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Computer Hardware Engineers Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Engineer

Foster City, CA ยท 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 ...

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท 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 ...

Hardware Engineering

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

Hardware System Engineer Location: San Jose, CA - onsite Minimum qualifications: ยท Bachelor ... or Computer Engineering with system-level development experience, preferably in the server ...

Hardware Staff Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $173K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 4+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience. OR Master's degree in ...

Hardware Staff Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $173K/yr

OR PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 2+ years of Hardware Engineering or related work experience. Preferred Qualifications: * Masters ...

Hardware Quality Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Collaborate with operations, hardware, engineering, supply chain, and vendors to resolve quality ... Experience in the machine learning / AI infrastructure / GPU / HPC / computer hardware industry

Hardware Quality Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Collaborate with operations, hardware, engineering, supply chain, and vendors to resolve quality ... Experience in the machine learning / AI infrastructure / GPU / HPC / computer hardware industry

Showing results 41-60

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.

Hardware Engineer

Vertex Sigma Software

Foster City, CA โ€ข On-site

$143K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Hardware Engineer, Test DevelopmentOnsite in Foster City \ 5 days in officeAs a hardware engineer you will be responsible for developing, documenting and executing component and system-level hardware testing. You will collaborate with suppliers, design and system engineers to characterize the functional performance sense and compute hardware. You will be responsible for development testing on early prototypes and qualification testing on modules intended for vehicle use. Projects range from interface compliance testing to developing purpose built tools. We are looking for someone who’s enthusiastic, innovative, a self-starter, and willing to take on the challenges to work with us as an exceptional hardware engineer.ResponsibilitiesTest ExecutionUse oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and other electrical/environmental test equipmentDevelop test setups via block diagrams, BoMs and test plansTest Infrastructure DevelopmentDevelop custom test assets such as load simulators, test harnessing and python scriptsFacilitate test infrastructure projects by working with procurement and suppliersDocumentationDraft and present Test Plans, Design Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews and Data ReviewsReview and consult on documentation release for standards, design, and risk assessmentsQualificationsB.S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar discipline4+ years of professional, relevant work experience2+ years in electronics developmentExperience with testing electronic, automotive, aerospace, or vehicle componentsExperience with Design tools PCBA: Altium preferred3D Modeling: 3DExperience or Catia preferredExperience in using lab equipment (Environmental Chambers, Oscilloscopes, E-loads, VNA, TDR, and spectrum analyzer)Experience with Ubuntu and PythonBonus QualificationsM.S. or Ph.D. in Engineering or similar disciplineTeam/club competitions (e.g. SAE, FIRST, DARPA)Systems and networking foundational knowledge (systems architecture, memory hierarchy, storage subsystems, LANs, routing)Experience with: Ethernet switching chipsets (i.e. Broadcom, Marvell), PCIe, CAN ComplianceSimulation Tools (Ansys preferred)Common bus protocols (SPI, I2C, MDIO)Process/Tool Familiarity with:Data Acquisition systems (UEI and/or Keysight preferred)Requirement-Test Case management tools (Polarion preferred)Atlassian software products (Jira/Confluence)

Benefits

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

Training & Development

Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)

Free breakfast and lunch