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Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Computer Hardware Technician

Jackson, MS · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As a Field Engineer 3, you will perform activities associated with installing, diagnosing ... Computer hardware set up, basic hardware and software troubleshooting stills * Provides support for ...

Computer Hardware Technician

Warwick, RI · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

As a Field Engineer 3, you will perform activities associated with installing, diagnosing ... Computer hardware set up, basic hardware and software troubleshooting stills * Provides support for ...

Computer Hardware Technician

Groton, CT · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

As a Field Engineer 3, you will perform activities associated with installing, diagnosing ... Computer hardware set up, basic hardware and software troubleshooting stills * Provides support for ...

Computer Hardware Technician

Warwick, RI · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

As a Field Engineer 3, you will perform activities associated with installing, diagnosing ... Computer hardware set up, basic hardware and software troubleshooting stills * Provides support for ...

Computer Hardware Technician

Jackson, MS · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

As a Field Engineer 3, you will perform activities associated with installing, diagnosing ... Computer hardware set up, basic hardware and software troubleshooting stills * Provides support for ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer information

See salary details

$51K

$146.2K

$196.5K

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

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance computer hardware engineer in the United States is $146,230.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,500.00 and $163,000.00 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.

Can a freelance computer hardware engineer work from home?

Yes, freelance computer hardware engineers can often work from home by designing, troubleshooting, and consulting remotely. However, they may need access to specialized tools, hardware components, or on-site visits for certain tasks, which can influence the extent of remote work possible.

How much do freelance computer hardware engineers get paid?

Freelance computer hardware engineers typically earn between $30 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, specialization, and project complexity. Rates can vary based on geographic location, certifications, and the scope of work, with experienced professionals often charging higher fees for specialized skills such as PCB design or hardware troubleshooting.

Is there a demand for freelance computer hardware engineers?

Demand for freelance computer hardware engineers remains steady due to ongoing needs for custom hardware design, troubleshooting, and system integration across various industries. Skills in circuit design, hardware testing, and familiarity with tools like CAD software increase employability, especially as companies seek flexible, project-based expertise. The freelance market is influenced by technological advancements and the growth of remote consulting opportunities.
More about Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer job openings:

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

The most popular types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer jobs?

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For Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,230 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Principal / Sr. Principal Computer Hardware Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal / Sr. Principal Computer Hardware Engineer to join the F-35 Mission Systems team. This position is located onsite in Redondo Beach, CA.

The selected candidate will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining computer system hardware racks and workstations that are used by the F-35 software developers to accomplish their software development and delivery tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Build rack mounted and workstation HPE systems using available frames and motherboards, CPUs, memory, and disks.
  • Design, construct, and maintain computer racks consisting of HPE systems, switches and firewalls, tape libraries, and other needed peripherals in a professional manner for both classified and unclassified environments.
  • Design and implement safe networking strategies between the enterprise network and our F35 project network, and among the various developer workstations.
  • Load and configure all rack-mounted systems and peripherals and developer workstations per project requirements.
  • Produce professional drawings of the F35 developer network.
  • Investigate, install, and maintain other software products as required.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule, phenomenal learning opportunities, and a very friendly team environment

This requisition may be filled at either a Principal Computer Hardware Engineer level 3 or a Sr. Principal Computer Hardware Engineer level 4

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Computer Hardware Engineer (level 3):

  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 years of related engineering experience.
  • Prior professional experience constructing and maintaining computer hardware racks and workstations for unclassified and classified environments.
  • Prior professional experience with software loading and administration of racked systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to investigate and solve configuration issues related to the use of various software tools.
  • Prior professional experience with the installation and configuration of network switches and firewalls.
  • Working familiarity with Linux system administration.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Basic Qualifications for a Sr. Principal Computer Hardware Engineer (level 4):

  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience.
  • Prior professional experience constructing and maintaining computer hardware racks and workstations for unclassified and classified environments.
  • Prior professional experience with software loading and administration of racked systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to investigate and solve configuration issues related to the use of various software tools.
  • Prior professional experience with the installation and configuration of network switches and firewalls.
  • Working familiarity with Linux system administration.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications for both a Principal and Sr. Principal Computer Hardware Engineer:

  • Familiarity with configuration and administration of SUSE Linux, LDAP, and Samba.
  • Familiarity with Lynx OS real-time software.
  • Familiarity with LDRA and Coverity security scanning tools.
  • Experience setting up FlexLM license manager servers.
  • Experience selecting needed hardware and software from vendors and working with a purchasing department to acquire the identified products.
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939