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Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Garden Grove, CA

Lead Hardware Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Deliver a physical prototype and CAD within the first 60-90 days to demonstrate form factor and ... Hire and lead a small hardware team, including a hands-on mechanical engineer, and set the ...

New

Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100 - $145/hr

Hardware Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Job Id: 1169 # of Openings: 1 About DZYNE DZYNE Technologies ... Ability to design using CAD software such as Altium * Proven communication and interpersonal skills ...

Hardware Engineer, Principal * The Hardware Engineer, Principal designs, develops, and documents ... Maintains CAD library. * Creates layout of the board using EDA tools such as Siemens PADS.

Sr. Hardware Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$97 - $152/hr

Education and Experience Profile*** BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar.* 6+ years of progressive hardware or product engineering experience required.**Required ...

Sr. Hardware Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$114K - $152K/yr

Education and Experience Profile * BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar. * 6+ years of progressive hardware or product engineering experience required. Required ...

Sr. Hardware Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$116K - $155K/yr

Education and Experience Profile * BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar. * 6+ years of progressive hardware or product engineering experience required. Required ...

Sr. Hardware Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · Hybrid

$114K - $152K/yr

Education and Experience Profile * BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar. * 6+ years of progressive hardware or product engineering experience required. Required ...

Hardware Engineer, ATE

Irvine, CA · On-site

$86K - $135K/yr

Overview Synaptics is looking for a Hardware Engineer, ATE to join our growing organization. You ... Bachelor's degree in Electronics, Telecommunication, or Computer-Science or related field or ...

Overview Synaptics is looking for a Hardware Engineer, ATE to join our growing organization. You ... Bachelor's degree in Electronics, Telecommunication, or Computer-Science or related field or ...

Vape Hardware Engineer

Arcadia, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Vape Hardware Engineer Location : United States (Nationwide Travel Required) Travel : 40-70% Employment Type : Full-time Compensation : Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 annually (based on experience ...

Lead Hardware Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

As a leader of a portion of the Avionics Hardware team, you will manage a team of electrical ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * 5+ years of ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

TP-Link Systems Inc. is seeking experienced board-level Senior Hardware Design Engineers to join our home networking engineering team. These roles will serve as senior hardware technical owners for ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

TP-Link Systems Inc. is seeking experienced board-level Senior Hardware Design Engineers to join our home networking engineering team. These roles will serve as senior hardware technical owners for ...

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Computer Hardware Engineer information

See Garden Grove, CA salary details

$110.9K

$147.3K

$180.8K

How much do computer hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer hardware engineer in Garden Grove, CA is $147,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,500.00 and $173,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a computer hardware engineer?

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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer hardware engineer?

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 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 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 exactly 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 CAD software, troubleshoot hardware issues, and ensure compatibility with software systems, requiring knowledge of electronics and engineering principles.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Garden Grove, CA?

For Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Garden Grove, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Garden Grove, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Garden Grove, CA are:

What cities near Garden Grove, CA are hiring for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities near Garden Grove, CA with the most Computer Hardware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Computer Hardware Engineer job openings in Garden Grove, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,342 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Lead Hardware Engineer

bareinsights

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

About the Role

This is a high-ownership, ground-floor hardware leadership role on a team building a chip-based LiDAR seeker system for counter-UAS interceptors. You'll own the full hardware architecture — mechanical, optical, and electrical integration — and translate photonics simulations into a ruggedized, flight-ready product. As the first dedicated hardware architecture leader, you'll be shaping the entire hardware stack from scratch and building the team around it.

What You'll Do
  • Define the full hardware architecture for a LiDAR missile seeker, covering mechanical packaging, lens mounting, PCB placement, and seeker diameter.

  • Deliver a physical prototype and CAD within the first 60–90 days to demonstrate form factor and system capabilities to customers.

  • Own the certification and qualification process required to mount the seeker on partner missile platforms, including compliance documentation.

  • Serve as the integration layer between photonics and electrical teams, packaging optical and power architectures into a high-G ruggedized system ready for flight.

  • Hire and lead a small hardware team, including a hands-on mechanical engineer, and set the technical bar for the growing organization.

What We're Looking For
  • 8+ years of experience in hardware engineering for defense, aerospace, or electro-optical systems.

  • Prior experience designing or integrating a seeker or payload on a missile platform at a prime defense contractor or national lab — this is a firm requirement.

  • Strong background in system architecture for electro-optical or active sensing hardware: optomechanical design, lens mounting, PCB placement, and seeker packaging.

  • Hands-on experience with missile qualification certifications and ruggedization for high-G environments.

  • Familiarity with environmental testing standards such as MIL-STD-810 (shock, vibration, thermal).

  • Experience leading or growing a small hardware engineering team.

  • Degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, optical engineering, or physics.

  • Experience with LiDAR, imaging, or electro-optical systems is a strong plus.

  • Prototype-to-production transition experience, including design reviews and qualification builds.

  • Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks or equivalent).

  • U.S. Person status (ITAR) and ability to obtain a security clearance — required. No visa sponsorship is available.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary range: $180,000 – $240,000 USD annually. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Location

On-site, 5 days per week in Hawthorne, CA.