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Associate Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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 ...

Delan Associates, Inc

DRAM Engineer

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$131K - $173K/yr

Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams * Document technical requirements and support product schedules Required Qualifications: Strong communication and documentation skills Experience ...

Aerotek

Hardware Technician

Fremont, CA

$32/hr

Hardware Technician We are seeking a dedicated Hardware Technician to support New Product ... Associate degree in Electronics, Computer Technology, Engineering Technology, or equivalent ...

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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 Aug 8, 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 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.

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.

Are associate hardware engineers in high demand?

Associate hardware engineers are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for designing, testing, and maintaining electronic hardware systems. Opportunities are often available in industries such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, and manufacturing, especially for those with skills in circuit design, CAD tools, and certifications like CompTIA or Cisco. Job growth depends on technological advancements and industry investment, but overall, the role remains a stable entry point in hardware engineering careers.
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:
Associate Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,554 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Electrical CAD and Manufacturing Lead, Robotics Hardware Engineering

Meta

Burlingame, CA

$173K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 242 rated software companies

Job description

At Meta, we're building the future of human connection and the technology that enables it. This means continuously inventing and developing technologies for the next generation of experiences.To continue our efforts on the path to AGI, and as we move closer to a future with intelligent robots and advanced AI models, we're hiring talent across a broad range of disciplines from robotics hardware to system software, machine perception, and artificial intelligence. These crucial projects and initiatives taken on by this team have never been done before, so you have a rare opportunity to help us create new ways people connect around the world.Meta Robotics Studio is seeking an Electrical CAD and Manufacturing Lead. This role is pivotal in owning the full lifecycle of printed circuit board design, fabrication, and assembly — from multi-layer layout through DFM/DFA optimization, vendor coordination, and delivery of production-quality hardware to internal engineering teams. You will lead PCB design efforts across a diverse portfolio of robotic subsystems (power distribution, motor controllers, perception, main logic, sensor interfaces) while establishing and maintaining design standards, library infrastructure, and manufacturing processes that enable rapid, high-quality prototype iteration.Candidates should be comfortable working in a high ambiguity, fast-paced environment where full system requirements are seldom known. This team is dedicated to building hardware that enables learning through data collection and system testing.
Electrical CAD and Manufacturing Lead, Robotics Hardware Engineering Responsibilities:
  • Lead and execute complex, multi-layer PCB layouts for robotic subsystems spanning high-speed digital, mixed-signal analog, power electronics, and RF domains across rigid, flex, and rigid-flex substrates
  • Own the end-to-end PCB manufacturing process from design rule definition through fabrication, assembly, and delivery — acting as the primary liaison between design engineering, component engineering, and external PCB fabrication/assembly vendors
  • Perform and lead DFM/DFA reviews, proposing design optimizations for manufacturability, yield, and reliability
  • establish and maintain standardized design rules, stack-up libraries, and process qualification criteria
  • Manage schematic symbol and PCB footprint libraries
  • ensure data integrity, version control, and compliance with internal standards and IPC/JEDEC specifications
  • Review and validate netlist-to-layout constraint mapping, ensuring design intent is accurately captured in physical implementation
  • resolve signal integrity, power integrity, thermal, and EMI challenges through placement, routing, and stackup
  • Coordinate and manage external PCB design resources during design surges
  • review and approve third-party layout work for quality and compliance
  • Drive vendor strategy for PCB fabrication and assembly — qualify new suppliers, negotiate capabilities, manage technical queries (TQs/EQs), and oversee build schedules across multiple concurrent projects
  • Establish and improve processes for design release, archival, BOM management, and documentation packages (fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, pick-and-place files, test points)
  • Recruit, mentor, and manage the design quality of engineers on the team

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 7+ years of experience in PCB layout design and manufacturing engineering, with demonstrated leadership of complex multi-layer board designs from concept through production
  • Associates degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent experience
  • Expert proficiency in Cadence Allegro, including constraint management, impedance-controlled routing, and design rule configuration
  • Experience across multiple PCB technologies: HDI, rigid, flex, and rigid-flex
  • Experience designing high-speed differential circuits, power distribution networks, analog signal chains, and RF circuits with appropriate isolation and grounding strategies
  • Strong working knowledge of IPC, JEDEC, and other electronic manufacturing standards
  • Experience managing PCB fabrication and assembly vendor relationships, including stack-up negotiation, material selection, DFM resolution, and build coordination
  • Experience creating and maintaining schematic symbols, PCB footprints, and component libraries in enterprise library management systems
  • Proficiency in creating complete documentation packages: fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, BOM, and Gerber/ODB++ outputs
  • Proficiency in ECAD/MCAD collaboration workflows (3D model exchange, board outline coordination)
  • Strong communication and organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Altium Designer
  • BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent experience
  • Experience with high-power PCB design and interfaces (wire bonding, high copper weight, and aluminum-backed designs), motor drive electronics, and power stage layout
  • Experience in robotics, automotive, consumer electronics, or server/data center hardware development environments
  • Experience establishing DFM/DFA frameworks and design rule standardization across an engineering organization
  • 12+ years of experience in PCB design, with progressive responsibility including team leadership and process ownership
  • Experience with version control systems and PLM/document control workflows for design release
  • Experience with signal and power integrity simulation tools (HyperLynx, Ansys SIwave, or equivalent)
  • Experience coordinating external contract manufacturers

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$173,000/year to $245,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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