ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RTL Networks

Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer

CA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred Salary: $150,000-$235,000 (DOE) Status: Full-time Clearance: Minimum active Secret to start and will be ...

Maxonic

Hardware Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Hardware Engineer Job Type: Fulltime Job Location: Fremont, CA or Nashville, TN Work Schedule ... Understanding of computer hardware architecture, including experience applying concepts like PCI-e ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Hardware Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$143K - $190K/yr

Hardware Engineer, Test DevelopmentOnsite in Foster City 5 days in officeAs a hardware engineer you ... S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline4 ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Hardware Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$143K - $190K/yr

Hardware Engineer, Test DevelopmentOnsite in Foster City \ 5 days in officeAs a hardware engineer ... S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline4 ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Hardware Engineer

Foster City, CA

$143K - $190K/yr

Hardware Engineer, Test DevelopmentOnsite in Foster City \ 5 days in officeAs a hardware engineer ... S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline4 ...

Super Micro Computer

Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Hardware Engineers will handle server board schematic and layout design and review, board and system circuit and application validation, and solving cross-team technical issues. As your career ...

femtoAI

Hardware Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$147K - $194K/yr

As a Hardware Engineer, you will join femtoAI's hardware team to help design and build our novel ... Strong foundation in digital design, computer architecture, and VLSI through coursework or projects

Wayve

Hardware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · Hybrid

$185K - $247K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field Desirable Experience * Experience designing hardware for AI/ML workloads or high-performance computing ...

OpenAI

Software Engineer, Hardware

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$145K - $192K/yr

About the Role As a software engineer on the Scaling team, you'll help build and optimize the low ... return all computer hardware in your possession (including the data contained therein) upon ...

OpenAI

Software Engineer, Hardware

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$225K - $455K/yr

About the Role As a software engineer on the Scaling team, you'll help build and optimize the low ... return all computer hardware in your possession (including the data contained therein) upon ...

Legrand AV, Inc.

Hardware Engineer

Fremont, CA

$100K - $115K/yr

Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related degree. Core Qualifications: * 3+ years of experience in hardware design and development, preferably in the ...

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Hardware Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$135K - $193K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 5+ years of experience, or ... Experience in hardware designs and validation. Preferred Qualifications * Hands on board design ...

Cisco

Hardware Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$135K - $193K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 5+ years of experience, or ... Experience in hardware designs and validation. Preferred Qualifications * Hands on board design ...

Verkada

Hardware Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Verkada's Hardware Engineers own all electrical engineering design and validation aspects, working directly with our JDM partners to ship cutting-edge products. This is a full-time, in-person role ...

Cisco

Hardware Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$135K - $193K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 5+ years of experience, or ... Experience in hardware designs and validation. * Experience collaborating with cross-functional ...

Cisco

Hardware Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$135K - $193K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 5+ years of experience, or ... Experience in hardware designs and validation. * Experience collaborating with cross-functional ...

Legrand North America

Hardware Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related degree. Core Qualifications: · 3+ years of experience in hardware design and development, preferably in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsComputer Hardware Engineer JobsComputer Hardware Engineer Jobs in California

Computer Hardware Engineer information

See California salary details

$108.1K

$143.6K

$176.2K

How much do computer hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer hardware engineer in California is $143,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $168,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by computer hardware engineers in collaborative projects with software teams?

Computer hardware engineers often collaborate closely with software developers to ensure seamless integration between hardware components and software applications. A frequent challenge is aligning timelines and technical requirements, as hardware development cycles can differ from software schedules. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both disciplines are essential to address compatibility issues and meet project deadlines. Building strong cross-functional relationships helps resolve these challenges and leads to successful product development.

What Do Computer Hardware Engineers Do?

Computer hardware engineers design and test new computer hardware components, such as screens, motherboards, and memory. They may also work with products that include a computer system, such as cars, home entertainment components, and appliances that connect to the internet. Your responsibilities include creating design drawings and collaborating with manufacturers to ensure the devices are produced to specifications. You may also work with software developers to ensure compatibility. You must be able to read and design technical drawings and be able to communicate effectively with all participants in the project.

What are computer hardware engineers?

Computer hardware engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. They work to ensure that computer hardware functions efficiently and integrates seamlessly with software. These engineers are often involved in research, prototyping, and overseeing the manufacturing of hardware equipment. Their work is crucial in advancing technology and improving the performance of computer systems.

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

To thrive as a Computer Hardware Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, computer architecture, and circuit design, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering. Familiarity with hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), CAD software, and industry certifications like CompTIA or Cisco is often important. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate and innovate within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the effective design, testing, and optimization of reliable hardware systems that meet modern computing needs.

What is the difference between Computer Hardware Engineer vs Computer Network Architect?

AspectComputer Hardware EngineerComputer Network Architect
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering or related field; certifications like Cisco CCNA are commonBachelor's in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related; certifications like Cisco CCNP are typical
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and developing computer hardware; labs and engineering facilitiesDesigning and implementing network systems; offices and data centers
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware manufacturing, research labsTelecommunications, large enterprises, data centers

Computer Hardware Engineers focus on designing and developing physical computer components, while Computer Network Architects plan and build data communication networks. Both roles require technical certifications and often work in technology-driven environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly in scope and focus.

More about Computer Hardware Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in California? For Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Computer Hardware Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in CA? For Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Computer Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,594 per year, or $69 per hour.
Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer

Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer

RTL Networks

CA • On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 hours ago

Job description

Position Title: Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer
Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred
Salary: $150,000-$235,000 (DOE)
Status: Full-time
Clearance: Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top-Secret. DOD Top-Secret Security Clearance preferred.
About Us: RTL Networks, Inc. is a rapidly growing company primarily focused on providing information technology (IT) support services and personnel to various commercial and government customers for extended-term contracts. By providing a wide array of professional services and products, we help our customers leverage technology and operate confidently in their technology environments to ensure resource predictability, security, and reliability to meet business objectives.
Summary:
RTL Networks has an exciting opportunity for an Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer to support NAVAIR China Lake.
Primary Responsibilities:
Essential responsibilities of the Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer include, but are not limited to:
  • Research, design, develop, and/or test embedded components for military avionics.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree and 3 to 10+ years of experience.
  • Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top-Secret.
  • Experienced printed circuit board (PCB) developer.
  • Skilled in mixed signal design.
  • Integration and design experience with Altium, Quartus and FPGA.
  • Experience with 1553 bus hardware design.
  • Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Analytical problem solving required.

Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time.
  • Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must hold a security clearance at the Secret level. Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top-Secret. US Citizenship is a requirement for clearance at this location.
NOTE:
  • The applicant selected for this position must have and be able to maintain an Active Security Clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Applicants must have a valid driver's license for this position and will be subject to verification.
  • Chosen applicants must pass pre-employment drug screening, credit review, and a criminal background check.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin

Apply