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Board Level Hardware Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Board Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Hardware Board Design Engineer Experienced Hardware Board Design Engineer (individual contributor) responsible for board-level execution of complex server platforms, working closely with a platform ...

FPGA Designer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$131K - $180K/yr

Experience in digital signal processing or board-level hardware design is also desirable. The successful candidate will present engineering design review materials to our customers and executive team ...

Hardware Engineer

Everett, WA

$136K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hardware Engineer The Hardware Engineer designs, tests, and validates board-level hardware for advanced networking and microprocessor-based products. This role focuses on digital hardware design ...

Hardware Engineer

Everett, WA

$136K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hardware Engineer The Hardware Engineer designs, tests, and validates board-level hardware for advanced networking and microprocessor-based products. This role focuses on digital hardware design ...

Showing results 21-40

Board Level Hardware Design information

See salary details

$69.5K

$147.5K

$215K

How much do board level hardware design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for board level hardware design in the United States is $147,512.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $174,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is board level hardware design?

Board level hardware design refers to the process of designing and developing printed circuit boards (PCBs) that house and connect electronic components. This involves schematic capture, layout design, component selection, signal integrity analysis, and often prototyping and testing. Board level hardware designers ensure that the PCB meets the required electrical, mechanical, and regulatory standards so that it functions correctly within a larger system. Their work is essential for creating reliable electronics found in devices ranging from consumer gadgets to industrial equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a board level hardware designer?

To excel as a Board Level Hardware Designer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and PCB layout, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard design tools such as Altium Designer, OrCAD, and experience with signal integrity analysis and EMC compliance are essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting complex designs. These skills ensure the development of reliable, high-performance hardware that meets technical standards and project requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in board level hardware design, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in board level hardware design often encounter challenges such as managing signal integrity, meeting power requirements, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Addressing these issues typically involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, thorough simulation and testing, and staying updated on the latest design tools and best practices. Effective communication with firmware, mechanical, and manufacturing teams is essential to anticipate and resolve potential integration issues early in the design process.

What is the difference between Board Level Hardware Design vs PCB Design Engineer?

AspectBoard Level Hardware DesignPCB Design Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, hardware design certificationsElectrical engineering or related degree, PCB design certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning entire hardware systems, schematic capture, component selectionCreating detailed PCB layouts, signal integrity, manufacturing files
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, industrial equipment, aerospaceConsumer electronics, telecommunications, embedded systems

Board Level Hardware Design involves designing complete hardware systems, including schematics and component selection, while PCB Design Engineers focus on creating detailed PCB layouts. Both roles require electrical engineering knowledge and often overlap, but Board Level Hardware Design covers a broader scope from concept to integration.

More about Board Level Hardware Design jobs

What job categories do people searching Board Level Hardware Design jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Board Level Hardware Design jobs are:

Infographic showing various Board Level Hardware Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,512 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Hardware Board Design Engineer

Qualcomm

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Systems Engineering
General Summary:
Qualcomm Data Center team is developing High performance, Energy efficient server solution for data center applications. We are looking for highly talented, innovative, teamwork-oriented individuals for our cutting-edge technology work!
Our Mission
We are dedicated to transforming the industry by reimagining silicon and developing next-generation computing platforms. By joining our team, you'll collaborate with world-class engineers to create innovative solutions that push the limits of performance, energy efficiency, and scalability. Our focus is on developing reference platforms based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon SoC, delivering a comprehensive solution that includes hardware, software, reference designs, user guides, SDKs, and more.
Position: Hardware Board Design Engineer
Experienced Hardware Board Design Engineer (individual contributor) responsible for board-level execution of complex server platforms, working closely with a platform architect. This role owns schematic capture, layout execution, bring-up, validation support, and production readiness, while translating architectural intent into robust, manufacturable hardware. This is a high-ownership, low-hand-holding role focused on execution leadership rather than architecture definition.
Key Responsibilities
  • Own end-to-end board execution from concept through EVT/DVT/PVT and production.

  • Work closely with the platform/system architect to translate architecture into board-level implementation.

  • Provide early feedback on feasibility, risks, cost, schedule, and implementation tradeoffs.

  • Lead schematic capture using OrCAD and manage PCB layout using Cadence Allegro.

  • Design high-speed, high-power, dense, multi-layer server PCBs.

  • Drive cross-functional execution with SIPI, SoC, firmware, software, packaging, validation, and manufacturing teams.

  • Lead board bring-up and debug activities.

  • Support functional validation and assist in issues triage and root-cause analysis.

  • Support manufacturing ramp, factory bring-up, board spins, and ECO validation.

  • Prepare and present technical documentation and execution status to stakeholders.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.

  • 8+ years of experience in server or high-performance compute hardware design.

  • Strong experience with PCIe, DDR, Ethernet, SerDes, and management interfaces.

  • Expertise in SIPI, PDN, thermal design, EMI, and compliance requirements.

  • Hands-on experience with lab debug tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol analyzers).

  • Proven ability to independently drive hardware execution.

  • Strong technical documentation skills and excellent written and verbal communication.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.

  • 10+ years of platform-level hardware ownership.

  • Experience working as a board lead / execution lead alongside a system architect.

  • FPGA/PLD bring-up and debug experience.

  • Working knowledge of Python, TCL, or PERL for debug and automation.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Systems Engineering or related work experience.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$180,500.00 - $270,700.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985