AI exposure Architecture and engineering
Will AI replace computer hardware engineers?
Computer Hardware Engineers. US occupation 17-2061.
The reading
14.5%
of the time computer hardware engineers spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of computer hardware engineers' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.
Ranked 150 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 80% of them.Further along than 80% of them.
Per cent of working time Square-law scale
Average US job 7.7%
Well above the typical job.Ahead of most of the workforce.
What AI already does for computer hardware engineersWhat computer hardware engineers no longer do alone
O*NET lists 18 tasks for computer hardware engineers. AI use at work shows up in 4 of them. Each score runs from 0.5, where every observed use helps a person with the task, to 1, where every use does the task outright.
- Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware.Core task mostly automated 1.00
- Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.Core task mostly automated 0.96
- Write detailed functional specifications that document the hardware development process and support hardware introduction.Core task automated and assisted 0.83
- Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan layout, including type of computers and peripheral equipment modifications. automated and assisted 0.83
What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human
14 of the 18 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.
- Build, test, and modify product prototypes, using working models or theoretical models constructed with computer simulation.Core task
- Confer with engineering staff and consult specifications to evaluate interface between hardware and software and operational and performance requirements of overall system.Core task
- Design and develop computer hardware and support peripherals, including central processing units (CPUs), support logic, microprocessors, custom integrated circuits, and printers and disk drives.Core task
- Direct technicians, engineering designers or other technical support personnel as needed.Core task
- Evaluate factors such as reporting formats required, cost constraints, and need for security restrictions to determine hardware configuration.Core task
- Monitor functioning of equipment and make necessary modifications to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.Core task
Show the other 8
- Provide technical support to designers, marketing and sales departments, suppliers, engineers and other team members throughout the product development and implementation process.Core task
- Provide training and support to system designers and users.Core task
- Select hardware and material, assuring compliance with specifications and product requirements.Core task
- Specify power supply requirements and configuration, drawing on system performance expectations and design specifications.Core task
- Test and verify hardware and support peripherals to ensure that they meet specifications and requirements, by recording and analyzing test data.Core task
- Update knowledge and skills to keep up with rapid advancements in computer technology.Core task
- Assemble and modify existing pieces of equipment to meet special needs.
- Recommend purchase of equipment to control dust, temperature, and humidity in area of system installation.
How that compares
Among the 34 architecture and engineering occupations, computer hardware engineers rank 1. The group averages 3.8%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.
Just above in the ranking
- 147Directors, Religious Activities and Education 15.3%
- 148Advertising Sales Agents 14.8%
- 149Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks 14.7%
Just below
What this does and does not mean
Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.
A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.
Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.