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Associate Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Simple Solutions

Hardware Testing Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Hardware Testing Engineer Location:Santa Clara, Ca (Onsite daily) Shift Notes:. Hours of support we ... Diploma/Certification, Associate or Bachelor's Degree in related field (or equivalent experience ...

Simple Solutions

Hardware Testing Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Hardware Testing Engineer Location:Santa Clara, Ca (Onsite daily) Shift Notes:. Hours of support we ... Diploma/Certification, Associate or Bachelor's Degree in related field (or equivalent experience ...

Simple Solutions

Hardware Testing Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Hardware Testing Engineer Location: Santa Clara, Ca (Onsite daily) Shift Notes: . Hours of support ... Diploma/Certification,Associate or Bachelor's Degree in related field (or equivalent experience)

Persimmons

Hardware Lab Technician

San Jose, CA · On-site

Associate's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics, or a ... Hardware engineering fluency: Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and test specs, and a ...

Persimmons Inc.

Hardware Lab Technician

San Jose, CA · On-site

Associate's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics, or a ... Hardware engineering fluency: Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and test specs, and a ...

Persimmons

Hardware Lab Technician

San Jose, CA · On-site

What you'll do: As a Hardware Lab Technician, you will work inside our in-office hardware lab ... Associate's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics, or a ...

Persimmons

Hardware Lab Technician

San Jose, CA · On-site

What you'll do: As a Hardware Lab Technician, you will work inside our in-office hardware lab ... Associate's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics, or a ...

Persimmons

Hardware Lab Technician

San Jose, CA

What you'll do: As a Hardware Lab Technician, you will work inside our in-office hardware lab ... Associate's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electronics, or a ...

LeoLabs, Inc.

Hardware Technician

Menlo Park, CA

$96K/yr

Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent practical experience * 5+ years of experience assembling complex electromechanical or electronic hardware * Experience reading engineering ...

LeoLabs, Inc.

Hardware Technician

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$96K/yr

Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent practical experience * 5+ years of experience assembling complex electromechanical or electronic hardware * Experience reading engineering ...

LeoLabs, Inc.

Hardware Technician

Menlo Park, CA

$96K/yr

Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent practical experience * 5+ years of experience assembling complex electromechanical or electronic hardware * Experience reading engineering ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAssociate Hardware Engineer JobsAssociate Hardware Engineer Jobs in California

Associate Hardware Engineer information

See California salary details

$41K

$81.6K

$130.3K

How much do associate hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate hardware engineer in California is $81,554.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate hardware engineer?

Associate Hardware Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the design, development, testing, and maintenance of computer hardware components such as circuit boards, processors, memory devices, and networks. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers and contribute to building prototypes, troubleshooting hardware issues, and supporting hardware integration with software systems. This role often requires a background in electrical or computer engineering and involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure hardware efficiency and reliability.

What are some common challenges associate hardware engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to industry roles?

Associate Hardware Engineers often find that industry projects require balancing theoretical knowledge with practical constraints like cost, manufacturability, and tight deadlines. Unlike academic settings, industry roles demand strong collaboration with cross-functional teams such as software engineers, product managers, and manufacturing specialists. Adapting to established workflows, using industry-standard tools, and following rigorous documentation and testing protocols can be challenging but are essential for success and career growth.

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

To thrive as an Associate Hardware Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electronics, circuit design, and hardware troubleshooting, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, PCB design tools, and industry-standard testing equipment is often required, and certifications like IPC or familiarity with industry standards can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These combined skills ensure accurate hardware development, efficient collaboration, and successful project outcomes in a fast-paced engineering environment.

What is the difference between Associate Hardware Engineer vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectAssociate Hardware EngineerHardware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical or Computer Engineering, entry-level certificationsBachelor's or higher in Electrical or Computer Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentSupportive team, entry-level projects, collaborative labsDesign, develop, test hardware components, more independent responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, R&D labsElectronics, semiconductor, consumer electronics industries

In summary, Associate Hardware Engineers typically handle entry-level tasks and support roles, while Hardware Engineers take on more complex design and development responsibilities. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in experience level and project scope.

Is it hard to get a job as an associate hardware engineer?

Securing a position as an associate hardware engineer typically requires a relevant bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering, along with practical skills in circuit design and familiarity with hardware tools. Entry-level roles may be competitive, but having internships, certifications, or hands-on experience can improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Hardware Engineer jobs in California?

For Associate Hardware Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Hardware Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Hardware Engineer job openings:

Associate Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Hardware Testing Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

Simple Solutions
See more jobs at Simple Solutionsexternal

$70 - $90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Hardware Testing Engineer

Location:Santa Clara, Ca (Onsite daily)

Shift Notes:. Hours of support we currently need:

- 3pm - 11pm
- 6pm - 2am
- 12-am-8am

* One day on the weekends as well

Must be will to work OT and weekends as necessary.

We need candidates who are strong in Linux, networking, debugging, and systems-thinking foundation. They need someone who can be up to speed in 1-2 weeks.


What you'll be doing:
  • Assemble, build, and install bench top development platforms and large server systems.
  • Prepare boards for detailed solder reworks to be completed by another lab.
  • Connect oscilloscope probes to boards and collect signal waveform data.
  • Perform mechanical reworks involving power tools such as a Dremel.
  • Run system tests. Collect and report on testing results. Screen modules and boards as part of validation testing and debug.
  • Support lab shipping & receiving logistics and manage inventory of equipment and materials.
  • Maintain and organize the lab equipment for efficiency and continuously look for ways to improve lab processes.

What We Need to See:


  • Diploma/Certification, Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Min 2+ years of hands-on experience in an electronic or testing lab in the areas of silicon bring up, board-level design/validation, or system design/validation.
  • Fundamental knowledge of computing architectures and relevant hands-on hardware/software debug experience
  • Experience with Linux command line operation.
  • Solid system-level debugging experience & familiarity with board bring-up and customer support.
  • Good attention to detail, as well as clear written and verbal communications.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Experience with BMC, server management processors.
  • Proven basic networking knowledge and server maintenance.
  • Competence to perform simple solder reworks.
  • Experience with lab test equipment setups for signal measurement using oscilloscopes and understanding to follow a schematic.
  • Experience with x86/ARM architectures and accelerated GPU computing.