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Hardware Applications Engineer Jobs in California

Extron

Applications Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$70K - $72K/yr

Extron is a leading developer and manufacturer of professional AV hardware and software solutions ... Applications Engineers interface with customers through phone and e-mail correspondence to provide ...

Kinetic Technologies

Applications Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$105K/yr

Senior Applications Engineer - Power Management (DC/DC Buck Converters) Position Summary We are ... Demonstrated ability to debug complex hardware issues at the device and system level * Strong ...

Efficient Computer

Applications Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

... a Applications Engineer to bridge the gap between our groundbreaking hardware and real-world ... If you thrive on solving technical challenges, enjoy working hands-on with both hardware and ...

Pivotal Systems

Applications Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

Applications Development Engineer Location: Fremont, CA Company Overview: Pivotal Systems is a ... The ideal candidate will have 2-5 years of experience in semiconductor capital equipment hardware ...

Pivotal Systems

Applications Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

Applications Development Engineer Location: Fremont, CA Company Overview: Pivotal Systems is a ... The ideal candidate will have 2-5 years of experience in semiconductor capital equipment hardware ...

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All JobsHardware Applications Engineer JobsHardware Applications Engineer Jobs in California

Hardware Applications Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.2K

$150K

How much do hardware applications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware applications engineer in California is $109,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hardware applications engineer do?

A Hardware Applications Engineer works with customers and internal teams to develop, test, and support hardware products, such as microprocessors, embedded systems, or electronic components. They help customers integrate these products into their systems, troubleshoot technical issues, and provide design recommendations. Their role often includes creating technical documentation, conducting product demonstrations, and collaborating with research and development teams to improve hardware solutions based on customer feedback.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware applications engineer?

To thrive as a Hardware Applications Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and system integration, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like PCB layout software, simulation tools (e.g., SPICE), and experience with hardware debugging equipment are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving skills, customer communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure effective technical support, successful integration of hardware solutions, and strong client relationships.

What are some common challenges hardware applications engineers face when supporting customers in the field?

Hardware Applications Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting technical solutions to diverse customer requirements and troubleshooting complex hardware integration issues on-site. Balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines and communicating clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders are also key aspects of the role. Proactive problem-solving, staying updated with the latest hardware advancements, and effective collaboration with design and sales teams help address these challenges and ensure successful customer outcomes.

What is the difference between Hardware Applications Engineer vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectHardware Applications EngineerHardware Design Engineer
Primary FocusApplying and supporting hardware products in real-world scenarios, troubleshooting, and customer supportDesigning and developing new hardware components and systems from concept to production
Required SkillsHardware knowledge, troubleshooting, customer communication, software integrationCircuit design, schematic capture, PCB layout, simulation
Work EnvironmentCustomer sites, technical support, R&D labsDesign labs, engineering teams, prototyping facilities
Common UsageElectronics companies, tech firms, OEMsSemiconductor companies, hardware manufacturers, R&D departments

While both roles involve hardware expertise, the Hardware Applications Engineer focuses on applying, supporting, and troubleshooting existing hardware products in real-world settings. In contrast, the Hardware Design Engineer is primarily responsible for designing and developing new hardware systems. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their day-to-day tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

Are hardware applications engineers in high demand?

Hardware applications engineers are in high demand due to the growth of embedded systems, IoT devices, and consumer electronics. They often require skills in circuit design, programming, and familiarity with tools like FPGA and PCB design software, making their expertise valuable across various technology sectors.

What cities in California are hiring for Hardware Applications Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hardware Applications Engineer job openings:

Hardware Applications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Applications Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,249 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Hardware Applications Engineer - Principal

San Jose, CA • On-site

INVENSENSE
See more jobs at INVENSENSEexternal

$175K - $215K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Role Overview
We are seeking a Principal Hardware Applications Engineer to act as the technical bridge between our MEMS sensor products and our customers. In this role, you will work closely with FAEs, R&D, and product teams to enable successful design-in, integration, and deployment of MEMS sensors across consumer, industrial, and IoT applications.
Key Responsibilities
Customer & Field Support
  • Serve as the primary technical interface for key customers during design-in, validation, and production phases
  • Provide hands-on support for sensor integration, calibration, signal conditioning, and system optimization
  • Debug complex system-level issues involving hardware and firmware
  • Support customer on-site visits, technical reviews, and failure analysis when required

Product Enablement & Solutions
  • Develop and deliver application notes, User Guides, reference designs, and evaluation guides
  • Design PCBs
  • Program and debug C code for embedded systems and firmware development.
  • Guide customers on sensor selection, performance trade-offs, and architecture decisions
  • Build and Support evaluation kits (EVKs), bring-up, and firmware/software examples
  • Assist in defining system requirements and translating them into sensor-level specifications

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with R&D and product marketing to provide customer feedback and influence roadmap decisions
  • Support FAEs with technical presentations, proof-of-concepts, and pre-sales engagements
  • Partner with quality and operations teams on RMA analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective actions

Technical Leadership
  • Act as a technical mentor to junior applications engineers
  • Contribute to best practices for applications engineering processes and tools

Required Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Experience
  • 10+ years of experience in applications engineering, field applications engineering (FAE), or systems engineering
  • Proven experience working with MEMS sensors such as:
  • IMUs (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer)
  • Strong background in hardware, embedded systems and sensor signal chains

Technical Skills
Solid understanding of:
  • MEMS sensor physics and performance parameters (noise, bias, drift, sensitivity, cross-axis error)
    • Analog and digital interfaces (I²C, SPI, UART)
    • Sensor calibration and compensation techniques
  • Hands-on experience with:
    • Microcontrollers and embedded firmware
    • Lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, environmental chambers)
  • Ability to develop and debug across hardware, firmware, and software layers

Preferred / Nice-to-Have Skills
  • Experience in consumer electronics, industrial, or IoT markets
  • Familiarity with sensor fusion algorithms and motion processing
  • Python, C/C++, or MATLAB for data analysis and tooling
  • Experience supporting high-volume production and manufacturing ramp-ups
  • Prior customer-facing experience in a semiconductor environment

InvenSense, a TDK group company, is a world-leading provider of MEMS and magnetic sensor solutions found in mobile, wearable, smart home, AR/VR, and other consumer and IoT applications. We are innovators with a 20+ year history of patented sensor technologies. As experts in our field, we lead industry breakthroughs in consumer, industrial and automotive technology and reliably deliver high-quality solutions to our partners across global markets. Learn more about us at invensense.tdk.com.
The starting annual base pay for this role ranges between USD $175,000.00 and $215,000.00. The actual base pay is dependent on various factors, including training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, and market conditions. This range is subject to change and may be adjusted in the future.
This position is open to candidates based in San Jose, CA with a hybrid work requirement (on-site presence required). The role is also eligible for variable bonus programs and benefits.

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