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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hardware Technician

💰 $45,000 - $75,000

Information TechnologyTechnical SupportInfrastructureHardware

🎯 Role Definition

As a Hardware Technician, you are the backbone of our IT infrastructure, providing essential hands-on support to keep our organization running smoothly. You will be responsible for the installation, diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of all physical IT assets. This role requires a meticulous and proactive individual who can work independently to resolve complex hardware issues, manage inventory, and support critical infrastructure projects in both our office and data center environments. Your work directly impacts employee productivity and the stability of our core technology services.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • IT Support Specialist (Level 1/2)
  • Field Service Technician
  • Computer Repair Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Hardware Technician / Team Lead
  • Data Center Engineer
  • Systems Administrator
  • Network Administrator

Lateral Moves:

  • IT Asset Manager
  • Audio/Visual (AV) Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform hands-on installation, configuration, and sophisticated troubleshooting of desktop, laptop, server, and peripheral hardware.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex hardware failures, system crashes, and performance issues by conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective solutions.
  • Execute comprehensive hardware lifecycle management, including procurement, deployment, imaging, maintenance, and secure decommissioning of assets.
  • Manage and maintain an accurate inventory of all IT hardware assets, components, and supplies using our dedicated IT Asset Management (ITAM) system.
  • Install, rack, stack, and cable servers, switches, routers, and storage arrays within data center and network closet environments, adhering to best practices for airflow and cable management.
  • Proactively conduct preventative maintenance schedules on critical hardware infrastructure to minimize downtime and ensure optimal operational efficiency.
  • Respond to, prioritize, and resolve hardware support incidents and requests submitted through the IT ticketing system (e.g., ServiceNow), ensuring compliance with established Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
  • Deploy new and repurposed computer systems for end-users, ensuring correct imaging, software installation, and data migration for a seamless onboarding experience.
  • Provide "smart hands" physical support for remote infrastructure and network engineering teams, executing guided tasks and providing on-the-ground feedback and diagnostics.
  • Coordinate with third-party vendors for warranty claims, Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) processing, and the escalation of advanced hardware issues.
  • Assemble, test, and deploy custom-built computer workstations and specialized equipment to meet the unique requirements of various business departments.
  • Create, update, and maintain detailed technical documentation, including hardware standards, installation procedures, and troubleshooting knowledge base articles.
  • Perform firmware and BIOS updates on servers, network devices, and other infrastructure components to patch security vulnerabilities and improve system stability.
  • Support and troubleshoot audio-visual (AV) equipment in conference rooms and for company events, including projectors, displays, video conferencing units, and control systems.
  • Test and certify new hardware models, components, and peripherals to ensure compatibility, stability, and performance within the company's IT ecosystem.
  • Participate in the planning and execution of large-scale IT projects, such as office moves, technology refreshes, and data center infrastructure upgrades.
  • Securely wipe data from storage media and prepare retired IT equipment for disposal or recycling in accordance with company policy and environmental regulations.

Secondary Functions

  • Contribute to the development and refinement of IT policies and best practices related to hardware standards and lifecycle management.
  • Provide informal training and guidance to end-users on the proper use, care, and basic troubleshooting of their computer equipment.
  • Participate in a scheduled on-call rotation to provide emergency after-hours support for critical hardware failures.
  • Assist IT leadership in gathering data for budget planning related to hardware procurement, maintenance contracts, and technology refreshes.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert-level proficiency in diagnosing and repairing PC, Mac, and server hardware components (motherboards, CPUs, RAM, GPUs, PSUs).
  • Deep understanding of modern operating systems (Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux) for hardware-level troubleshooting and driver management.
  • Hands-on experience with data center operations, including server racking, structured cabling (copper and fiber), and power distribution units (PDUs).
  • Proficiency with hardware imaging and deployment tools such as Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), SCCM, Jamf, or CloneZilla.
  • Strong familiarity with IT Service Management (ITSM) ticketing systems like ServiceNow, Jira Service Management, or Zendesk.
  • Solid knowledge of TCP/IP networking fundamentals and the ability to troubleshoot hardware-related connectivity issues.
  • Experience with IT Asset Management (ITAM) principles and software for tracking the complete hardware lifecycle.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and vendor documentation to facilitate repairs and installations.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional analytical and methodical problem-solving skills with a high degree of attention to detail.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication abilities, capable of explaining complex technical issues clearly to non-technical colleagues.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to work autonomously and prioritize a high-volume workload in a fast-paced environment.
  • A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a proven track record of working effectively within a broader IT department.
  • Physical ability to lift and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kg) and work in various physical environments, including under desks and in server rooms.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent, combined with relevant technical certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+).

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a technology-related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Information Technology
  • Computer Science
  • Electronics Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of direct experience in a hardware support, IT support, or data center technician role.

Preferred: Experience in a medium-to-large corporate or data center environment is highly preferred. CompTIA A+, Network+, or Server+ certifications are a significant plus.

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