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Computer Hardware Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Desktop Support Specialist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$55K - $68K/yr

Provide technical assistance with computer hardware and software Resolve issues for clients via phone, in person, or electronically Recommend hardware and software improvements Track customer issues ...

New

CDW

Computer Repair Technician - Contract

Vernon, CA

$26 - $32/hr

Troubleshoot customer hardware or software issues while ensuring proper procedures are followed * Set up, repair, or replace computer hardware and associated devices as needed * Follow all QC ...

Kratos Defense

Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA

$127K - $168K/yr

Hardware may refer to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, networking systems/components and related equipment such as keyboards, modems, and printers. Support identification of hardware ...

Super Micro Computer

$117K/yr

The ideal candidate will work with engineers and technical writers to compose and revise user manuals for computer hardware, quick reference guides, software manuals and other documentation as ...

Super Micro Computer

Technical Writer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$107K - $117K/yr

The ideal candidate will work with engineers and technical writers to compose and revise user manuals for computer hardware, quick reference guides, software manuals and other documentation as ...

Super Micro Computer

Technical Writer

San Jose, CA

$117K/yr

The ideal candidate will work with engineers and technical writers to compose and revise user manuals for computer hardware, quick reference guides, software manuals and other documentation as ...

femtoAI

Hardware Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$147K - $194K/yr

As a Hardware Engineer, you will join femtoAI's hardware team to help design and build our novel ... Strong foundation in digital design, computer architecture, and VLSI through coursework or projects

Super Micro Computer

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$148K - $165K/yr

Super Micro Computer is a global leader in end-to-end computing and high-performance networking solutions. We are seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to join our talented design team. In this role ...

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$12

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$42

How much do computer hardware jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer hardware in California is $21.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are computer hardware jobs?

Computer hardware jobs involve designing, installing, maintaining, and repairing physical components of computers and related devices, such as motherboards, processors, memory, and storage. These roles often require technical skills, knowledge of hardware troubleshooting, and certifications like CompTIA A+; they may be performed in repair shops, data centers, or manufacturing environments.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Computer Hardware Job?

The qualifications that you need to start a career in computer hardware depend on your career plans and potential job responsibilities. A hardware designer or engineer may want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering. To become a computer hardware technician, you may need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, but most employers accept an associate’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or information technology. You may wish to earn an associate degree in computer repair to learn repair skills for both hardware and software.

What are computer hardware professionals?

Computer hardware professionals are specialists who design, develop, test, and maintain the physical components of computers and related systems. Their work involves creating and improving devices such as processors, memory modules, circuit boards, and peripheral equipment. They often collaborate with software engineers to ensure compatibility and optimal system performance. These professionals may work in roles such as hardware engineers, technicians, or support specialists in various industries.

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 strong background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and computer architecture, often supported by a bachelor's degree in computer or electrical engineering. Familiarity with hardware description languages (HDL), CAD tools, and testing equipment is typically required, along with certifications like CompTIA A+ or Cisco certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing, testing, and optimizing reliable hardware components that meet evolving technology demands.

What are the 4 main types of hardware?

In computer hardware, the four main types are input devices (like keyboards and mice), output devices (such as monitors and printers), storage devices (including hard drives and SSDs), and processing units (primarily the CPU). Understanding these components is essential for hardware technicians and computer hardware specialists when assembling, troubleshooting, or upgrading systems.

What is the difference between Computer Hardware vs Computer Support Specialist?

AspectComputer HardwareComputer Support Specialist
Primary FocusDesign, assemble, and repair physical computer componentsAssist users with software, hardware issues, and troubleshooting
Required SkillsHardware installation, troubleshooting, technical knowledge of componentsCustomer service, problem-solving, basic hardware and software knowledge
Work EnvironmentRepair shops, manufacturing, IT departmentsHelp desks, support centers, corporate IT teams
CertificationsCompTIA A+, Cisco certificationsCompTIA A+, Microsoft certifications

While both roles involve working with computer systems, Computer Hardware specialists focus on physical components, repairs, and assembly. In contrast, Computer Support Specialists assist users with both hardware and software issues, providing troubleshooting and technical support. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some computer jobs that pay well?

