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Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in California

Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with ... Foundational knowledge of computer architecture (CPU, memory, storage, networking) * Basic ...

HPC Hardware Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$95K - $161K/yr

Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with ... Foundational knowledge of computer architecture (CPU, memory, storage, networking) * Basic ...

HPC Hardware Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$95K - $161K/yr

Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with ... Foundational knowledge of computer architecture (CPU, memory, storage, networking) * Basic ...

Hardware Platform Architect

San Diego, CA · On-site

$111K - $166K/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 ...

Hardware Systems Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$152K - $201K/yr

... or Computer Engineering Hands-on experience in prototype work and functional verification ... with prototype hardware and/or development boards is helpful Developed automated test and ...

Hardware Development Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$134K - $177K/yr

As a hardware engineer, you will be part of a project team you will work alongside Senior ... Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related fields - Knowledge of material and ...

Server Hardware Engineer

Campbell, CA · On-site +1

$100K - $110K/yr

Lead or support field issue investigations, delivering root-cause analysis for hardware failures in customer data centers Education and Experience * BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer ...

Lead Hardware Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$180K - $260K/yr

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

Hardware System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$152K - $201K/yr

Minimum Qualifications BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field. 2+ years in hardware systems design Design of complex system architectures with strong electrical ...

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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 Jul 11, 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 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 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $143,594 per year, or $69 per hour.
HPC Hardware Engineer

HPC Hardware Engineer

Kla

Milpitas, CA

$95K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world's leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow's electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The LS-SWIFT Division of KLA's Global Products Group provides patterned wafer inspection systems for high-volume semiconductor manufacturing. Its mission is to deliver market-leading cost of ownership in defect detection for a broad range of applications in the production of semiconductors. Customers from the foundry, logic, memory, automotive, MEMS, advanced packaging and other markets rely upon high-sample wafer inspection information generated by LS-SWIFT products. LS (Laser Scanning) systems enable cost-effective patterned wafer defect detection for the industry's most sophisticated process technologies deployed in leading-edge foundry, logic, DRAM, and NAND fabs. SWIFT (Simultaneous Wafer Inspection at Fast Throughput) systems deliver all-wafer-surface (frontside, backside, and edge) macro inspection that is critical for automotive IC, MEMS, and advanced packaging processes as well as foundry/logic and memory fabs. LS-SWIFT operates from a global footprint that includes the US, Singapore, India and Germany, and serves a worldwide customer base across Asia, Europe and North America.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Key Responsibilities
  • Design & configure HPC clusters- Support development of compute cluster architectures optimized for performance, scalability, and reliability
  • Select & validate hardware- Assist with component selection (CPU, memory, storage, networking) and support bring-up, testing, and troubleshooting
  • System integration- Help integrate clusters into larger product systems in collaboration with cross-functional teams
  • Performance & system support- Contribute to benchmarking, system tuning, and resolving hardware/software interaction issues
  • Cross-functional collaboration- Work closely with software, manufacturing, and service teams during development and deployment
  • Documentation & process support- Document designs, procedures, and troubleshooting steps; contribute to engineering best practices
Preferred Qualifications
  • Exposure to HPC, distributed systems, or server platforms
  • Experience with basic Linux system administration or scripting (Python, Bash)
  • Familiarity with hardware troubleshooting or system integration
  • Understanding of performance benchmarking and system optimization concepts
  • Internship or project experience involving system design or cluster environments

Minimum Qualifications

  • Foundational knowledge of computer architecture (CPU, memory, storage, networking)
  • Basic understanding of Linux systems and operating system concepts
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment
  • Master's Level Degree and 0 years related work experience; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 2 years
Base Pay Range: $95,000.00 - $161,500.00 AnnuallyPrimary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLAKLA's total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us attalent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA's Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.