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Contract Computer Engineer Jobs in Oakland, CA (NOW HIRING)

Protingent

Senior Staff CAD Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Senior Staff CAD Engineer with our client located in San Jose, CA. * We are looking for a senior IC EDA/CAD Engineer to own and advance our EDA design ...

Super Micro Computer

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Super Micro Computer, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance server and storage solutions. We ... Provide technical support to contract manufacturers, production teams, and customers during product ...

Super Micro Computer

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Super Micro Computer, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance server and storage solutions. We ... Provide technical support to contract manufacturers, production teams, and customers during product ...

Xoriant Corporation

CAD Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Duration: 6+ months contract Location: San Jose, CA (Onsite, 5 days/week) Description * Develop ... in CAD/EDA development or related engineering roles * Strong programming skills in Python ...

Basic Solutions

Be Seen First

Senior Electrical Engineer (Long Term Contract)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Electrical Engineer (Long Term Contract) Full-Time Opportunity with Basic Solutions Corp. ... Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience. ● Experience with schematic and board design ...

Saige Partners

Senior CAD Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90 - $100/hr

Position: Senior CAD Engineer (San Jose, CA) Job Overview: We are seeking a Senior IC EDA/CAD ... This is a W2 contract position and is not eligible for C2C or W2 referral candidates. Key ...

Astranis

CAD Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent ... CAD Engineer As an Astranis CAD Engineer you will design, develop, configure, and maintain ...

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 ... Support smooth product transfer to manufacturing, provide strong technical support to contract ...

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 ... Support smooth product transfer to manufacturing, provide strong technical support to contract ...

Uniquify

Technical Writer (contract)

San Jose, CA · On-site

... contract technical writer who can write high-quality documentation ... Qualifications BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field Understanding ...

Uniquify

Technical Writer (contract)

San Jose, CA · On-site

... contract technical writer who can write high-quality documentation ... Qualifications BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field Understanding ...

Dexian DISYS

Contract Hardware Engineer Sr.

San Jose, CA · On-site

$129K - $172K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience. 15+ years of hands-on experience in physical ...

CE2 Corporation

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Electrical CAD Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$73/hr

FT Contractor Berkeley, CA -onsite Pay Rate: $73 per hour Target start 8/17/26 - 1 year contract ... CAD software * Review and revise designs based on engineering feedback, design reviews, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Computer Engineer JobsContract Computer Engineer Jobs in Oakland, CA

Contract Computer Engineer information

See Oakland, CA salary details

$55.7K

$139.6K

$157.9K

How much do contract computer engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract computer engineer in Oakland, CA is $139,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,100.00 and $151,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are contract computer engineers still in demand?

Contract computer engineers remain in demand due to ongoing technology development, project-based work, and the need for specialized skills such as programming, systems design, and cybersecurity. Many organizations seek flexible staffing solutions, making contract roles a common option in the tech industry.

What are the common challenges faced by contract computer engineers when integrating into new teams or projects?

Contract computer engineers often need to quickly adapt to new work environments and team dynamics, which can be challenging given varying coding standards, project management tools, and company cultures. They may be expected to deliver results on tight timelines with less onboarding than permanent staff. Building effective communication with permanent team members and understanding project requirements rapidly is crucial for success. However, these challenges also provide opportunities to develop adaptability, broaden technical expertise, and expand professional networks.

What is the difference between Contract Computer Engineer vs Contract Software Developer?

AspectContract Computer EngineerContract Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering or related field, certifications like Cisco or CompTIABachelor's in Computer Science or Software Engineering, coding certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentHardware-focused settings, network infrastructure, embedded systemsApplication development, coding, software testing
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, manufacturing, telecommunicationsIT companies, software firms, startups
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles involving hardware and network systemsRoles focused on software development and coding

Contract Computer Engineers typically work on hardware, networking, and embedded systems, requiring specific engineering credentials. In contrast, Contract Software Developers focus on coding and application development. Both roles are contract-based, but they serve different technical needs within the tech industry.

What is a contract computer engineer?

