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Associate Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chabez Tech LLC

Hardware Lab Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Collect, document, and communicate test results to engineering teams. * Support board screening ... Diploma, technical certification, Associate/Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience. * 2+ years ...

Wing

Lab Support Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

What You'll Need: * 3 years of relevant experience in a hardware engineering lab, machine shop, model shop, or prototyping environment. * Associate degree, technical certification (e.g., Machining ...

New

CYNET SYSTEMS

Hardware Technician

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

Associate degree in Electronics or a related discipline. * Minimum 2+ years of experience in ... We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and ...

New

IonQ

Associate Firmware Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

As an Associate Firmware Engineer, you'll work alongside world-class physicists and hardware engineers to build embedded software for next-generation quantum sensing instruments. This is a hands-on ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Hardware Technician

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$28.50 - $33.50/hr

Associate degree in Electronics or a related discipline. Minimum 2+ years of experience in ... We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Hardware Technician

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

Associate degree in Electronics or a related discipline. * Minimum 2+ years of experience in ... We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and ...

New

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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 14, 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 Engineering Lab Manager - LPU

Santa Clara, CA • Hybrid

Nvidia
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Nvidiaexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

NVIDIA's LPU team is now looking for a Hardware Engineering Lab Manager! In this role, you will join a highly collaborative team that provides engineering support to our Datacenter products in Hillsboro, OR. The primary responsibilities of this role will include maintaining day-to-day operations of the Hardware Engineering labs in terms of inventory, space allocation for active projects, lab and equipment safety, and organization of items in the multiple labs at the site.

NVIDIA has continuously reinvented itself over two decades. Our invention of the GPU in 1999 fueled the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI - the next era of computing. NVIDIA is a "learning machine" that constantly evolves by adapting to new opportunities that are hard to solve, that only we can tackle, and that matter to the world. This is our life's work, to amplify human imagination and intelligence!

What you'll be doing:

  • Work with a small team to cover all day-to-day engineering lab and datacenter activities.

  • Operate and maintain engineering equipment maintenance and calibration.

  • Provide guidance to overall team on safety, regulatory, and quality requirements needed to maintain compliance with lab certifications and local requirements.

  • Establish and maintain required safety training programs for lab access by personnel.

  • Work closely with the engineering team to understand and implement future lab requirements involving new equipment, upgrades, and possible expansions.

  • Lead tasks around the lab such as bench organization, installation of equipment, racking of servers, and general maintenance.

  • Lab Inventory & equipment management/allocation, including asset tracking

  • Forecast and procure materials for engineering needs and inventory control, handle inventory of hardware components, equipment, products, and other supplies, and procure spare parts, and supplies to ensure all supplies are stocked and available when needed.

  • Support procurement team with shipping/receiving.

What We Need to See:

  • Diploma/Certification, Associate or Bachelor's Degree in related field (or equivalent experience)

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience leading an electronic or testing lab.

  • Ability to perform basic surface mount rework.

  • Able to program operating systems and modify files and directory structures

  • Familiar with basics of networking protocols and hands on experience with updating network addressing

  • Experience in operating electrical and nonelectrical laboratory equipment and potentially dangerous substances (High voltage, flammable liquids, etc.)

  • Extremely disciplined and organized in hardware management

  • Proficient with MS Office and database tools.

  • Able to work independently to complete daily tasks/priorities.

  • Our products have some heavy components. You must be comfortable occasionally lifting/carrying an excess of 35 pounds.

Ways to Stand Out From the Crowd:

  • Background with signal measurement using oscilloscopes and experience with engineering schematics.

  • Experience with the Linux environment.

  • Experience working in a datacenter.

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We welcome you join our team with some of the most hard-working people in the world working together to promote rapid growth. Are you passionate about becoming a part of a best-in-class team supporting the latest in GPU and AI technology?

#LI-Hybrid

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 136,000 USD - 212,750 USD for Level 3, and 168,000 USD - 258,750 USD for Level 4.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 26, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

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