A Hardware Technician is a professional who specializes in the installation, maintenance, and repair of computer hardware systems. They play a crucial role in ensuring that computer systems and related equipment function efficiently. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Hardware Technicians.

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Main Responsibilities of a Hardware Technician

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Hardware Technician:

Assess

Assess progress on work plans and report status.

Assist with

Assist with First article inspection (FAI) for each new product run.

Attend

Attend Daily Material Review Board (MRB) Meetings.

Build

Build prototype and final system enclosures.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on hardware-related projects.

• Collaborate with other IT professionals to resolve complex issues.

Communicate

• Communicate any concerns to assembly team.

• Communicate with PE Team or Training Team if additional tools or training are required.

Complete

Complete work orders in our T&A system.

Conduct

• Conduct performance evaluations of hardware systems.

• Conduct research to identify and recommend hardware upgrades.

• Conduct routine maintenance and inspections of hardware systems.

Configure

Configure and test computer peripherals.

Coordinate

• Coordinate and facilitate shipping activities for equipment in alignment with established processes.

• Coordinate vendor bulk orders, and maintain inventories.

• Coordinate with vendors for hardware procurement and repairs.

Design

Design and implement basic circuitry.

Develop

• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules.

• Develop procedures and guidelines for project execution activities.

Diagnose

Diagnose and repair hardware malfunctions and perform the maintenance of computers.

Document

• Document assembly and testing procedures.

• Document hardware configurations and changes.

Engage

Engage and empower employees in a challenging and demanding environment.

Ensure

• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

• Ensure corrective actions affecting product damages are completed on a timely basis.

Execute

• Execute tests, record and analyze results.

• Execute tests using Python scripts, record and analyze results in Python (numPy, pandas, etc).

Find

Find new components and test them to verify if they can be used as secondary sources.

Follow

Follow safety procedures and protocols while working with hardware.Help

Help to root cause any workmanship issues causing damages.

Identify

Identify potential issues and drive preventative actions on a real-time basis.

Inspect

Inspect and test lease-end returned computers to identify and troubleshoot the problems.

Install

• Install and configure operating systems and software.

• Install computer hardware components.

Interpret

Interpret and work from engineering drawings, written or verbal instructions.

Keep

Keep up-to-date with emerging hardware technologies.

Maintain

• Maintain accurate records of repairs and service requests.

• Maintain an inventory of hardware components and supplies.

• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.

• Maintain a safe laboratory environment.

Make

Make some money before the holidays with this contract position.

Manage

• Manage and maintain hardware inventory.

• Manage / escalate issues impacting.

Migrate

Migrate user profile settings and data to refreshed equipment to minimize user impact.

Modify

Modify and upgrade computers and provide support for both software and hardware.

Monitor

• Monitor performance of equipment and make necessary adjustments to assure quality performance.

• Monitor Quality of Output.

• Monitor system performance and identify potential issues.

Observe

Observe and collect damage component information.

Order

Order, receive, setup, and distribute user workstations for new hires.

Perform

• Perform data backups and recovery procedures.

• Perform independent verification and validation to baseline hardware network.

• Perform routine data collection and system maintenance.

• Perform stress testing and hardware benchmarking.

• Perform turn-over of installed hardware to technical / operational staff.

Prepare

Prepare systems for environmental chamber testing, perform the tests and write reports.

Procure

Procure lab equipment and services and maintain laboratory stock of parts and supplies.

Provide

• Provide analysis and assist end users to match computing needs to hardware options.

• Provide input on hardware specifications for new system purchases.

• Provide problem solving steps to resolve issue easily and effectively.

• Provide support on mature products.

• Provide technical support and guidance to end-users.

• Provide Tier 2 support for workstation software / vendor issues.

Read

Read and interpret equipment paperwork instructions, identification labels.

Repair

Repair or replace faulty hardware components.

Respond to

Respond to emergency hardware repair requests.

Return

Return End of Lease equipment to leasing & disposal companies.

Review

Review circuit schematics with an eye for quality and assembly issues.

Rework

Rework prototypes and printed circuit board assemblies.

Setup

• Setup and connect networks and servers.

• Setup and deploy laptops & Chromebooks.

• Setup and deploy new mobile devices.

Stay updated on

• Stay informed about security vulnerabilities and implement necessary measures.

• Stay updated on industry trends and technological advancements.

Support

• Support the build and test of automated test equipment and peripherals.

• Support the debug of products, sub-systems and test fixtures.

Train

• Train new users of computer hardware on best use practices.

• Train users on hardware functionality and best practices.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot hardware failures and coordinate with vendors for warranty repairs.

• Troubleshoot hardware issues and diagnose problems.

Update

Update and verify systems.

Upgrade

Upgrade hardware systems to improve performance.

Use

Use testing devices and follow the factory manuals to locate malfunctions in computers.

Verify

Verify technical manuals and datasheets for their accuracy.

Work with

Work with customers and colleagues to identify and fix issues with hardware.

Write

Write small test programs to help in the hardware validation process.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Hardware Technician:

1. Hardware installation and configuration.

2. Knowledge of computer architecture and components.

3. Proficiency in diagnosing and troubleshooting hardware issues.

4. Familiarity with operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).

5. Understanding of networking concepts and protocols.

6. Experience in setting up and managing servers.

7. Data backup and recovery techniques.

8. Proficiency in using diagnostic tools and equipment.

9. Ability to read and interpret technical schematics and diagrams.

10. Knowledge of hardware protocols (USB, HDMI, Ethernet, etc.).

11. Familiarity with RAID configurations and disk management.

12. Understanding of virtualization technologies.

13. Experience in hardware benchmarking and performance testing.

14. Knowledge of hardware security best practices.

15. Proficiency in hardware firmware updates.

16. Ability to perform soldering and component-level repairs.

17. Familiarity with mobile device hardware (phones, tablets).

18. Knowledge of cloud computing platforms.

19. Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, PowerShell).

20. Understanding of IT asset management and inventory control.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Hardware Technician:

1. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

2. Excellent attention to detail.

3. Effective communication skills (verbal and written).

4. Customer service orientation.

5. Ability to work independently and in a team.

6. Time management and organizational skills.

7. Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic environment.

8. Patience and empathy when dealing with end-users.

9. Strong documentation and reporting skills.

10. Continuous learning mindset.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Hardware Technician is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of computer hardware systems. They are responsible for installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of hardware components. The role requires a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and effective communication. By possessing the most in-demand hard and soft skills, Hardware Technicians can excel in their field and contribute to the smooth operation of computer systems.