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Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in California

Lambda

Hardware Quality Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Collaborate with operations, hardware, engineering, supply chain, and vendors to resolve quality ... Experience in the machine learning / AI infrastructure / GPU / HPC / computer hardware industry

Recruitment.ai

Hardware System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

Hardware System Engineer Location: San Jose, CA - onsite Your impact: * Lead system design for ... Bachelor's, Master''s or PhD degree in Electronic or Computer Engineering with system-level ...

iXsystems

Server Hardware Engineer

Campbell, CA · On-site +1

$100K - $110K/yr

Support field issue investigations, and help root-cause analysis for hardware failures Education and Experience * BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. * 2-3 ...

Neura Market

Hardware Quality Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Collaborate with operations, hardware, engineering, supply chain, and vendors to resolve quality ... Experience in the machine learning / AI infrastructure / GPU / HPC / computer hardware industry

K2 Space

RF Hardware Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$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 ...

TrueNAS

Server Hardware Engineer

Campbell, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Support field issue investigations, and help root-cause analysis for hardware failures Education and Experience * BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. * 2-3 ...

iXsystems

Server Hardware Engineer

Campbell, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Support field issue investigations, and help root-cause analysis for hardware failures Education and Experience * BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. * 2-3 ...

Etched

Hardware Validation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * Proven experience with hardware validation, lab testing, and PCB-level debugging * Strong ...

Etched

Hardware Validation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * Proven experience with hardware validation, lab testing, and PCB-level debugging * Strong ...

Dapster, Inc

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 ...

Etched

Hardware Validation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field * Proven experience with hardware validation, lab testing, and PCB-level debugging * Strong ...

Apple

Hardware Systems Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$129K - $225K/yr

Preferred Qualifications Masters Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering Prior working experience with prototype hardware and/or development boards is helpful Developed automated test and ...

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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 Aug 22, 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:

Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Computer Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,594 per year, or $69 per hour.

Hardware Engineer (founding) (San Francisco)

Needl

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$380K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Base pay range

$250–380k

Needl Owner - Helping tech startups scale

Founding Hardware Engineer (Stealth Robotics Startup)

About Us

We’re a tiny, fast-moving team building autonomous systems for heavy industrial machines. We retrofit existing equipment with a plug-and-play autonomy kit that taps directly into machine controls and layers on a full perception + connectivity stack: multi-sensor vision, LiDAR, high-precision GNSS, IMU, and a low-latency tele-operation network.

In just a few months, we’ve gone from first prototype to real machines operating on active job sites, with early recurring revenue and a growing pipeline of paid pilots. We’re backed by top-tier early-stage investors along with a group of founder-operators who know what it takes to build in the real world.

Our founding team has built and shipped hardware, software, and robotics systems before. We thrive where physical machinery, harsh environments, and rapid iteration collide.

Why Join Us
  • You want to work on problems that actually matter — fixing how the world builds things. Construction is the backbone of civilization, and it’s currently broken. We’re here to change that.
  • You don’t want a cushy robotics lab job. You want to build robots in the mud, on real sites, under real constraints. You’d rather spend a week living out of a dusty RV next to a machine you’re debugging than polishing a slide deck.
  • You want to see your designs move 20–50 tons of real hardware. You want to feel the stakes.
  • You want teammates who operate at founder-level intensity and ownership.
About You
  • You’re a hacker at heart — the kind of person who gets a prototype working before most people finish their planning doc.
  • You’ve built something from scratch: a company, a product, a robot, a system — success not required, agency absolutely required.
  • You work extremely hard, laugh often, and don’t mind chaos. You prefer “figure it out now” to “wait for perfect requirements.”
What You’ll Own

As a founding Hardware / Mechatronics Engineer, you’ll design and build the core systems that enable remote operation, sensing, and autonomy assistance on industrial machines. You’ll work across mechanical, electrical, and embedded disciplines, often all in the same day.

System Design & Prototyping
  • Architect and build tele-operation hardware systems, including power, compute, and control modules for machine retrofits.
Sensor Integration
  • Integrate and calibrate cameras, LiDAR, radar, GNSS, IMUs, and other sensors using interfaces like GMSL, CAN, and Ethernet.
Electrical & Mechanical Integration
  • Design robust wiring harnesses, brackets, mounts, and enclosures that survive real-world abuse.
Communication Interfaces
  • Implement and validate CAN, LIN, J1939, Serial, and Ethernet connections with both existing ECUs and custom control hardware.
Manufacturing & DFM
  • Work with vendors to bring designs from scrappy prototypes to reliable production, including DFM, testing, and validation.
Testing & Validation
  • Lead machine bring-up, HIL testing, and on-site debugging alongside software and autonomy engineers.
Documentation & Design
  • Produce schematics, harness drawings, CAD models, assembly docs, and anything else needed to build and scale the hardware.
Compensation & Support
  • Base: ~$250–380k
  • Equity: ~1–3%
  • Full health/dental/vision, relocation + visa support, downtown SF workspace with full electronics/mech prototyping tools, 401(k), high-spec laptop, and budget for any gear you need.
Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Engineering and Information Technology

Industry

Construction

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