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Graduate Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Automation Engineer, EDA

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$103K - $115K/yr

Role Summary Rivian's Hardware Engineering team designs the complex electronics that power our ... graduate passionate about software engineering, electronics, and building tools that bring physical ...

Role Summary Rivian's Hardware Engineering team designs the complex electronics that power our ... graduate passionate about software engineering, electronics, and building tools that bring physical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Graduate Hardware Engineer information

See California salary details

$50.3K

$144.3K

$193.9K

How much do graduate hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate hardware engineer in California is $144,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,900.00 and $160,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical workday look like for a Graduate Hardware Engineer?

A typical day for a Graduate Hardware Engineer involves collaborating with senior engineers to design, prototype, and test hardware components or systems. You may spend time using design software, participating in technical meetings, troubleshooting prototypes in the lab, or documenting your findings. Most roles include frequent teamwork and cross-functional collaboration with software engineers, project managers, or manufacturing teams. This dynamic environment helps new engineers rapidly develop technical expertise and problem-solving abilities while building a strong professional network.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Hardware Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Hardware Engineer, you typically need a strong background in electrical or electronic engineering, with proficiency in circuit design, debugging, and fundamental hardware concepts. Familiarity with CAD tools like Altium or Cadence, as well as experience with hardware description languages (HDLs) such as VHDL or Verilog, is often required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for success in this role. These skills are crucial for designing reliable hardware, solving complex technical problems, and collaborating efficiently within engineering teams.

What is a Graduate Hardware Engineer job?

A Graduate Hardware Engineer is an entry-level role focused on designing, developing, and testing hardware components such as circuits, processors, and embedded systems. They work with senior engineers to create and optimize electronic systems for various applications, including computing, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. Responsibilities may include schematic design, PCB layout, testing prototypes, and troubleshooting hardware issues. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of electronic design tools, and an understanding of industry standards are essential. This role offers hands-on experience and the opportunity to grow into senior engineering positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Hardware Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Graduate Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Hardware Engineer jobs in California? For Graduate Hardware Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Hardware Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,315 per year, or $69.4 per hour.
Lead, Electrical Engineering - Hardware - Tactical Data Links

Lead, Electrical Engineering - Hardware - Tactical Data Links

L3Harris Technologies

Carlsbad, CA

$127K - $236K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Lead, Hardware Engineering, Tactical Data Links
Job Code: 37913
Job Location: Carlsbad, California or San Diego, California; 100% on site
Schedule: 9/80 (employee's work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off)

Job Description:

We are looking for a Hardware Engineering Lead to execute new development programs and support sustaining efforts for existing TDL product lines within the Spectrum Superiority (SPS) sector. The selected candidate will provide technical direction and oversight to other hardware engineers within the group and work closely with cross functional team members (Systems, Software, Program Management, etc). Additionally, the candidate may work closely with the customer to ensure deliveries on time and meet all hardware requirements.

Essential Functions:

Act as lead hardware engineer on various new development efforts and sustaining efforts on existing products to ensure the designs and product performance meet specifications
Apply configuration management principles to design documentation and maintain technical data packages
Lead engineering program technical, schedule, and cost performance for projects with Hardware Engineering scope to include proposal reviews and cost approvals,
engineering program reviews, and oversight of key technical decisions
Participate in and/or lead failure investigations, where appropriate, related to design, production build processes, and customer returns
Contribute to new business pursuits by growing cross-functional relationships in new business development and across business areas
Participate in and/or lead failure investigations, where appropriate, related to design, production build processes, and customer returns
Partner and work very closely with the Engineering Leadership team, Business Development and Program Management to ensure strategy alignment, execution of projects and cross-team collaboration to achieve sector objectives
Work closely with Operations to transition new hardware designs to production / manufacturing using establshed company processes
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with customers and teammates

Ability to travel for position: 5-10%

Required Qualifications (one of the following with 7 years of design (electronic radio products)):

Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years prior related experience.
Graduate Degree with a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience.
In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
7 years of experience in the design of high-reliability electronic radio products and related subassemblies including PCB and FPGA development

Preferred Additional Skills:

Deep experience in Electrical Engineering and prior work experience within the Defense industry
Experience and demonstrated competence in technical leadership (project engineer or other technical lead role) for large complex programs and IRAD efforts
Strong understanding of the both PCB hardware and FPGA design development flows
Experience in system level development, requirements definition, analysis, integration and risk mitigation for large communications systems
Strong team player with experience leading highly technical teams
Track record of being highly collaborative with a proven ability to quickly establish trust and credibility among peers and customers
Ability to communicate confidently and concisely to both engineers and executive management
Active U.S. security clearance

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, is $127,500 - 236,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-JD3


L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time