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Associate Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Associate Firmware Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

As an Associate Firmware Engineer, you'll work alongside world-class physicists and hardware ... Partner with hardware engineers on board testing and bring-up activities * Contribute to a rigorous ...

New

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Hardware Technician (Data Collection)

San Jose, CA

$85K - $110K/yr

Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure ... Associate degree or certification in electronics, IT, or related field The US base salary range for ...

Figure

Hardware Technician (Data Collection)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure ... Associate degree or certification in electronics, IT, or related field The US base salary range for ...

Actalent

Associate Test Engineer

Torrance, CA

Associate Test Engineer The Associate Test Engineer connects and tests electronic hardware in a hands-on lab environment, troubleshoots issues on printed circuit boards, and supports verification and ...

Actalent

Associate Test Engineer

Torrance, CA

Associate Test Engineer The Associate Test Engineer connects and tests electronic hardware in a hands-on lab environment, troubleshoots issues on printed circuit boards, and supports verification and ...

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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 9, 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.

Avionics Engineer Associate (Fall 2026)

Astranis

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Avionics Associate Engineer (Fall 2026)

Associate Engineer positions typically last for twelve weeks, and are salaried roles designed for students who have already received a bachelor's degree, and plan to return to receive their Master's following their Associate role at Astranis.
As an Associate Engineer, you will have an amazing opportunity to work on hard problems - we pride ourselves on giving everyone at Astranis a chance to do meaningful work on challenging projects, and our Associate Engineers work on projects that are of equal importance and difficulty to the projects we give our full-time employees. Many past Associate Engineers have designed and tested hardware/software that is heading to space on our first satellite, and many now work at Astranis full-time.
If you are still a college student, please apply to join us as an Intern.

Role
  • Work with the avionics engineering team to build and test flight hardware
  • Design test equipment to validate designs across a wide range of stressed conditions
  • Bring up and debug designs in the lab
  • Write code to help evaluate performance and automate testing of satellite hardware
  • Assist with low level software to interface with various spacecraft subsystems
Requirements
  • Have a four-year degree in electrical or computer engineering (or equivalent technical degree), with plans to pursue a graduate degree following your time at Astranis.
  • Interest in learning about, designing, and working with various spacecraft systems and subsystems
  • A passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development
  • Experience with Python and/or C++
  • Demonstrated ability to personally design, build, and test hardware from scratch
  • US Citizenship or Green Card
  • Don't meet them all? Not a problem. Please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.
Bonus
  • Experience with Altium Designer (or other PCB design software)
  • Experience with SPICE-based simulators (LTSpice, PSPICE, ADS, etc)
  • Comfortable with soldering and rework
  • Familiarity with standard EE lab bench (power supply, oscilloscope, multimeter, etc)
  • Familiarity with basic switched mode converter design (boost and buck converters)

Apply