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

SEACORP

Computer Engineer IV

College Park, MD

$110K - $130K/yr

Inaddition to design and development duties, computer hardware engineerssupervise the manufacturing ... Apply the principles and techniques of computerscience, engineering, and mathematical analysis to ...

Parsons

Hardware Reverse Engineer TS

Centreville, VA

$112K - $196K/yr

Parsons is looking for talented Cleared Hardware and Embedded Systems Reverse Engineers to join our ... Must have a Top Secret or higher security clearance * BS degree in Computer Science/Information ...

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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

Supplied Talent

Washington, DC • On-site

$139K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Experience Level: Mid‑Senior
Experience Required: 5 Years
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Job Function: Engineering
Industry: Defense & Space

Recruiter Note

Candidate must be comfortable completing an initial 1‑month onsite training period in Kearneysville, WV, after which they will relocate back to work from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Washington, DC.

About the Project

Our client is developing a small, safety‑critical kinetic munition deployed via an FPV‑class airframe. At the core of the system is an Electro‑Mechanical Safe and Arm Device (EMSAD) responsible for compute, safety, and arming logic.
This role owns the entire electronics stack — from schematic architecture through PCB layout, bring‑up, validation, and qualification.

What You’ll Do
  • EMSAD Architecture — Architect and design the main EMSAD board and all auxiliary boards.
  • Schematic & PCB Design — Lead schematic capture and multilayer PCB layout for mixed‑signal, low‑power, and RF‑adjacent systems.
  • Safety Architecture — Define hardware safety architecture with redundant interlocks and fail‑safe defaults.
  • Bring‑Up & Validation — Build bring‑up benches, execute first‑article validation, and document results.
  • Firmware Collaboration — Work closely with firmware engineers on drivers, timing, and hardware‑software integration.
  • Environmental Qualification — Drive thermal, vibration, EMC, ESD, and drop‑test qualification.
  • Manufacturing Readiness — Own BOM management, DFM/DFT, and factory tester development.
  • Lab Debugging — Perform hands‑on debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, DMMs, and soldering tools.
Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of professional electronics design experience
  • Strong knowledge of low‑power MCUs, mixed‑signal systems, power supplies, sensors, and RF‑adjacent layout
  • Expertise with PCB layout tools such as Altium, KiCad, or Cadence
  • Hands‑on lab debugging experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, DMMs, and soldering tools
  • Experience debugging complex hardware issues including EMC, brown‑out, and edge‑case failures
  • Strong written and verbal English communication
Nice to Have
  • Safety‑critical hardware or fail‑safe design experience
  • Experience with S&A or fuzing electronics
  • Familiarity with MIL‑STD‑810 / MIL‑STD‑461 testing
  • FPV or small‑UAV electronics experience
  • DFT experience for high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing
How We Work

A small, fast‑moving engineering team with weekly hardware iterations and constant prototyping. Engineers are expected to:

  • Drive electrical decisions
  • Document design choices clearly
  • Stand behind their work during qualification and field validation

If you want, I can also generate a screening rubric, technical interview scorecard, or a candidate submittal summarytailored to this role.
Choose one: screening rubric, interview scorecard, or candidate summary template.