.
What Companies Hire Computer Hardware Engineers?
Most computer manufacturers hire hardware engineers to designed and build new products or improve existing ones.
Large software companies also need hardware engineers to manage their infrastructures.
And some companies hire hardware engineers or outsource their technical installations and issues.
A few of the most popular companies to work for include:
- NVIDIA
- Apple
- Meta
- Cisco
- Amazon
- Qualcomm
- Emonics
- Intel
- SAIC
- Datamatics
What Do You Need To Work From Home?
To work from home successfully, you must have a well-functioning computer with a large storage capacity and high-speed processor.
You must also have high-speed internet with an ethernet connection, providing you with stable service.
Your company may also supply you with other advanced equipment and tools so that you can build, test, or fix hardware.
How To Find Remote Work For A Hardware Engineer?
When you’re looking for a remote position as a hardware engineer, you can check out job posting websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Simply Hired, and Zip Recruiter.
Additionally, you can contact companies within your area to find out if they have any positions available.
If you already have experience in the field, you have a better chance of obtaining a remote position.
Is It Good To Work From Home?
You may prefer working from home as a hardware engineer for many reasons.
Often, companies will narrow down your duties if you work remotely in order to ensure you can complete your tasks sufficiently from home.
In this way, you can focus on a certain aspect of hardware engineering. You can also cut down or eliminate travel to on-side locations.
Fortunately, you will still receive the same salary and benefits as working in an office.
You may even receive extra benefits for working from home or be able to write off expenses from your taxes.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Working From Home?
When you are working from home, you may experience many benefits.
A few common advantages include:
- Greater Productivity: Remote workers report higher rates of productivity which can improve skills, experience, confidence and comfort, and advance careers.
- Better Accommodations: As a hardware engineer who works in-office, you may frequently need to travel to different sites. However, when you work from home, you can accommodate your own needs better. For instance, if you have any physical impairments, health conditions, or take care of your family, you may find the remote set-up ideal.
- Save Money and Time: When you don’t need to commute to and from work, or travel between sites, you not only save a great amount of time, but you also save money on gas, vehicle maintenance, and parking.
Naturally, there may be some disadvantages such as:
- Smaller Projects: When you’re working from home as a hardware engineer, it can be difficult to work on large computers, devices, or projects that require a large amount of machinery.
- Less Teamwork: Remote work is more isolated than office work. This way, you can work on designs, builds, or tests that do not require a large team or extensive teamwork.
- Less Direction: Remote hardware engineering typically works best for independent workers with a wide breadth of knowledge. Although you do have direction from management, you receive less hands-on assistance than in an office environment.
What Types Of Engineers Can Work From Home?
Many types of engineers can work from home, although positions that require less hands-on work or on-site consultations are better.
For instance, software engineering, aerospace engineering, data engineering, and computer engineering pose excellent options for remote positions.
Final Thoughts
If you do not mind performing specialized work or smaller projects, you may like working as a hardware engineer from home like many other types of engineers!
However, it is important to ensure that you remain aware of any in-office or onsite work you may have to carry out.
In this way, you can make sure the position is the best fit for you.
