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Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Defiance, OH (NOW HIRING)

Senior Firmware Engineer

Oakwood, OH · On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working close to the hardware, collaborating across ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related ...

Two plus year in related Computer Science or related field c. Two plus years in a manufacturing ... Ability to diagnose and fix hardware and software issues for both desktops and servers in a LAN/WAN ...

Industrial Mechanic II

Delphos, OH · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

Troubleshoot PLC hardware/software, NC/CNC controls, power distribution systems, and electro ... Basic computer skills (Outlook, Excel) Technical Expertise: * Proficiency reading electrical ...

Industrial Mechanic II

Delphos, OH · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

Troubleshoot PLC hardware/software, NC/CNC controls, power distribution systems, and electro ... Basic computer skills (Outlook, Excel) Technical Expertise: * Proficiency reading electrical ...

NPI Project Intern

Bowling Green, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Engineering Technology * or related field Experience/Skills * Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar) * Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings

NPI Project Intern

Bowling Green, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Engineering Technology * or related field Experience/Skills * Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar) * Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings

NPI Project Intern

Bowling Green, OH

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Engineering Technology * or related field Experience/Skills * Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar) * Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings

NPI Project Intern

Bowling Green, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Engineering Technology * or related field Experience/Skills * Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar) * Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings

Electronic Technician

Findlay, OH · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

... engineering practice, and OEM manuals. The position is essential to the success of APTIM projects ... Ability to read manuals Computer skils. Outlook, Excel, Word etc PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Strength:

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Computer Hardware Engineer information

See Defiance, OH salary details

$100.2K

$133.1K

$163.3K

How much do computer hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer hardware engineer in Defiance, OH is $133,084.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,800.00 and $156,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior computer hardware engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications, can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with roles in large companies, management positions, or those working on advanced hardware design and development projects.

What does a computer hardware engineer make?

A computer hardware engineer typically earns a median annual salary of around $128,000, though this can vary based on experience, location, and industry. They design, develop, and test computer components such as circuit boards, processors, and memory devices, often working with specialized tools and certifications in electronics and engineering. Salaries can range from approximately $80,000 to over $180,000 depending on factors like seniority and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Computer hardware engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within the tech industry. Senior engineers with extensive experience, leadership positions, or those working in high-cost regions may approach these figures, especially with bonuses and stock options included.

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 does a computer hardware engineer do?

A computer hardware engineer designs, develops, tests, and improves computer components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, and peripherals. They often work with schematic diagrams, use CAD software, and need knowledge of electronics and programming. Their work environment typically includes labs and offices, and they may require certifications in electronics or computer engineering.

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.

What cities near Defiance, OH are hiring for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities near Defiance, OH with the most Computer Hardware Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Hardware Engineer job openings in Defiance, OH as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,084 per year, or $64 per hour.
Senior Firmware Engineer

Senior Firmware Engineer

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Oakwood, OH • On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 419 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Job Description
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, our mission is to enable our customers to make the world safer. As a Senior Firmware Engineer, you will help develop and deliver the embedded software that powers next-generation handheld radiation detection and identification systems used in public safety, dosimetry, environmental monitoring, and emergency response.
You will play a key role in translating advanced sensing technologies and system concepts into reliable, field-ready products by designing, developing, and integrating robust firmware for embedded platforms. Working closely with scientists, electrical engineers, systems engineers, and software teams, you will help ensure our instruments perform accurately, reliably, and securely in demanding real-world environments. Your work will directly impact the usability, performance, connectivity, and long-term reliability of products that support critical safety and response missions around the world.
LOCATION: This is a fully onsite position based at our Oakwood Village, OH site. Unfortunately, relocation assistance is NOT provided. Priority will be given to LOCAL candidates currently residing in surrounding area.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.
  • Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screen.

Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Firmware Engineer to design, develop, test, and maintain embedded firmware for next-generation connected products. This role requires strong hands-on experience with embedded C, real-time operating systems, and microcontroller-based development, with particular emphasis on Renesas chipsets. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working close to the hardware, collaborating across electrical, software, systems, and product teams, and delivering reliable firmware for production-quality embedded systems.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, debug, and maintain embedded firmware using C for microcontroller-based systems.
  • Develop firmware running on real-time operating systems, including task scheduling, inter-task communication, timing, synchronization, and resource management.
  • Bring up and integrate firmware on Renesas-based platforms, including peripheral configuration, board support packages, bootloaders, and device drivers.
  • Work closely with electrical engineering teams to support hardware bring-up, schematic review, board validation, and root-cause analysis.
  • Develop and maintain low-level drivers for interfaces such as I2C, SPI, UART, USB, CAN, Ethernet, GPIO, ADC, PWM, and similar embedded peripherals.
  • Participate in firmware architecture, design reviews, code reviews, and technical decision-making.
  • Implement robust, maintainable, and testable firmware for commercial or industrial embedded products.
  • Debug complex firmware and hardware interactions using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD debuggers, and other lab equipment.
  • Support integration of embedded systems with higher-level software, connectivity stacks, and cloud-based services.
  • Develop unit, integration, and system-level test strategies for embedded firmware.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, including requirements, design specifications, test plans, and release notes.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products on schedule.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
  • 7+ years of professional embedded firmware development experience.
  • Strong programming experience in embedded C.
  • Hands-on experience developing firmware for real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS, ThreadX, Zephyr, embOS, or similar.
  • Experience developing firmware for Renesas microcontrollers or microprocessors, including use of Renesas development tools, SDKs, BSPs, or IDEs.
  • Strong understanding of embedded systems concepts, including interrupts, timers, DMA, memory management, bootloaders, power management, and communication protocols.
  • Experience with firmware debugging tools such as JTAG/SWD, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers.
  • Familiarity with common embedded communication interfaces including SPI, I2C, UART, USB, CAN, and Ethernet.
  • Experience with version control systems such as Git.
  • Ability to read schematics and work closely with hardware engineers during board bring-up and troubleshooting.
  • Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with AWS IoT Greengrass, AWS IoT Core, or cloud-connected embedded devices.
  • Experience with secure boot, firmware update mechanisms, device provisioning, certificates, encryption, or embedded cybersecurity.
  • Experience with connectivity protocols such as MQTT, TCP/IP, BLE, Wi-Fi, or cellular.
  • Experience developing Linux-based edge applications or integrating microcontroller firmware with embedded Linux systems.
  • Experience with automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, static analysis, or code quality tools for embedded software.
  • Experience in regulated, industrial, medical, life sciences, or high-reliability product environments.
  • Familiarity with software development processes such as Agile, Scrum, or stage-gate product development.

Desired Attributes
  • Deep technical curiosity and a hands-on approach to solving complex embedded problems.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Strong ownership mindset with attention to quality, reliability, and long-term maintainability.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced engineering environment with evolving requirements.
  • Ability to mentor junior engineers and contribute to firmware best practices.
  • Experience with AWS IoT Greengrass, cloud-connected devices, or edge computing is a strong plus.

Example Technology Stack
  • Languages: C, C++, Python
  • RTOS: FreeRTOS, ThreadX, Zephyr, or similar
  • Chipsets: Renesas RA, RX, RL78, RZ, or similar Renesas platforms
  • Tools: Renesas e² studio, IAR, GCC, JTAG/SWD debuggers, Git
  • Interfaces: SPI, I2C, UART, USB, CAN, Ethernet, GPIO, ADC
  • Cloud/Edge: AWS IoT Greengrass, AWS IoT Core, MQTT

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