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Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in California

... 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 ...

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 ...

Computer Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$118K - $139K/yr

Computer hardware and software engineers' research, design, develop, and test computer hardware and software programs. * Hardware refers to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and ...

Computer Engineer I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$118K - $139K/yr

Computer hardware and software engineers' research, design, develop, and test computer hardware and software programs. * Hardware refers to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and ...

Computer Engineer I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$118K - $139K/yr

Computer hardware and software engineers' research, design, develop, and test computer hardware and software programs. * Hardware refers to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and ...

Hardware Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The Arlo Smart Home Device team is seeking an entry-level Hardware Engineer. We are looking for a new or recent EE graduate who is interested in a very hands-on position working within a team ...

Computer Engineer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$118K - $139K/yr

Computer hardware and software engineers' research, design, develop, and test computer hardware and software programs. * Hardware refers to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and ...

Hardware Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The Arlo Smart Home Device team is seeking an entry-level Hardware Engineer. We are looking for a new or recent EE graduate who is interested in a very hands-on position working within a team ...

Hardware Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering ... Hardware subsystem design and validation; and Image Quality Metrics Development in Python or C+

Hardware Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$145K - $192K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering ... Hardware subsystem design and validation; and Image Quality Metrics Development in Python or C

RF Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

In this role, the Hardware engineer is mainly responsible for collaborating with cross functional ... Working Closely with cross functional team including mechanical, CAD, Component engineering ...

RF Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

In this role, the Hardware engineer is mainly responsible for collaborating with cross functional ... Working Closely with cross functional team including mechanical, CAD, Component engineering ...

Hardware Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

YOUR MISSION As a hardware engineer, you'll get to re-imagine and design hardware for our fleet of ... CAD software design package (e.g. Solidworks, Onshape, Fusion 360) * 2+ years of experience in ...

Hardware Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$145K - $192K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering ... Design and execute sophisticated system-level experiments to ensure hardware robustness against ...

Visiting Hardware Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$118K - $139K/yr

Visiting Hardware Engineer Responsibilities: * Robot repair and maintenance: Diagnose and repair ... Operate 3D printing software (e.g., slicer tools, CAD viewers) to produce replacement and custom ...

Overview Synaptics is looking for a Hardware Engineer, ATE to join our growing organization. You ... Bachelor's degree in Electronics, Telecommunication, or Computer-Science or related field or ...

About the Role As a software engineer on the Scaling team, you'll help build and optimize the low ... return all computer hardware in your possession (including the data contained therein) upon ...

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Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer information

See California salary details

$108.1K

$143.6K

$176.2K

How much do entry level computer hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level computer hardware engineer 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 an entry level computer hardware engineer?

An Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer designs, tests, and develops computer hardware components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, and peripherals. They work under the guidance of senior engineers to improve system performance and troubleshoot hardware issues. Their responsibilities may also include collaborating with software engineers to ensure compatibility between hardware and software. Typically, they are employed by technology companies, hardware manufacturers, or research institutions. This role requires a background in electrical or computer engineering and proficiency in hardware design tools.

What are typical projects or tasks for an entry level computer hardware engineer?

Entry-level computer hardware engineers are often involved in tasks such as assisting in the design and testing of circuit boards, performing system integration, and supporting senior engineers with troubleshooting and validation. They may also be responsible for documenting test results, updating schematics, and conducting research on new components or technologies. Team members frequently work together to prototype hardware solutions, address technical challenges, and ensure products meet performance and safety standards. This collaborative environment provides valuable on-the-job learning and exposure to the full hardware development lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level computer hardware engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer, you need a solid understanding of digital and analog circuits, computer architecture, and a bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with hardware design tools like Verilog/VHDL, PCB layout software, and proficiency in using oscilloscopes or logic analyzers are often required, along with relevant internships or lab experience. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help individuals excel in this role. These competencies ensure you can contribute to the design, testing, and troubleshooting of hardware systems while collaborating smoothly with multidisciplinary teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 72% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,594 per year, or $69 per hour.

Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA

Kratos Defense
National Security and International Affairs • 1 - 5K employees

$115K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Kratos Defense and Rocket Support Service is seeking an enthusiastic, versatile, and resourceful Hardware Engineer to work in San Diego, CA. You will be a member of a small team at a U.S. Navy lab required to support research, design, development, test, and oversee the installation of hardware while supervising its manufacture and installation.  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 problems and problem resolution, preparation of engineering plans and technical documentation and may participate in configuration management activities. You will also be required to interface with customers, other labs, and other program members in other disciplines (i.e., Systems Engineering; Cyber Security; Scheduling; etc.). You must be innovative and willing to tackle challenging situations to meet the customer's specific requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Research, design, develop, test, and oversee the installation of hardware and supervise its manufacture and installation
  • Prepare engineering plans
  • Support contractual obligations
  • Identify various hardware problems and assist in the resolution
  • Willingness to travel, as required
  • Support Engineering and other meetings, as required
  • Meeting coordination, preparation, and participation activities to include development of briefings, agendas, and minutes, preparation and distribution of meeting invites, and other relevant material

Required Experience:

  • Minimum of one year of experience with lab testing to include but not limited to Confidence and include Regression Testing
  • Experience with the administration and operation of hardware and software to include: Redhat operating systems, VMware computer platforms, Windows Server operating systems, Amino Set Top Boxes (STB), ViaSAT crypto
  • Experience with the administration and operation of Windows operating systems, Wireshark, VLC player, Solarwinds, Crystal Computer, Germain Computer, Alcatel Switch, and Crystal switch as they relate to Global Broadcast Service (GBS)
  • Experience with supporting internet protocol network and routing configuration on GBS related hardware and software, to include broadcast, multicast, transmission control protocols, and file transfer protocols
  • Good writing skills and experience with development and updates of test plans, procedures, reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and user guides

Basic Qualifications:

  • U.S Citizen with Minimum SECRET Clearance
  • Bachelor of Science or higher from an accredited college in an applicable discipline such as Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or Computer Engineering
  • Knowledge of various types of hardware (computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, etc.)
  • Hardware installation
  • Problem solving skills
  • Experience leading the design, installation, maintenance, and management of complex network systems
  • Experience in broad and diverse background in business analysis, applications/systems engineering, and information operations and architectures.
  • Must have excellent problem-solving skills
  • Must be organized and self-motivated
  • Must possess strong communication skills
  • Must thrive in fast-paced environment
  • Intermediate knowledge and experience with MS Office suite, specifically MS Word, PowerPoint, Visio, and Excel. Project a plus

Preferred Qualifications:

  • GBS hardware and software
  • Demonstrate experience with GBS fielding and sustainment support. Demonstrate experience with Test and Evaluation (T&E) with GBS and Split Internet Protocol systems
  • Demonstrate experience performing T&E of software on Windows 10, Windows 7, and RedHat Enterprise Linux systems or show certifications in related technology
  • Demonstrate relatable experience working in computer lab environments
  • Demonstrate experience working with Shipboard Networks such as Consolidated Afloat Network and Enterprise Services (CANES) and Integrated Shipboard Network System (ISNS)
  • Demonstrate experience with test and evaluation of internet networking protocols to include but not limited to multicast, unicast, and broadcast data
  • Demonstrate technical writing experience
  • Experience providing test engineering support
  • Desired 2 years of experience testing software at system integration level

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