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Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in California

Qualcomm

Hardware Platform Architect

San Diego, CA · On-site

$111.30K - $166.90K/yr

OR Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Engineering, or related field and 1+ year of Hardware Engineering or related work experience. OR PhD in Computer Science ...

Apple

Hardware Systems Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$152.40K - $201.10K/yr

... knowledge of engineering fundamentals Support Hardware teams in crafting the next-generation ... or Computer Engineering3+ years of hands-on experience in prototype work and functional ...

Apple

Hardware Systems Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$152.40K - $201.10K/yr

... knowledge of engineering fundamentals Support Hardware teams in crafting the next-generation ... or Computer EngineeringHands-on experience in prototype work and functional verification ...

Dapster, Inc

Lead Hardware Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120.80K - $159.10K/yr

Broad ownership of the hardware design, manufacturing and capabilities of the Dapster robots (we ... Excellent fluency in CAD/CAM tools, allowing the engineer to "think" with the tool. * Fluid ...

K2 Space

RF Hardware Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$115K - $200K/yr

Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or related ... Experience with software defined radio hardware development including high speed RF data converters ...

Nokia

Principal Hardware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering Practical understanding of ... As a Hardware Engineer in the IP Routing group, you will be responsible for the design of new ...

Apple

Hardware Systems Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$126.80K - $220.90K/yr

... Electrical or Computer Engineering Prior working experience with prototype hardware and/or ... development boards is helpful Developed automated test and measurement systems - Setup of ...

Nokia

Principal Hardware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

AR is where we tackle real-world problems with cutting-edge solutions, developing hardware ... Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering • ...

Qualcomm

Compute Hardware Applications Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131.10K - $173.10K/yr

Master's Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field. * 2+ years Hardware Design or Hardware Applications experience or related work experience. * Familiar ...

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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 Jun 3, 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 job?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 typical projects or tasks for entry-level computer hardware engineers?

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 is the salary of an entry level computer hardware engineer in the US?

An entry-level computer hardware engineer in the US typically earns between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on location, education, and industry. Starting salaries may increase with certifications, such as CompTIA or Cisco, and relevant internship experience.
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Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer jobs near you

Thermal Hardware Engineer (Passive & Active Control Systems)

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Thermal Hardware Engineer

Role and expectations:

The Thermal Hardware Engineer is the Responsible Engineer (RE) for the hardware design of vehicle thermal and fluid systems. This role encompasses the development of tubing, valves, pumps, MLI, thermal straps, thermal switches, phase change materials, etc., used in passive and active thermal control systems. Day-to-day responsibilities will be focused in CAD design, drawings, GD&T, manufacturing, testing, procurement, and analysis. This is a great opportunity to grow your engineering skills with exposure to all aspects of spacecraft analysis and design. A proactive problem-solving approach and commitment to meeting tight schedules are critical to supporting Varda's goals of expanding manufacturing capabilities and reentry systems.  

 Responsibilities

  • Conceive new thermal control concepts, assess feasibility, mitigate risk through test and analysis, and drive towards final hardware design.
  • Derive hardware requirements and perform initial design trades given open-ended problem statements and stakeholder input.
  • Work collaboratively with other spacecraft disciplines (payload, structures, avionics, software, integration, test, and operations) to design and develop thermal/fluid systems to meet vehicle requirements.
  • Evaluate the impact of hardware design decisions on packaging, thermal, environmental, and loads to ensure the best system-level solution.
  • Develop Thermal/Fluid hardware CAD design and drawings
  • Conduct component-level structural, thermal, and fluid analysis.
  • Inform manufacturing and integration of thermal/fluid hardware onto the vehicle.
  • Conduct component-level acceptance and qualification tests for the space environment.
  • Develop tooling to support hardware integration and testing.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline with 1+ years of experience applying engineering principles to design and develop thermal/fluid or mechanical systems.
  • Familiarity with 3D CAD skills (ideally NX) and experience translating models to production intent (detailed drawings, work instructions, etc.)
  • Strong heat transfer and stress first principles.
  • Ability to perform appropriate fluid, structural, and thermal analyses to demonstrate that a fluid system design meets requirements (e.g., hand calcs, Excel, Ansys, Femap, Nastran, COMSOL, etc.)
  • Experience in 0D and 1D thermal and/or fluid networks.
  • Familiarity working with fluid components, including valves, motors, pumps, etc..
  • Experience in MATLAB (or equivalent) for data processing and task automation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication
  • Eagerness to learn and work on hands-on hardware projects.
  • Ability to successfully respond to evolving requirements in a fast-moving organization
  • Excitement about making history at the forefront of both the space and pharmaceutical industries

Preferred Skills and Experience 

  • Experience typical spacecraft thermal control technologies (e.g., heat pipes, pumped fluid systems, thermal blankets, optical coatings, etc.)
  • Experience with aerospace hardware development practices, from concept to delivery (e.g., qualification testing practices, design for typical space environments, cleanliness, etc.).
  • Comfortable with hands-on assembly, fabrication, and machining of metallic parts.
  • A track record of taking ownership of projects and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.
  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline

 Salary Range: $115,000-145,000.00

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