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Bob, Hardware Engineer at Fortune 10 Tech Co.: Advize Career Interview
A Nebraska farm upbringing sparked an interest in understanding the world, leading to a PhD in physics and a surprising career path in quantum computing at a Fortune 10 tech company.
This hardware engineer's journey highlights the unexpected turns possible, from a physics background to a leadership role, emphasizing the importance of communication and a growth mindset over purely technical skills.
A love for the collaborative environment and the challenging, ever-evolving nature of quantum computing fuels their work.
The interview reveals a growing need for entry-level positions at the company, particularly for undergraduates with internship experience, and underscores the crucial role of proactive career planning and assertive communication in shaping a fulfilling career trajectory.
This individual's story showcases the power of adapting to change, finding enjoyment in a challenging field, and the importance of soft skills in achieving success.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Bob Buckley
Hardware Engineer
Fortune 10 Tech Co.
UNL
UCSB
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Engineering - Mechanical
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Hardware Engineer at Google
Bob's career path began with "an interest or desire to really understand the world," nurtured by a hands-on upbringing on a Nebraska farm, which led to a surprising shift from a planned business degree to a PhD in physics at UC Santa Barbara. After a brief return to farming, a stint at a photonics startup, and connections from graduate school, Bob joined Google's quantum computing effort five years ago, where he continues to work.
Main Responsibilities of a Hardware Engineer at a Fortune 10 Tech Company
Bob's career at Fortune 10 Tech Co. has evolved from "developing, uh, maturing the technology" supporting their quantum processor, focusing on "cryogenics, electrical engineering, signal transmission," to a mid-level management role where a significant portion of the work involves "coordinating their work, uh, mentoring and teaching" and overseeing larger projects.
A Day In The Life Of A Hardware Engineer At Google
A day for this hardware engineer at Google is highly variable, encompassing "deep technical weeds" work alongside mentoring and coordinating projects, a reflection of the company's "bottoms-up goal" approach. The increasing prevalence of meetings, while sometimes hindering deep focus, also facilitates learning and collaboration, a dynamic the engineer finds enjoyable despite the time commitment.
Most Important Skills For A Hardware Engineer At A Fortune 10 Tech Company
Bob, a hardware engineer, surprisingly downplayed the importance of technical skills, stating they are "the two by fours behind the wall," essential but insufficient for success. Instead, the interview highlighted the critical role of communication and a growth mindset, emphasizing the lifelong need to improve "soft skills" like teamwork and effective communication, which are more valuable than technical expertise alone.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Hardware Engineer At A Top Tech Company
Bob's enjoyment stems from "the people" and a positive work culture, emphasizing the importance of interviewing the job to ensure a good fit; the speaker advises that a positive work environment where everyone "loves working with each other and loves their job" is crucial for job satisfaction, outweighing other factors.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Hardware Engineer At A Fortune 10 Tech Company
Bob's biggest challenge as a Hardware Engineer is time management, stemming from increased responsibilities and a busy family life. The struggle to "be strategic about those [responsibilities] and not get stuck in tactical weeds," while maintaining work-life balance, highlights the common career conflict between effectiveness and efficiency.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Quantum Computing Industry as a Hardware Engineer
Bob, a hardware engineer in quantum computing, loves the field's blend of "research and development and engineering," allowing for constant learning and tackling "incredibly difficult problems" while "uncovering new science and doing things that no one has ever done before." This variety and complexity, along with the daily changes in work and focus, are key aspects of what Bob finds rewarding in their career.
Who Thrives In The Tech Industry According To A Hardware Engineer At Fortune 10 Tech Co
Bob, a hardware engineer, highlights that while foundational technical skills are necessary, "being able to communicate really well and work well with a team" is paramount for success in the industry. The ability to collaborate effectively and understand the "bigger picture" surpasses individual technical brilliance, as problems are "too big for any one person."
What a Hardware Engineer at a Fortune 10 Tech Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Engineering Industry
Bob, a hardware engineer, emphasizes that strong communication skills are "essentially more important than the technical skills," a lesson learned through experience rather than prior knowledge. The importance of collaboration and teamwork, along with effective communication in various forms, is highlighted as crucial for success in the field, contrasting with the initial assumption that technical proficiency alone would suffice.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Hardware Engineers at Google
Historically, Google Quantum's entry-level roles have been limited, primarily seeking candidates with advanced degrees; however, a growing need for "entry level positions," including roles in engineering (electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing), physics, and technician positions, is leading to more opportunities for undergraduates, with internships being a particularly useful stepping stone.
Significant Career Lesson From a Hardware Engineer at a Top Tech Company
Bob's most significant career lesson centers on the importance of strong "soft skills," specifically being assertive and advocating for one's needs and career growth; the hardware engineer emphasizes the need to "derive your own career," proactively identifying desired areas of work and actively communicating these goals to management to shape their career trajectory.
College Experiences That Helped A Hardware Engineer At A Big Tech Company Succeed
Bob's undergraduate success stemmed from initially changing majors from business to pursue "math and science and engineering," ultimately leading to physics and mechanical engineering. The undergraduate research experience in physics proved particularly impactful, providing "insight and interest into what research really looked like," and setting the stage for graduate studies and a successful career in hardware engineering.
How Identity Has Influenced a Hardware Engineer's Career at a Fortune 10 Tech Company
Bob, a first-generation college student, attributes their career path to "dumb luck," highlighting a lack of awareness regarding career planning and educational options like graduate school, even as a junior. This led to a reactive approach of "sign up for classes, try to get good grades," rather than proactive career exploration, underscoring the importance of early career planning.
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