It's almost like hardware design is its own discipline! Kidding aside, yes, hardware design is its own discipline and hardware design is hard even for hardware

It's almost like hardware design is its own discipline! Kidding aside, yes, hardware design is its own discipline and hardware design is hard even for hardware engineers. Hardware troubleshooting is its own distinct discipline. Design for manufacturing, and supporting hardware through manufacturing are also their own disciplines. With issues from China practices pushing that last one to new heights. A realistic trajectory that will be challenging enough is building (and troubleshooting) low frequency or simple microcontroller kits; HAM radio introduction stuff (also troubleshooting some); personal designs and lab at school; then junior time in a professional setting. Jumping into a design with the goal of having it be manufactured is not impossible - if you like a challenging hobby - but it's a hobby first.