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Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Realta Fusion, Inc.

Lead Fusion Controls Developer

Madison, WI · On-site

$45.50 - $58.25/hr

Participate in design reviews, contributing a controls perspective on new hardware, diagnostics ... Advanced degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related technical field ...

Accuray

Fullstack Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

... hardware subsystems for an advanced medical device. Our work has a daily impact on patients ... Some travel ( QUALIFICATIONS Required * BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or an ...

Accuray Incorporated

Fullstack Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

... hardware subsystems for an advanced medical device. Our work has a daily impact on patients ... Some travel ( QUALIFICATIONS Required * BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or an ...

Civic Media Inc

BROADCAST ENGINEER

Madison, WI · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... PC hardware. * Documentation: Document all equipment installations, wiring configurations ... High level of computer proficiency and IT literacy. Comfortable with extensive use of computer ...

Civic Media Inc

BROADCAST ENGINEER

Madison, WI · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... PC hardware. * Documentation: Document all equipment installations, wiring configurations ... High level of computer proficiency and IT literacy. Comfortable with extensive use of computer ...

SJE

SCADA Network Specialist

Madison, WI · On-site

... engineered control panels, SCADA and telemetry systems, control panel fabrication, systems ... As our SCADA Network Specialist , you will install, maintain, and troubleshoot computer hardware ...

SJE-Rhombus

SCADA Network Specialist

Madison, WI

... engineered control panels, SCADA and telemetry systems, control panel fabrication, systems ... As our SCADA Network Specialist , you will install, maintain, and troubleshoot computer hardware ...

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All JobsComputer Hardware Engineer JobsComputer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Computer Hardware Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$110.4K

$146.7K

$180K

How much do computer hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer hardware engineer in Madison, WI is $146,713.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $172,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which pays more, CS or CE?

Computer Hardware Engineers typically earn similar salaries to Computer Science professionals, but salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry. Computer Science roles often have higher median pay due to broader application areas like software development and data analysis, while Computer Hardware Engineering focuses on designing and testing physical components. Both fields require technical skills and certifications, and salary differences are influenced by demand and specialization.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior computer hardware engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or at large technology companies, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, advanced certifications, or working in regions with higher salary standards.

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, advanced skills, or leadership positions may reach high six-figure incomes, but $500,000 is rare for standard hardware engineering roles.

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 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 use CAD software and work in labs or manufacturing environments, requiring knowledge of electronics, programming, and industry standards.

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 popular job titles related to Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? For Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Computer Hardware Engineer job openings:
Computer Hardware Engineer jobs near you

Lead Fusion Controls Developer

Realta Fusion, Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

$45.50 - $58.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Lead Fusion Controls Developer will design, build, and own parts of the control systems and software that operate Realta's suite of fusion devices, post-processing, and simulation tools. This is a high-impact technical leadership role that influences the full controls stack, from operator interfaces and visualization tools to hardware integration, real-time data acquisition, and automation infrastructure. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in either front-end controls and human-machine interfaces or back-end controls and hardware integration, along with the curiosity and collaborative instinct to work fluidly across both. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with physicists, engineers, and technicians to commission and operate first-of-a-kind fusion experiments in a fast-moving environment. This position may be focused on leading efforts in either back-end or front-end controls, or have elements of both.
Realta Fusion is a rapidly growing start-up developing compact magnetic mirror fusion energy systems to address the biggest challenge of our time - tackling global climate change while ensuring a sufficient energy supply for at least ten billion people on (and off) earth. We are building a team with diverse talents dedicated to making fusion energy a real solution to humanity's most pressing problem.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Developer
  • Provide guidance to junior staff.
  • Collaborate within controls team and closely with engineering and physics teams to define control system requirements and prioritize development efforts across active programs.
  • Participate in design reviews, contributing a controls perspective on new hardware, diagnostics, and infrastructure proposals.
  • Champion safe and reliable operation of experimental systems through rigorous controls design, clear alarming, and well-maintained interlock logic.

