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Freelance Hardware Verification Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Semtech

Silicon Validation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

The Hardware Verification Engineer will create test plans, run and analyze lab measurements, author characterization reports, and contribute to overall verification coverage closure. The role ...

Teradyne

Hardware Verification Engineer

North Reading, MA · On-site

$67 - $108/hr

Hardware Verification Engineer (Defense & Aerospace, North Reading, MA) Date: Aug 5, 2026 Location: North Reading, MA, US Hardware Verification Engineer (Defense & Aerospace; North Reading, MA ...

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Teradyne

Hardware Verification Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$132K - $212K/yr

Opportunity Overview Our product integration and verification group is seeking a highly motivated and energetic Hardware Verification Engineer with a background in digital hardware technology, test ...

Teradyne

Hardware Verification Engineer

Agoura Hills, CA

$132K - $212K/yr

Opportunity Overview Our product integration and verification group is seeking a highly motivated and energetic Hardware Verification Engineer with a background in digital hardware technology, test ...

Ralliant

Hardware Verification Engineer (Solon)

Solon, OH · On-site

$114K - $151K/yr

Hardware Verification Engineer Location: Solon, OH Purpose of Position Tektronix is seeking an entry-level Hardware Verification Engineer to join our team and support the testing of our Precision DC ...

Baya Systems

Hardware Verification Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$159K - $195K/yr

DESIGN VERIFICATION ENGINEER SANTA CLARA, CA We are seeking a seasoned Design Verification designer with a strong background in building testbenches and writing test sequences for complex IPs. The ...

Baya Systems

Hardware Verification Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

DESIGN VERIFICATION ENGINEER AUSTIN, TX We are seeking a seasoned Design Verification designer with a strong background in building testbenches and writing test sequences for complex IPs. The ideal ...

Baya Systems

Hardware Verification Engineer

Austin, TX

$134K - $164K/yr

DESIGN VERIFICATION ENGINEER AUSTIN, TX We are seeking a seasoned Design Verification designer with a strong background in building testbenches and writing test sequences for complex IPs. The ideal ...

Semtech

Verification

San Diego, CA · On-site

$144K/yr

Hardware Verification Engineer Location: San Diego, CA - Hybrid: 4 days in office, Friday remote Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for high-end ...

Qualcomm

Verification Hardware Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$115.60 - $173.40/hr

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Hardware Verification Engineer to join our dynamic and fast‑paced team. In this role, you will be responsible for verifying complex digital designs ...

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Freelance Hardware Verification Engineer information

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$80K

$142.6K

$203.5K

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance hardware verification engineer in the United States is $142,619.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,000.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance hardware verification engineer?

Freelance Hardware Verification Engineers are independent professionals who specialize in testing and validating the functionality, performance, and reliability of hardware components and systems. They use specialized tools and methodologies, such as simulation, formal verification, and testbenches, to ensure that hardware designs meet specified requirements and industry standards. Working on a contract or project basis, these engineers may collaborate with semiconductor companies, electronics manufacturers, or design firms to identify and fix design flaws before products go to market.

How does a freelance hardware verification engineer typically collaborate with design teams during a project?

As a Freelance Hardware Verification Engineer, effective collaboration with design teams is essential throughout the verification process. You'll often participate in regular virtual meetings to discuss design specifications, clarify requirements, and report on testing progress. Clear communication is key, as you will need to provide feedback on potential design issues, suggest improvements, and ensure that verification aligns with the project timeline. Building a strong rapport with both local and remote teams helps streamline issue resolution and accelerates project milestones.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance hardware verification engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Hardware Verification Engineer, you need a deep understanding of digital design, verification methodologies (such as UVM or SystemVerilog), and experience with ASIC/FPGA verification, typically supported by an engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like ModelSim or VCS, scripting languages (Python, Perl), and version control systems is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with clients and managing independent projects. These skills ensure accurate verification, timely project delivery, and successful client relationships in a competitive freelance environment.

