Computer Hardware

Engineering
An Insight from I.M. Flash Technology

David Romrell
English 2100
Ms. D
Salt Lake City Community College
February 26, 2015

4374 S. Stone Slab Way

West Valley City, Utah 84128
February 26, 2015
Ms. D
4600 S. Redwood Road
AAB 315
Dear Ms. D:
The documents attached to this letter include an analytical report discussing the organizational
culture of computer engineering. The report is centered on an interview conducted with Mr.
Darrell Reid, a computer engineer at I.M. Flash Technologies in Lehi, Utah.
It is my goal that this report gives an insight to those interested in this field a typical day in the
life of someone working in the computer engineering field. If you have any questions regarding
this report please feel free to contact me at 8018244471 or my email at
dromrel3@bruinmail.slcc.edu.
Sincerely,

David Romrell

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract.

Introduction..

Methodology.....

Resources.....

Limitations...

Discussion....... 2
Dress code...

Office Space...................... 3
Clean Room...............................................................................................

Policies3
Benefits..........................

Management...4

Results...

Conclusion

References.

ABSTRACT
The following report serves to inform future inquiries of the computer hardware engineering field. Based
on information provide from I.M. Flash Technology (IMFT), this report will explore a typical work day,
and the unique environment of this type of engineering discipline. The basis of the data used comes from
a variety of sources including an interview and tour of I.M. Flash Technology in Lehi, Utah with Darrell
Reid, a computer engineer for the AMHS (automated machine handling system) department. Inside this
department there is direct access to the machines that handle and process flash technologies to create their
main product. These are industry leading designs and systems that have held IMFT at the top of the list of
manufacturing flash for the last few years.

INTRODUCTION

Computer hardware engineering is one of the fastest growing fields in technology. There will always be
the demand for smaller and faster electronics for the world to use. Computer hardware is what grants us
access to the software that we wish to use. This report will discuss one companys projection to meet
these demands. This is a critical thinking field that attracts those with a technically sound mind geared
towards creating the future. The very aspect to be taken into account when discussing this field comes
down to the importance of computer memory. The ability to store information and retrieve it rapidly is a
foundation of electronics that will always be important. The fact that you will be unable to turn on your
computer without the use of memory storage states its need. It is this reports goal to help one decide if
they truly would like to work in the specific profession. The purpose is to describe the unique
organizational culture of I.M. Flash.

METHODOLOGY

In 2006, I worked for Ortner USA, an engineering firm contracted to install and provide maintenance to
the automated machine handling system or AMHS at I.M Flash. During this time I was part of design and
oversaw installation of this system and its final phase. It was during this time that I decided my career
path in computer hardware engineering. In order to research this career field, an interview and tour was
given at Utahs largest semi-conductor, I.M. Flash Technology (IMFT). This is a sister company of
Micron Technology, one of the worlds largest computer component manufacturer. Its IMFTs purpose to
create the latest flash technologies that can be found in nearly every cell phone, thumb drive, and
computer out there.

The interview was conducted by Darrell Reid, a computer engineer working in one of several sub
departments responsible for maintenance and troubleshooting the product handling system or AMHS.
This automated system handles all the extremely sensitive components that would eventually become a
flash storage device. These systems are housed in a clean room or FAB, where the air and surface
particles are carefully monitored to ensure a flawless product. A simple human eyelash can damage the
product costing the company money. The integrity of their clean room is closely monitored with a strict
gowning procedure before you enter the FAB.

The electronic sources I used were the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the I.M. Flash website, and Career
Overview.
This is but one company that offers a career in computer hardware engineering, and their environment
and procedures may differ from others. This is a competitive field and each company is ultimately in
competition with one another. This report will generalize a typical work environment that one could
expect working in this discipline of engineering.

DISCUSSION
Mission Statement:

We make flash memory, and we do it better than anyone else

The first day on the job can be overwhelming due to the sheer size of the rooms that house the
laboratories and clean rooms engineers work in. This becomes routine as time goes on, the day starts in a
typical office space where emails and meetings take place to discuss ongoing projects or missions. Status

updates are needed and are prepared the night before. These are used to change settings or give more
attention to a certain area of production to increase or correct the level of output.

Dress code
The dress code is casual for those who work inside the clean rooms. Being comfortable is important
during long work days wearing a static free suit over your clothes (IMFT). Women are discouraged to
where a lot of makeup and perfume while in the clean room. These things can rub off and contaminate the
air. There are several air sensors throughout the clean room and will detect perfumes and colognes
notifying those who monitor the air. You will either be given a warning or asked to go home and change.
IMFT often has visitors from all around the world, and are expected to be courteous of other cultures.

Physical Environment
The building is very large, a simple walk from the parking lot to the clean room could be anywhere from
a quarter mile to a half mile. The company does offer a shuttle service on the grounds though, but
employees can expect to do a lot of walking (DReid).

Company Policies
Politically, the company and the field are mixed. Although the majority of engineers are males, female
engineers are not uncommon and is equally accepted. There is not a whole lot of heavy lifting required in
the job; for heavy jobs they have tools and machines to assist. While working on certain machines,
climbing up and down a latter or into a small crawl space could be required.

Benefits
Compensation is competitive in this field. IMFT re-analyzes pay every year and has bonuses often
depending on production value. There is room for growth inside I.M. Flash and has a wide range of pay
and position. In 2012 the median income for a computer hardware engineer was just over one hundred
thousand a year. Last year IMFT provided work incentives including a fully paid private comedy show
for workers and their family members. Following this was a raffle for prizes that ranged from TVs to
Xboxes (DReid). I.M. Flash has an onsite gym and full lunch room service that provides different options
every day. They have yearly fitness challenges to help employees reach their health goals. Very
competitive medical and dental plans for the whole family, as well as a five thousand dollar a year tuition
assistance for continuing education (IMFT).

Company Management
The management hierarchy depends on your position. Engineers are considered higher than most, and
often have the last ruling when it comes to their machines. However, decisions are made in meetings with
other engineers and those higher in the company. In these meetings the engineer responsible for the
machine will give his/her insight regarding what is to be done. The company values the engineers
opinion when it comes to their field of expertise. That being said, the engineer responsible is expected to
know their machine inside and out to give the best advice possible. Engineers work in teams and no large
decision is left to one individual (DReid).

CONCLUSION

Any individual who is a team player and thrives on a fast pace environment should consider this field.
There is daily routine and at the same time challenges. Thinking outside the box is encouraged for all
team members, there is an unspoken precedence on experience over formal education. This discipline of
engineering requires a minimum of a bachelors degree from an accredited engineering program. Utah
offers a few schools with such programs including the University of Utah. Computer hardware engineers
work closely with other specializations such as, information systems security if someone wanted to go
with the business degree route. Computer hardware is a combined degree offering a mixture of electrical
engineering and computer engineering. Because of this, graduates are sought after for their dynamics.
After attaining such a degree, career opportunities could include electrical and computer, or specialized
on just one side of things.
I.M. Flash Technology is a fast growing company that is always looking for fresh eyes and minds to join
in their venture. Considering how much computers have changed over the last few years. This discipline
is expected to grow along with the changes.

REFERENCES
Summary. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2015, from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-andengineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm

We make flash memory. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2015, from http://imflash.com/

Computer Hardware Engineering Careers, Jobs and Career Information - CareerOverview.com. (n.d.).
Retrieved February 25, 2015, from http://www.careeroverview.com/computer-hardware-engineeringcareers.html

ARTIFACTS