Front-End Controls and Operator Interfaces
  • Design and develop operator interfaces, control panels, and visualization tools that give the experimental team clear, intuitive command of complex fusion systems.
  • Build and maintain dashboards and display tools for real-time monitoring of plasma, magnet, vacuum, and power system parameters.
  • Develop graphical and data-driven tools to support experimental operations, shot control workflows, and system diagnostics.
  • Collaborate with physicists and device operators to translate experimental needs into clear, functional interface requirements.
  • Integrate simulation and digital twin capabilities with live controls displays to support pre-shot planning and post-shot analysis.

Back-End Controls and Hardware Integration
  • Develop and maintain control system software for integration with hardware including power supplies, magnet systems, diagnostics, and vacuum and gas handling equipment.
  • Design and implement data acquisition pipelines, event-driven control logic, and real-time interlock systems.
  • Build and maintain device drivers, PLC interfaces, and low-level hardware communication layers.
  • Maintain and extend control system frameworks (EPICS, Tango Controls, LabVIEW, or equivalent) across the device fleet.
  • Develop control system architectures that are robust, testable, and maintainable as the device program scales.
  • Develop and maintain data archiving, logging, and query infrastructure for experimental shot data and system telemetry.
  • Design and implement database-backed tools for trending, alarm history, and long-term performance monitoring of fusion device systems.

Cross-Cutting Responsibilities
  • Contribute to commissioning activities for new devices and subsystems, including controls checkout, hardware testing, and operational readiness.
  • Document control system architectures, software designs, and procedures to support operations, onboarding, and regulatory compliance.
  • Support integration of control system data streams with higher-level analysis and visualization pipelines.

Qualifications
Required
  • Advanced degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related technical field, with at least seven (7) years practical experience developing controls to support plasma device operations beyond graduate school.
  • Demonstrated experience developing control system software or human-machine interfaces for experimental, accelerator, or industrial systems.
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following: EPICS, SCADA platforms, LabVIEW, or equivalent controls frameworks used in research or industrial environments.
  • Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or a similar language applied to controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition.
  • Experience integrating software with real hardware, including communication with instrumentation over Ethernet, serial, or fieldbus protocols.
  • Ability to work effectively across hardware and software domains, engaging meaningfully with both the physical systems and the code that controls them.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document designs and explain technical decisions to mixed audiences.
  • Commitment to safe and disciplined operation of complex experimental systems.

Preferred
  • PhD with a focus in Particle or Plasma Physics and at least ten (10) years combined working experience in academic and industrial or national laboratory setting
  • Experience with EPICS, Channel Access, PV Access, or equivalent distributed control system frameworks, particularly in an accelerator, light source, or fusion context.
  • Experience developing operator interfaces using Ignition, CSS/Phoebus, PyDM, EDM, or similar HMI tools.
  • Familiarity with real-time control systems, hardware interlock design, PLC programming, and/or fielding and programming microcontrollers, FPGAs and GPUs.
  • Experience in a national laboratory, particle accelerator, or plasma physics or fusion environment.
  • Familiarity with digital twin development or the integration of physics simulations with live control systems.
  • Experience working in a startup or other fast-moving, resource-constrained environment with rapidly evolving requirements.

Applicants who do not meet the entire job specification are encouraged to apply.
Compensation and benefits
What we are working on is hard... and hugely important. Realta Fusion is assembling a talented team bound together by a passion to solve humanity's biggest challenge with first-of-a-kind technology. Additionally, Realta offers:
  • Competitive compensation package, including equity stock options
  • Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)
  • Flexible paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance
  • Work and live in Madison, Wisconsin - one of America's most livable and vibrant cities; hybrid work options may be available for this position, but a weekly on-site presence will be required

We value diversity as a critical factor in innovation and believe a diverse team is necessary to solve the toughest problems. We aim to create an inclusive environment that unleashes the full creativity of our team members from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

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