A Contract Computer Engineer is a professional who is hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, test, and maintain computer systems or software. Unlike full-time employees, contract engineers typically work for a set period or until a specific project is completed. They may work independently or through staffing agencies and often bring specialized skills for short-term technical needs. This flexibility allows companies to address complex projects without long-term commitments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract computer engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Computer Engineer, you need a solid background in computer engineering principles, programming languages (such as C++, Python, or Java), and a relevant degree or certifications. Familiarity with industry-standard development tools, version control systems like Git, and possibly certifications such as CompTIA or Cisco are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and self-management are vital soft skills for success in contract-based roles. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering high-quality solutions independently and efficiently within varied client environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Engineer jobs in Oakland, CA?

The most popular types of Computer Engineer jobs in Oakland, CA are:

Contract Computer Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Computer Engineer job openings in Oakland, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,557 per year, or $67.1 per hour.

Senior Staff CAD Engineer

Protingent

San Jose, CA • On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Contractor

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description


Job Title: Senior Staff CAD Engineer
Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Senior Staff CAD Engineer with our client located in San Jose, CA.
Job Description:
  • We are looking for a senior IC EDA/CAD Engineer to own and advance our EDA design flows, IT infrastructure, and signoff methodologies.
  • You will be the technical authority on our EDA environment, setting up and maintaining advanced FinFET PDKs (e.g., 2nm or 3nm), Cadence analog/mixed-signal design flows, and digital implementation environments.
  • You will play a critical role in ensuring first-time-right silicon by developing, deploying, and supporting industry-standard backend signoff flows across RF, Analog, High-Speed IO, and Digital SoC chips.

Job Responsibilities:
  • PDK & Environment Setup: Install, qualify, and maintain advanced foundry PDKs (2nm/3nm FinFET nodes) and manage the use of the underlying IT infrastructure, compute clusters and grid utilization, license utilization.
  • Analog/Mixed-Signal Flow Development: Establish, optimize, and support the Cadence Design Systems front-to-back design environment (Virtuoso, Innovus) tailored for RF, analog, and high-speed IO interfaces.
  • Physical Verification & Signoff: Create, automate, and maintain robust chip-level and IP signoff flows using Siemens Calibre for DRC/LVS and Synopsys StarRC for parasitic extraction.
  • Advanced Reliability Verification: Deploy and support Electro-migration/IR-drop (EMIR) simulation flows and Programmable Electrical Rule Checking (PERC) to guarantee reliability at advanced nodes.
  • Automation & Support: Develop and maintain scripts and utilities that eliminate manual toil, standardize flows across projects, and reduce tool integration friction; act as the primary interface to EDA vendors for issue escalation and roadmap alignment.

Job Qualifications:
  • Education & Experience: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with 5+ years of hands-on IC CAD experience.
  • Advanced Node Expertise: Direct experience managing PDKs and signoff flows for advanced FinFET technologies (5nm, 3nm, or 2nm).
  • Tool Proficiency: Deep operational knowledge of Siemens Calibre (DRC, LVS, PERC), Synopsys StarRC, and the Cadence Virtuoso/Innovus ecosystem.
  • Scripting & Automation: Strong scripting ability in SKILL and Perl; working proficiency in Python, Tcl, and Bash/Shell for flow automation and tool integration.
  • Systems & Infrastructure: Solid command of Linux, experience with compute grid/cluster management (e.g., LSF, SGE), and version control systems (e.g., Perforce, ICManage).
Nice To Have:
  • Working knowledge of advanced node design challenges: multi-patterning, dummy fill effects, and layout-dependent effects (LDE) and DFM sign-off.
  • Background in custom layout or circuit design, allowing for deep empathy and effective collaboration with design engineers.
  • Familiarity with foundry engagement processes: design rule waiver requests, PDK issue reporting, and process qualification cycles.
  • Proactive problem-solving mindset with excellent communication skills to support a multi-disciplinary team.

Job Details:
  • Job Type: Contract
  • Pay Range: $65 - $75 an hour.
  • Location: San Jose, CA (Onsite).

Benefits Package: Protingent offers competitive salaries, insurance plan options (HDHP plan or POS plan), education/certification reimbursement, pre-tax commuter benefits, Paid Time Off (PTO), and an administered 401k plan.
About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation - from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We're passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.
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