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Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

Raytheon

Electrical Engineer II

Austin, TX

TS products are in engineering labs, in the field, and in factories and production testing ... Introduction or experience in common computer hardware interface and data protocols such as TCP/IP ...

Karls Technology

Be Seen First

Computer Technician

Austin, TX · On-site

$40K - $48K/yr

The Computer Technician position at our company is a mixture of a computer hardware technician and ... level computer systems engineer. Qualified candidates will: Possess a current CompTIA A ...

Graphcore

Staff Systems Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline. * Strong experience with server hardware architectures and board-level debugging.

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Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer information

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$50.6K

$144.9K

$194.8K

How much do freelance computer hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance computer hardware engineer in Austin, TX is $144,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,400.00 and $161,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer vs Computer Hardware Technician?

AspectFreelance Computer Hardware EngineerComputer Hardware Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+, Cisco), technical expertiseCertifications often required, such as CompTIA A+
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, project-based, remote or on-siteOn-site, repair shops, or corporate settings
Employer & IndustryClients across various industries, independent contractingCompanies, service centers, retail
Work FocusDesign, troubleshooting, consulting, custom hardware solutionsHardware installation, repair, maintenance

Freelance Computer Hardware Engineers focus on designing, troubleshooting, and consulting on hardware projects independently, often working remotely or on a per-project basis. In contrast, Computer Hardware Technicians primarily perform on-site repairs, maintenance, and installation tasks within organizations or repair shops. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope, work environment, and client interaction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Austin, TX? The most popular types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:
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Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Sr. Hardware Development Engineer, Gateway Failure Analysis (Starlink)

Sr. Hardware Development Engineer, Gateway Failure Analysis (Starlink)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

$109.90K - $146.70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 59 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, GATEWAY FAILURE ANALYSIS (STARLINK)
SpaceX is leveraging its experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation that provides fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, hundreds of gateway ground stations, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we're looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.
As a Sr. Hardware Development Engineer on Starlink, you'll contribute to the design, build, and test electronics for the world's largest network of ground stations, which function as an intermediary between the satellites and our end-users to ensure smooth data transfer and transmission. You will sit at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, thermal analysis, software, and antenna engineering - ultimately ensuring that our ground antenna hardware can withstand the harshest environmental conditions while maintaining reliable communication with millions of users on a global scale. This is an opportunity to work on cutting edge R&D technology, and some of the most complex applications of electrical and mechanical engineering in the industry.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, develop, and execute novel environmental, RF, mechanical, and electrical test solutions for our ground antenna electronics and payload
  • Perform detailed failure analysis of ground antenna hardware, identifying root causes of failures and implementing corrective actions
  • Select commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and/or design custom PCBAs to measure signals, apply flight-like loads, and power units under test
  • Hands-on support of hardware through design qualification, production ramp, and ground network rollout
  • Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (mechanical, thermal, software, test engineering, supply chain, silicon design) to deliver tightly integrated, high-performance hardware
  • Perform electrical bench testing of failures to replicate and inform mitigation of anomalies
  • Drive continual improvements to our designs by building physical and digital tools to analyze data collected both in the field and in the lab
  • Challenge assumptions and work to find simple solutions to complex problems

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other STEM discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or other STEM discipline
  • Experience with both electronics and mechanical design and analysis including knowledge of RF principles
  • Experience analyzing circuits and PCBAs, and developing functional test plans
  • Experience with test equipment and measurement techniques to verify and validate product requirements (oscilloscope, multimeter, electronic load, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, vector signal generator, source measurement unit, etc.)
  • Experience in environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, humidity, shock & vibration
  • Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++)
  • Thorough understanding of electronics reliability, manufacturing, and failure mechanisms
  • Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methods
  • Thorough understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines
  • Occasional travel to ground network sites to support root cause investigations

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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