Computer hardware roles such as hardware engineers, network architects, and systems administrators tend to offer high salaries, especially with specialized skills and certifications like Cisco or CompTIA. These jobs often require technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and experience with tools like diagnostic software and network infrastructure. Salaries vary by experience and location but generally rank among the higher-paying positions in the tech industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in computer hardware roles?

Professionals in computer hardware roles often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving technology, troubleshooting complex hardware issues, and ensuring compatibility between components. They must also balance the need for performance and cost-effectiveness when designing or recommending hardware solutions. Additionally, collaborating with software teams to resolve integration issues and adhering to strict production deadlines are common aspects of the job.

What are 5 examples of computer hardware?

Computer hardware includes physical components such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory modules (RAM), storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives, motherboards that connect all parts, and input/output devices such as keyboards, mice, and monitors. These components are essential for building, repairing, or maintaining computers and are often handled by computer hardware technicians. Knowledge of these parts is important for troubleshooting and system assembly.
More about Computer Hardware jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Hardware jobs in California? The most popular types of Computer Hardware jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Computer Hardware jobs in California? For Computer Hardware jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Hardware jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Hardware jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Computer Hardware jobs? Cities in California with the most Computer Hardware job openings:
Computer Hardware jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Hardware job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,877 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Associate General Counsel, Hardware IP

Associate General Counsel, Hardware IP

OpenAI

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$347K - $385K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About the Team
OpenAI's Legal team plays a crucial role in furthering OpenAI's mission by tackling innovative, fundamental legal issues in AI. If you're passionate about doing significant and unique work as a technology lawyer, this team is for you. The team comprises legal professionals from diverse fields, including technology, privacy, IP, corporate, cybersecurity, employment, tax, regulatory, and litigation.
About the Role
We're growing our world-class Legal team and seek an experienced counsel to lead our global hardware IP portfolio initiatives, including patent, trademark and other intellectual property matters related to our business. This role is highly cross-functional across OpenAI, including work across our Legal, Communications, Global Affairs, Product, Research and Executive teams.
This role is based in San Francisco, CA. We use a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week and offer relocation assistance to new employees.
In this role, you will:
  • Own global hardware IP initiatives, including setting and executing on the strategic direction and management of our hardware IP portfolio.
  • Create scalable processes internally and externally with outside counsel to build, maintain and protect our hardware IP portfolio.
  • Developing and maintaining internal hardware IP policies and programs.
  • Engaging externally on hardware IP policy issues.
  • Advising on strategic hardware IP deals.
  • Advising on hardware IP issues, ranging from patent, trademark, trade secret to open source.
  • Developing and building internal AI expertise, processes and tools to facilitate legal team work.
  • Experience advising on complex technology transactions and inbound technology licensing.

You might thrive in this role if you:
  • Have at least 10+ years of combined hardware IP experience at innovative technology companies and law firms.
  • Have a JD and license or qualification to practice in CA.
  • Have a strong sense of ownership, are inquisitive and enthusiastic about technology, enjoy being continually challenged, and can demonstrate sound judgment in ambiguous situations.

About OpenAI
OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. We push the boundaries of the capabilities of AI systems and seek to safely deploy them to the world through our products. AI is an extremely powerful tool that must be created with safety and human needs at its core, and to achieve our mission, we must encompass and value the many different perspectives, voices, and experiences that form the full spectrum of humanity.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristic.
For additional information, please see OpenAI's Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.
Background checks for applicants will be administered in accordance with applicable law, and qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment consistent with those laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, for US-based candidates. For unincorporated Los Angeles County workers: we reasonably believe that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: protect computer hardware entrusted to you from theft, loss or damage; return all computer hardware in your possession (including the data contained therein) upon termination of employment or end of assignment; and maintain the confidentiality of proprietary, confidential, and non-public information. In addition, job duties require access to secure and protected information technology systems and related data security obligations.
To notify OpenAI that you believe this job posting is non-compliant, please submit a report through this form. No response will be provided to inquiries unrelated to job posting compliance.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, and requests can be made via this link.
OpenAI Global Applicant Privacy Policy
At OpenAI, we believe artificial intelligence has the potential to help people solve immense global challenges, and we want the upside of AI to be widely shared. Join us in shaping the future of technology.

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