Hardware Development

Upgrade existing systems or build new ones to accommodate clients’ needs.

Avery wide-ranging industry that covers a broad spectrum, almost all sectors around the world depend on it. Although key areas in Singapore such as the electronics, manufacturing, telecommunications, defence and aerospace fields benefit the most from the hardware industry, it also supports other less typical sectors, much like tourism.

The recent boom in mobile and “smart” technology has also invigorated the hardware industry.

Career overview

Due to its inclusivity, hopefuls looking to join the industry can find numerous opportunities in various markets, primarily with IT employers who invest in hardware development divisions.

On the other hand, there are also many specialist IT service providers that concentrate only on hardware development for a select few sectors. These firms can serve as alternatives for graduate computer scientists, engineers, and physicists as well.

Entry into major organisations typically take place through graduate schemes, though some employers prefer to hire directly for a position. If recruitment is through a graduate scheme, however, there is a high chance of rotation around sub-divisions and teams in the hardware development department.

Newcomers are usually initiated with a small-scale project and a small area of responsibility – assisting team members with tasks while receiving guidance is common – before moving on to managing certain tasks and more formal technical projects later.

As many tasks involve the upgrading and improving of current configurations of machinery, specialists need to review and analyse existing systems frequently to identify flaws and come up with new designs that can be integrated in order to boost performance.

Some clients do outsource projects as well, especially when they are looking into the development of completely new hardware. In these cases, developers are typically involved in the production process, and may be required to test prototypes on top of keeping an eye on quality control.

Trends and developments

With the e-commerce scene burgeoning in Singapore, and expected to continue growing for a while yet, hardware products, as well as the development of them, are in high demand.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is also consolidating the country’s position as a destination for both foreign companies and visitors alike, and, to that end, is planning to enhance Singapore with new tourism hardware.

Pros and cons

Diverse

There is a great variety of roles in this field, and graduates will be immersed in a wide range of positions and responsibilities, from electronic design and schematics to programming of software or software, and even mechanical design, testing, and design ergonomics.

Slow career progression

Progression is slower in this industry as compared to others, and education needs to be constantly furthered in order to remain relevant.

Skills required in hardware development

• Knowledge of the industry’s latest developments • Interpersonal skills • Ability to work in in a team • Commercial awareness