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Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Prescient Edge

Senior Computer Scientist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Computer hardware and software engineers' research, design, develop, and test computer hardware and software programs. Hardware refers to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and related ...

Prescient Edge

Senior Computer Scientist

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Computer hardware and software engineers' research, design, develop, and test computer hardware and software programs. Hardware refers to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and related ...

Prescient Edge

Senior Computer Programmer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Hardware refers to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and related equipment such as keyboards, modems, and printers. * Computer software engineers develop the software systems that ...

DUIT

Hardware Technicians (25)

Washington, DC · On-site

Seven (7) years of experience as a HE analyzing complex hardware systems for IT solutions. Bachelors degree in Communications Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical ...

i3

Digital Hardware Engineer

Washington, DC

$115K - $189K/yr

Overview i3 has an exciting opportunity for a Digital Hardware Engineer to support the Naval ... Bachelor's degree in electrical/computer engineering, physics, or related field. * Minimum five (5) ...

Two Six Technologies

Hardware Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$142K - $187K/yr

Required : • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent practical experience in security research, reverse ...

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All JobsComputer Hardware Engineer JobsComputer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Computer Hardware Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$113.9K

$151.4K

$185.7K

How much do computer hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer hardware engineer in Reston, VA is $151,371.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,800.00 and $177,900.00 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 Reston, VA? For Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Computer Hardware Engineer job openings:
Computer Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Hardware Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 58% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $151,371 per year, or $72.8 per hour.

Hardware Engineer -- Munition System

head-huntress.com

Washington, DC

$201K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description


Hardware Engineer — Munition Systems
About the Role & Project

We are engineering a small, safety-critical kinetic munition delivered by a First-Person View (FPV) class airframe. The computational backbone relies on a highly sophisticated electromechanical safe and arm device (EMSAD).

As a Hardware Engineer, you will completely own the electronics lifecycle. From initial schematics and multilayer PCB layouts through to the final bring-up and qualification, every board in the system will be a direct result of your expertise.

If you thrive in fast-paced environments with weekly hardware iterations and constant hands-on lab prototyping, this is the place to make a massive impact.

What You’ll Do

  • Board Architecture: Architect and design the main EMSAD board alongside critical auxiliary boards.

  • Schematic & PCB Design: Spearhead complex schematic design and advanced multilayer PCB layouts.

  • Safety Engineering: Define robust hardware safety architectures using redundant interlocks and fail-safe defaults.

  • Validation & Bench Testing: Build and run bring-up benches and conduct rigorous first-article validation.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with firmware engineers to sync on drivers and precision timing.

  • Environmental Qualification: Drive comprehensive environmental testing, including thermal, vibration, EMC, ESD, and drop testing.

  • Production Oversight: Own Bill of Materials (BOM) management, DFM/DFT strategies, and factory tester development.

How We Work

We are a tight-knit, collaborative engineering team that values autonomy and ownership. We move fast, build prototypes weekly, and have a lab constantly filled with fresh hardware. We expect our engineers to confidently drive key electrical decisions, document them clearly, and stand behind their designs through rigorous qualification and field validation.

Position & Location Details

  • Job Type: Direct-hire, Full-time

  • Experience Level: Mid-Senior level

  • Travel/Training Requirement: Must be comfortable completing an initial 1-month onsite training period in Kearneysville, WV.

  • Work Location: Following the initial training month, this role is permanently Onsite out of your choice of San Francisco, CA, Los Angeles, CA, or Washington, DC.

  • Sponsorship & Relocation: Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not available for this role.



Requirements

What You Bring (Required)

  • Experience: 5+ years of dedicated professional electronics design experience.

  • Technical Depth: Strong foundational knowledge of low-power MCUs, mixed-signal systems, power supplies, sensors, and RF-adjacent layouts.

  • Design Tools: High proficiency with leading PCB layout tools (e.g., Altium, KiCad, or Cadence).

  • Lab Expertise: Hands-on lab debugging skills utilizing oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, DMMs, and precision soldering tools.

  • Problem Solving: Proven track record of troubleshooting complex hardware anomalies, including EMC issues and brown-out edge cases.

  • Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

Nice to Have

  • Prior experience with safety-critical or fail-safe hardware design.

  • Familiarity or direct background with Safe & Arm (S&A) or fuzing electronics.

  • Familiarity with military standard testing environments (MIL-STD-810 / MIL-STD-461).

  • Hands-on experience with FPV or small-UAV electronics.

  • Knowledge of DFT (Design for Test) for high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.