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Computer Hardware Engineers Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Efficient Computer

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Efficient Computer is a fabless semiconductor startup headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, building ... Partner with external design partners and internal hardware engineers to define and execute DFT ...

Kratos Defense

Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

... Engineer to work in San Diego, CA. You will be a member of a small team at a U.S. Navy lab required ... Hardware may refer to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, networking systems ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Hardware Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$143K - $190K/yr

You will collaborate with suppliers, design and system engineers to characterize the functional ... S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline4 ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Hardware Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$143K - $190K/yr

You will collaborate with suppliers, design and system engineers to characterize the functional ... S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline4 ...

Kratos Defense

Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA

$115K - $135K/yr

... Engineer to work in San Diego, CA. You will be a member of a small team at a U.S. Navy lab required ... Hardware may refer to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, networking systems ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Hardware Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$143K - $190K/yr

You will collaborate with suppliers, design and system engineers to characterize the functional ... S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline4 ...

Qualcomm

Computer Vision Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$118K - $139K/yr

Provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineers across experience levels and influence ... Familiarity with hardware modeling, FPGA prototyping, or RTL design is a plus. * Strong ability to ...

Nutanix

Computer Vision Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$118K - $139K/yr

Provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineers across experience levels and influence ... Familiarity with hardware modeling, FPGA prototyping, or RTL design is a plus.Strong ability to ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsComputer Hardware Engineers JobsComputer Hardware Engineers Jobs in California

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 Sep 9, 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.
Computer Hardware Engineers jobs near you
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.

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA • On-site

Efficient Computer
See more jobs at Efficient Computerexternal

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and debug test programs on ATE platforms including Advantest and Teradyne systems

  • Coordinate pattern delivery and test program handoff with OSAT partners and design teams

  • Manage test engineering activities across multiple chip programs and support test capacity planning

Job description

Efficient Computer is a fabless semiconductor startup headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, building energy-efficient processors for edge compute, embedded AI, and high-performance applications. Our team designs, tapes out, and brings up custom silicon across multiple process nodes, working closely with world-class foundry and OSAT partners to deliver differentiated chips from concept to production. Efficient Computer is looking for a Test Engineer with hands-on DFT and fabless semiconductor test experience to join our Operations team. This is a mid-level role sitting at the intersection of Hardware Engineering and Supply Chain and Operations.
The right candidate has worked across the full test lifecycle - from DFT strategy and ATPG pattern generation through ATE bringup, OSAT coordination, and production test - and is equally comfortable working with external suppliers as they are with internal hardware engineers. You will serve as the primary interface between our engineering team and our foundry, OSAT, and test partners, owning test engineering across our active chip programs and scaling that foundation to future products.
What You Will Do
DFT Strategy and Pattern Development
  • Partner with external design partners and internal hardware engineers to define and execute DFT strategy for each chip program
  • Generate, validate, and deliver ATPG patterns including scan, MBIST, JTAG, and embedded memory read and write sequences
  • Develop and maintain STIL and PDL test program files for ATE execution
  • Drive DFT sign-off deliverables and resolve pattern-level issues in coordination with external partners
  • Support setup pattern generation including power-up and power-down sequences, DFT entry sequences, and test mode initialization
  • Understand and define power rail sequencing requirements for ATE execution to ensure safe device bringup
ATE Bringup and Test Program Development
  • Develop and debug test programs on ATE platforms including Advantest and Teradyne systems
  • Execute first silicon bringup on new tapeouts in partnership with hardware engineers and OSAT test teams
  • Characterize device behavior across voltage, temperature, and frequency corners
  • Support load board bring-up and interface hardware validation
  • Define and manage test flows including wafer probe, final test, and bin sort
  • Understand test time optimization strategies such as pattern flow sequencing to minimize unnecessary power cycles
OSAT and Supplier Coordination
  • Serve as the primary test engineering interface with OSAT partners and test houses
  • Manage test program handoff to OSAT including documentation, qualification, and acceptance criteria
  • Coordinate pattern delivery between design partners and OSAT to ensure format compatibility across STIL and SVF as required
  • Track and analyze yield data from probe and final test, escalate anomalies, and drive corrective actions
  • Support die traceability and OTP programming flows in production bin sort
  • Coordinate with supply chain and operations on test capacity planning and lot scheduling
Cross-Program Ownership
  • Own test engineering across multiple active chip programs simultaneously
  • Build scalable test infrastructure and documentation that carries forward to future programs
  • Contribute to DFT reviews, tapeout checklists, and test escape analysis
  • Help define and mature internal test engineering capabilities over time
What You Bring
Required
  • 5+ years of semiconductor test engineering experience in a fabless or IDM environment
  • Hands-on DFT experience including scan insertion, ATPG, MBIST, and JTAG boundary scan
  • Experience generating and validating STIL patterns and working with test pattern delivery packages
  • ATE test program development experience on Advantest or Teradyne platforms
  • Experience supporting wafer probe and final test at an OSAT or test house, including load board bringup
  • Familiarity with power sequencing requirements and DFT entry flows for ATE test program development
  • Ability to work directly with external design partners and OSAT suppliers to coordinate pattern delivery and test execution
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills - this role requires ongoing collaboration with external partners across multiple time zones
Preferred
  • Experience with embedded memory test including characterization and programming of non-volatile memory technologies
  • Exposure to high-speed serial interface test such as memory interfaces or camera and display interconnect protocols
  • Familiarity with DFT tools from major EDA vendors
  • Experience at a fabless startup or small team where test engineering scope is broad
  • Exposure to leading-edge process nodes at 28nm or below
  • Experience with ATE yield analysis and test time optimization
  • Scripting ability in Python or Perl for data analysis and test automation
  • Experience generating VCD from RTL simulation and porting to STIL format

We offer a competitive salary for this role, generally ranging from $150,000 to $190,000, along with meaningful equity and comprehensive benefits. The final compensation package will be based on your experience and location, with some flexibility to ensure we align with the right candidate.

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