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Computer Hardware Designer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Hardware Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

... designing single board computers for embedded electronics applications. The successful candidate ... Use CAD tools for schematic capture. Perform timing and signal integrity simulation. * Create net ...

Hardware Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$137K - $180K/yr

Que Technology Group, Inc ., is seeking a Hardware Engineer , who will be responsible for designing ... Bachelor's degree in Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical ...

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Hardware Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$100K - $230K/yr

We are continually designing new and innovative products, which fosters an extremely fast-paced ... Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Electrical, Computer Engineering, Physics or equivalent * At least ...

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Computer Hardware Designer information

See Washington salary details

$24.4K

$74.1K

$126.9K

How much do computer hardware designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer hardware designer in Washington is $74,122.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $96,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a computer engineer make $500,000?

Computer hardware designers and engineers typically earn salaries below $500,000 annually, with high earners often reaching this level through senior positions, management roles, or consulting. Achieving such income usually requires extensive experience, specialized skills, and sometimes working in high-paying industries or consulting firms.

What is the difference between Computer Hardware Designer vs Computer Hardware Engineer?

AspectComputer Hardware DesignerComputer Hardware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, collaborative teamsDevelopment labs, testing facilities, manufacturing settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in design and development of new hardware productsInvolved in designing, testing, and improving hardware systems

Computer Hardware Designers focus on creating new hardware designs using CAD tools, while Computer Hardware Engineers work on developing, testing, and refining these designs for production. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ within the hardware development process.

What are some typical challenges faced by Computer Hardware Designers when working on new product development?

Computer Hardware Designers often grapple with balancing innovation and practicality during new product development. They must ensure that hardware components meet performance targets, comply with industry standards, and are manufacturable within budget constraints. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as software engineers and manufacturing specialists—is crucial, as design changes can impact the entire product lifecycle. Staying updated with rapidly evolving technology and integrating new materials or components also presents ongoing challenges.

What does a Computer Hardware Designer do?

A Computer Hardware Designer is responsible for creating and developing the physical components that make up computers and related devices, such as circuit boards, processors, memory devices, and networking hardware. They use engineering principles and design software to draft and test new hardware concepts, ensuring they meet technical specifications and industry standards. Their role often involves collaborating with software developers, testing prototypes, and troubleshooting hardware issues to optimize performance and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Hardware Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Hardware Designer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering, circuit design, and computer architecture, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Proficiency with hardware description languages (such as VHDL/Verilog), CAD tools (like Altium Designer or OrCAD), and simulation software is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional designers apart. These skills ensure reliable, innovative hardware solutions that meet complex technical requirements and industry standards.
Hardware Design Engineer Level 1-3

Hardware Design Engineer Level 1-3

Markesman Group

Fort George G Meade, MD

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Markesman Group is seeking Hardware Design Engineer (HDE) candidates to join our team. The HDE designs and tests new integrated circuits and hardware components for a wide variety of signal processing applications and research. They will design, document, and develop code (to include firmware) for digital signal processors or other programmable hardware devices such as Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) hardware. The HDE analyzes the function of existing integrated circuits and hardware components for the purpose of reverse engineering the hardware and firmware. Conducts the necessary hardware engineering and related functions to modify and adapt vendor-manufactured hardware to meet special Government needs and contingencies.

Capabilities

Level 1 Capabilities:

  • Assist with designing new products and processes and improving and maintaining existing products
  • Communicate with the other engineering personnel to coordinate the interrelated design and assure project completion
  • Conduct design analysis on components and/or assemblies to assist in the development process by ensuring designs are cost efficient, able to be manufactured, and reliable
  • Apply ASIC or FPGA place and route (P&R) tools with various libraries to create physical implementations of designs
  • Develop and maintain documentation for the P&R design flows
  • Assist with de-processing electronic components and retrieving stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures
  • Design new products and processes and improving and maintaining existing products
  • Work with tool and library vendors to develop solutions for designers' P&R design challenges
  • Perform the de-processing of electronic components and retrieving stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures
  • Integrate new P&R tools, P&R tool updates, and ASIC or FPGA design libraries into Government's computer aided design environment, documents the use of those tools and libraries, and Assist other physical designers to successfully complete their specific P&R design tasks

Level 2 Capabilities:

Includes all Level 1 capabilities plus:

  • Lead the designs of new products and processes and improve and maintain existing products
  • Provide technical leadership to less experienced engineers
  • Perform the de-processing of electronic components and retrieving stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures and develops improved procedures

Level 3 Capabilities:

Includes Level 1 and 2 capabilities plus:

  • Direct and check the work of other hardware design engineers
  • Act as internal consultant providing technical guidance on most complex projects
  • Develop novel procedures for reverse engineering of new component types
  • Oversee the de-processing of electronic components and retrieving stored firmware or software using approved reverse engineering procedures

Qualifications

Must possess a TS/SCI with Full-Scope Poly

Level 1 Qualifications:

Three (3) years experience as a HDE in integrated circuit or microelectronic component design or reverse engineering of the same is required. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional hardware design engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Level 2 Qualifications:

Seven (7) years experience as a HDE in integrated circuit or microelectronic component design or reverse engineering of the same is required. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional hardware design engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

Level 3 Qualifications:

Twelve (12) years experience as a HDE in integrated circuit or microelectronic component design or reverse engineering of the same is required. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university is required. Five (5) years of additional hardware design engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.