What is the difference between Freelance Hardware Verification Engineer vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectFreelance Hardware Verification EngineerHardware Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering, with certifications in verification toolsRequires a degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, often with design-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentIndependent or contract-based, often remote, working on verification projects for multiple clientsUsually employed full-time in corporate R&D or design teams, working on product development
Industry UsageCommon in semiconductor, electronics, and embedded systems industries for verification tasksUsed in semiconductor, consumer electronics, and hardware manufacturing for designing hardware components

The main difference is that Freelance Hardware Verification Engineers focus on testing and verifying hardware designs, often working independently on verification projects, while Hardware Design Engineers are involved in creating and developing hardware components within a company. Both roles require similar technical skills but differ in their responsibilities and work settings.

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Freelance Hardware Verification Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Hardware Verification Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,619 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Silicon Validation Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

Semtech
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Semtechexternal

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Location: San Diego, CA - Hybrid: 4 days in office, Friday remote
Our Team:
Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for high-end consumer, enterprise computing, communications, and industrial equipment. As our future market opportunities have increased in recent years, we have continued to invest in disruptive analog platforms and have created innovative new solutions for a wide range of leading-edge products.
The Sensing Product Group located in our San Diego office has unique expertise in system-level platform solutions for Sensing Products including Touch & Proximity. These are leading edge low power touch-interface solutions integrated with highly accurate ADCs for enhanced sensing performance. These ultra-small, feature-rich sensing systems are optimized for a wide range of battery-powered, portable applications such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearables, handheld devices and other consumer, industrial or automotive control applications.
Job Summary:
The Validation Engineer is responsible for pre- and post-silicon validation of mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs). Pre-silicon responsibilities include hardware emulation, FPGA prototyping, lab testing and debug. Post-silicon responsibilities encompass IC bring-up, hardware-firmware debug, bench characterization of analog and mixed-signal performance, and systematic root-cause analysis of silicon and system-level issues. The Hardware Verification Engineer will create test plans, run and analyze lab measurements, author characterization reports, and contribute to overall verification coverage closure. The role requires hands-on proficiency with lab instruments and measurement setups, combined with strong programming and scripting skills for test automation and data analysis. The Hardware Verification Engineer will interface closely with design, verification, product/test, and applications teams throughout the product development cycle.
Responsibilities:
  • Validate pre-silicon and post-silicon hardware and software/firmware developed by the design team to achieve target specifications.

  • Define, debug and operate FPGA prototyping platforms for pre-silicon emulation and validations.

  • Lead silicon validation test plan for IC designs, develop lab hardware and evaluation setup, drive bring-up and debug, run and analyze measurements.

  • Develop tests that exercise the features of the design under test. Write scripts and instrument drivers to automate the validation. Leverage AI-assisted development tools and workflows for lab measurement automation, data analysis, and prototyping.

  • Execute analog and mixed-signal performance characterization across corner conditions. Correlate measured with design expected results.

  • Design and develop fixtures and other components to support validation.

  • Analyze findings, debug hardware and software/firmware, and report to the design team.

  • Author test plans, characterization reports, and documentation for reviews.

  • Interface with system, digital, software/firmware, analog, verification and cross-functional teams.

  • Provide technical support to test, product, and application engineers.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of work experience in hardware and software validation of semiconductors, electronic components, or similar

  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical or Computer Engineering

  • Strong analytical, synthesis and problem-solving skills

  • Hands-on experience with lab instruments - logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, supplies, multimeters - and the associated measurement methods

  • Proficiency in C/C++, scripting languages (Python), SW development, embedded systems

  • Experience with standard hardware protocols (e.g. I2C, I3C, SPI, MIPI, GPIB, JTAG, PCIe, etc.)

  • Exposure to development boards, processors, microcontrollers, and FPGAs (e.g. AMD Vivado, etc.)

  • Independent, self-motivated, rigorous, team player and able to follow through

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Willing and able to work onsite in San Diego, California

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with integrated circuit bring-up, pre/post-silicon validation, digital systems
  • Experience in AI coding tools (e.g. Cursor, Claude, GitHub Copilot) and associated workflows

  • Experience with MCU-based systems (e.g. ARM, RISC-V, PIC, STM32)

  • Knowledge of RTL (SystemVerilog, Verilog, VHDL), FPGA tools, or Matlab

  • Familiarity with analog/mixed-signal circuit concepts and testing techniques

  • Experience with version control systems (Git) and scripted regression frameworks

The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description.
All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.
A reasonable estimate of the pay range for this position is $94,000 - $134,000 USD. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base salary, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education and experience, as well as job location and the value of other elements of an employee's total compensation package.
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