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Computer Hardware Engineers Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer

CA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred Salary: $150,000-$235,000 (DOE) Status: Full-time Clearance: Minimum active Secret to start and will be ...

Hardware Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$111.26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

This position collaborates closely with software engineers, validation teams, and suppliers to ... computer hardware in your possession (including the data contained therein) upon completion of the ...

Sr. Hardware Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$97 - $152/hr

Mentor hardware engineers and provide technical guidance on design quality.* Drive complex ... Education and Experience Profile*** BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering ...

Sr. Hardware Engineering Manager

Fremont, CA · On-site

$162K - $220K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage and grow a team of board design, SI/PI, thermal, power delivery, and firmware engineers ... Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. • ...

Head of Hardware

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$220 - $270/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role As the Head of Hardware at Picogrid, you will be the foundational technical leader ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field ...

Sr. Hardware Engineering Manager

Fremont, CA · On-site

$162K - $220K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage and grow a team of board design, SI/PI, thermal, power delivery, and firmware engineers ... Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

New

Head of Hardware

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$220K - $270K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role As the Head of Hardware at Picogrid, you will be the foundational technical leader ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field ...

Sr. Hardware Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$116K - $155K/yr

Mentor hardware engineers and provide technical guidance on design quality. * Drive complex ... Education and Experience Profile * BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Computer Hardware Engineers information

See California salary details

$108.1K

$143.6K

$176.2K

How much do computer hardware engineers jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer hardware engineers in California is $143,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $168,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Computer Hardware Engineers vs Computer Network Architects?

AspectComputer Hardware EngineersComputer Network Architects
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in computer engineering or related field; certifications like Cisco or CompTIA are commonBachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or related field; certifications like Cisco CCNA or CCNP are common
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, testing computer hardware; labs, offices, manufacturing settingsDesigning and implementing network systems; offices, data centers, client sites
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing firms, research labsTelecommunications, IT services, large corporations

While both roles require a strong technical background and related certifications, Computer Hardware Engineers focus on designing and testing physical computer components, whereas Computer Network Architects specialize in planning and building network systems. Both roles are essential in the tech industry but serve different aspects of computing infrastructure.

Is there a demand for computer hardware engineers?

Yes, computer hardware engineers are in demand due to ongoing advancements in technology, including the development of new processors, embedded systems, and networking equipment. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as organizations upgrade and expand their hardware infrastructure, requiring skills in circuit design, testing, and troubleshooting.

What do you do as a computer hardware engineer?

A computer hardware engineer designs, develops, tests, and supervises the manufacturing of computer components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, and peripherals. They often use CAD software and need knowledge of electrical engineering principles, troubleshooting, and testing equipment. Their work environment typically includes labs and offices, and they may require certifications like the Certified Hardware Engineer credential.
Infographic showing various Computer Hardware Engineers job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,594 per year, or $69 per hour.

Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer

RTL Networks

CA • On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position Title: Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer
Location: NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA preferred
Salary: $150,000-$235,000 (DOE)
Status: Full-time
Clearance: Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top-Secret. DOD Top-Secret Security Clearance preferred.
About Us: RTL Networks, Inc. is a rapidly growing company primarily focused on providing information technology (IT) support services and personnel to various commercial and government customers for extended-term contracts. By providing a wide array of professional services and products, we help our customers leverage technology and operate confidently in their technology environments to ensure resource predictability, security, and reliability to meet business objectives.
Summary:
RTL Networks has an exciting opportunity for an Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer to support NAVAIR China Lake.
Primary Responsibilities:
Essential responsibilities of the Embedded Computer/Hardware Developer include, but are not limited to:
  • Research, design, develop, and/or test embedded components for military avionics.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree and 3 to 10+ years of experience.
  • Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top-Secret.
  • Experienced printed circuit board (PCB) developer.
  • Skilled in mixed signal design.
  • Integration and design experience with Altium, Quartus and FPGA.
  • Experience with 1553 bus hardware design.
  • Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Analytical problem solving required.

Physical Demands:
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
  • Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time.
  • Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must hold a security clearance at the Secret level. Minimum active Secret to start and will be upgraded to Top-Secret. US Citizenship is a requirement for clearance at this location.
NOTE:
  • The applicant selected for this position must have and be able to maintain an Active Security Clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Applicants must have a valid driver's license for this position and will be subject to verification.
  • Chosen applicants must pass pre-employment drug screening, credit review, and a criminal background check.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin