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Application Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain enterprise software applications that support ... developer who enjoys working across the application lifecycle--from architecture and coding to ...

In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain enterprise software applications that support ... developer who enjoys working across the application lifecycle--from architecture and coding to ...

Systems Design Engineer

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

The Systems Design Engineer must be able to perform design of information systems, including the design of the application architecture, database, and interfaces. This position is responsible for ...

Showing results 21-40

Application Design Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$23

$65

$98

How much do application design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for application design engineer in Washington is $65.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.64 and $83.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an application design engineer?

Application Design Engineers are professionals who develop, customize, and optimize technical solutions or products to meet specific client or industry needs. They work closely with customers, sales teams, and product development teams to ensure that applications perform efficiently and address user requirements. Their role often involves both engineering design tasks and application support, requiring a strong understanding of both product capabilities and customer use cases. They may also assist in troubleshooting, prototyping, and modifying existing systems to improve functionality.

What are some common challenges faced by application design engineers when working on custom solutions for clients?

Application Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing client requirements with technical feasibility, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. They must frequently adapt to evolving project scopes and navigate communication between cross-functional teams, including sales, development, and support. Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills are essential, as is the ability to clearly translate client needs into practical design specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an application design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, software development, and system design, usually supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and programming languages such as Python or C++ is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for translating client needs into technical solutions and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure that complex applications are designed efficiently, meet user requirements, and function reliably in real-world environments.

What is the difference between Application Design Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectApplication Design EngineerSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, CAD or design certificationsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, coding certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing settings, client sitesOffices, development labs, remote work
Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, industrial equipmentIT, software development, tech companies
Primary FocusDesigning and testing physical products and systemsWriting, testing, and maintaining software applications

Application Design Engineers focus on creating and testing physical product designs, often working with hardware and systems integration. Software Engineers primarily develop and maintain software applications. While both roles require technical skills and collaboration, their core responsibilities and work environments differ significantly, making this comparison useful for those exploring career options or job opportunities in engineering fields.

Do application design engineers make good money?

Application design engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. They often have specialized skills in software or hardware design, which can lead to higher compensation, especially with advanced certifications or expertise in tools like CAD or simulation software.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Application Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Application Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Application Design Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,982 per year, or $65.4 per hour.

Hardware Design Engineer Level 1-3

Markesman Group

Fort George G Meade, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Markesman Group is seeking Hardware Design Engineer (HDE) candidates to join our team. The HDE designs and tests new integrated circuits and hardware components for a wide variety of signal processing applications and research. They will design, document, and develop code (to include firmware) for digital signal processors or other programmable hardware devices such as Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) hardware. The HDE analyzes the function of existing integrated circuits and hardware components for the purpose of reverse engineering the hardware and firmware. Conducts the necessary hardware engineering and related functions to modify and adapt vendor-manufactured hardware to meet special Government needs and contingencies.

Capabilities

Level 1 Capabilities:

  • Assist with designing new products and processes and improving and maintaining existing products
  • Communicate with the other engineering personnel to coordinate the interrelated design and assure project completion
  • Conduct design analysis on components and/or assemblies to assist in the development process by ensuring designs are cost efficient, able to be manufactured, and reliable
  • Apply ASIC or FPGA place and route (P&R) tools with various libraries to create physical implementations of designs
  • Develop and maintain documentation for the P&R design flows
  • Assist with de-processing electronic components and retrieving stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures
  • Design new products and processes and improving and maintaining existing products
  • Work with tool and library vendors to develop solutions for designers' P&R design challenges
  • Perform the de-processing of electronic components and retrieving stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures
  • Integrate new P&R tools, P&R tool updates, and ASIC or FPGA design libraries into Government's computer aided design environment, documents the use of those tools and libraries, and Assist other physical designers to successfully complete their specific P&R design tasks

Level 2 Capabilities:

Includes all Level 1 capabilities plus:

  • Lead the designs of new products and processes and improve and maintain existing products
  • Provide technical leadership to less experienced engineers
  • Perform the de-processing of electronic components and retrieving stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures and develops improved procedures

Level 3 Capabilities:

Includes Level 1 and 2 capabilities plus:

  • Direct and check the work of other hardware design engineers
  • Act as internal consultant providing technical guidance on most complex projects
  • Develop novel procedures for reverse engineering of new component types
  • Oversee the de-processing of electronic components and retrieving stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures

Qualifications

Must possess a TS/SCI with Full-Scope Poly

Level 1 Qualifications:

Three (3) years experience as a HDE in integrated circuit or microelectronic component design or reverse engineering of the same is required. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional hardware design engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Level 2 Qualifications:

Seven (7) years experience as a HDE in integrated circuit or microelectronic component design or reverse engineering of the same is required. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional hardware design engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Level 3 Qualifications:

Twelve (12) years experience as a HDE in integrated circuit or microelectronic component design or reverse engineering of the same is required. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional hardware design engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.