Intel, H-P again hiring engineers.(Intel Corp.; Hewlett-Packard Co.)

After putting the brakes on growth last year, the area's biggest high-tech companies are again stepping on the accelerator.

Greater Sacramento's two largest manufacturers, Hewlett-Packard Co. and Intel Corp., have both resumed hiring engineers.

Intel, anticipating a rising demand in its markets, is likely to resume construction this autumn on its seventh four-story office building in Folsom.

An estimated 200 engineers have been hired by Intel in Folsom since January, and 300 more hires are expected by year's end, spokeswoman Arie cross said.

Meanwhile, the hiring freeze imposed last year by Hewlett-Packard has melted. The company now has cleared the way to fill 200 engineering openings in Roseville.

Hewlett-Packard employs 5,500 in Roseville. Intel has 5,200 on the payroll in Folsom.

"They took a breather," said Ken Pearlman, an analyst with CIBC Oppenheimer in San Francisco. "Now growth is starting to pick up and they feel more comfortable with moving forward with expansion plans."

The area's three other large high-tech manufacturers - Packard Bell NEC, Apple Computer Inc. and NEC Electronics - appear to be holding steady after making payroll cuts last year.

Intel decision expected: In 1997, Intel hired 800 in Folsom. At the beginning of last year, prior to the slowdown, it figured to hire 900 in 1998.

Grading had already been completed grading for its "FM 7" …