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Hardware Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Hardware System EE Architect

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$285K/yr

The Home Hardware team is looking for a highly motivated and creative Hardware Architect to help define, architect, and build the future of Apple home product concepts. In this 0-to-1 role, you will ...

Baidu USA

Low Power SoC Hardware Architect

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

... hardware opportunities and impact on AI industry? We're looking forward to you joining us to collaborate, contribute, and revolutionize AI silicon and system. Description As a Low Power SoC Architect ...

Baidu USA

Low Power SoC Hardware Architect

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

... hardware opportunities and impact on AI industry? We're looking forward to you joining us to collaborate, contribute, and revolutionize AI silicon and system. Description As a Low Power SoC Architect ...

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All JobsHardware Architect Jobs

Hardware Architect information

See salary details

$26.5K

$112.2K

$230K

How much do hardware architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware architect in the United States is $112,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $130,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are hardware engineers in high demand?

Hardware engineers are in high demand due to the growth of technology sectors such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, and embedded systems. Skills in circuit design, FPGA, and CAD tools, along with relevant certifications, can enhance job prospects in this field.

What does a hardware architect do?

A hardware architect designs and develops the overall structure of computer hardware systems, including processors, memory, and circuit boards. They analyze technical requirements, create detailed specifications, and collaborate with engineering teams to ensure hardware meets performance and reliability standards. Proficiency in hardware description languages and understanding of system integration are essential skills for this role.

What is the highest paid architect job?

The highest paid architecture roles are often senior or specialized positions such as Chief Architect or Enterprise Architect, particularly in industries like technology, aerospace, or defense. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in designing complex systems, with salaries reaching into the high six or seven figures for top-level professionals.

What engineer makes 500,000 a year?

Senior hardware architects or chief engineers in specialized fields such as semiconductor design or high-performance computing can earn salaries around $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives in large technology or manufacturing companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hardware Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Architect, you need deep expertise in computer engineering, digital and analog circuit design, and a strong foundation in hardware-software integration, usually supported by a relevant degree and industry experience. Familiarity with hardware description languages (like VHDL or Verilog), CAD tools for PCB and IC design, and certifications such as Certified Hardware Design Professional are highly beneficial. Exceptional problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and manage complex projects. These skills ensure the creation of reliable, high-performance hardware systems that meet business objectives and technological demands.

How does a Hardware Architect typically collaborate with software engineers and other technical teams during a project?

Hardware Architects work closely with software engineers, systems engineers, and product management teams throughout a project's lifecycle. Collaboration often involves defining hardware-software interfaces, ensuring compatibility, and addressing system-level requirements. Regular cross-functional meetings, design reviews, and joint troubleshooting sessions are common to align hardware architecture with software development and overall product goals. This integrated approach helps ensure the final product is both functional and efficient.

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

AspectHardware ArchitectHardware Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Cisco or Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) are commonBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; similar certifications may apply but less common
Work EnvironmentDesigning overall hardware architecture, collaborating with cross-functional teams, often in R&D or product developmentDeveloping detailed hardware components, schematic design, PCB layout, testing; typically in engineering labs or design teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by tech companies, semiconductor firms, and hardware manufacturers for system-level designUsed in electronics, consumer devices, and embedded systems development

The main difference is that Hardware Architects focus on designing the overall hardware system architecture, while Hardware Design Engineers work on detailed component design and implementation. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate closely, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Hardware Architect jobs
What cities are hiring for Hardware Architect jobs? Cities with the most Hardware Architect job openings:
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Hardware Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Architect job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,190 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
Machine Learning Hardware Architect, TPU

Machine Learning Hardware Architect, TPU

Google

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 10 years of experience in computer architecture or hardware engineering.
  • Experience with performance modeling, performance analysis, or hardware-software codesign.
  • Experience leading the architecture and technical direction for hardware or system-level projects.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science, with an emphasis on computer architecture.
  • Experience in the architecture of high-performance AI accelerators.
  • Knowledge of system-level integration and deploying complex AI models on sophisticated hardware platforms.
  • Experience driving strategic technical initiatives and mentoring executive technical staff.

About the job
In this role, you'll work to shape the future of AI/ML hardware acceleration. You will have an opportunity to drive cutting-edge TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) technology that powers Google's most demanding AI/ML applications. You'll be part of a team that pushes boundaries, developing custom silicon solutions that power the future of Google's TPU. You'll contribute to the innovation behind products loved by millions worldwide, and leverage your design and verification expertise to verify complex digital designs, with a specific focus on TPU architecture and its integration within AI/ML-driven systems.
As a Machine Learning Hardware Architect, you will influence the evolution of high-performance intelligence for next-generation computing infrastructure. You will have an opportunity to drive technology that powers large-scale systems where high throughput, reliability, and efficiency are mission-critical. You will be part of a team that pushes boundaries, developing solutions that define the future of intelligent data centers and enterprise hardware. You will contribute to the innovation behind products that transform industries, leveraging your expertise in system-level integration to deploy complex, large-scale AI models across sophisticated hardware platforms.
The AI and Infrastructure team is redefining what's possible. We empower Google customers with breakthrough capabilities and insights by delivering AI and Infrastructure at unparalleled scale, efficiency, reliability and velocity. Our customers include Googlers, Google Cloud customers, and billions of Google users worldwide.
We're the driving force behind Google's groundbreaking innovations, empowering the development of our cutting-edge AI models, delivering unparalleled computing power to global services, and providing the essential platforms that enable developers to build the future. From software to hardware our teams are shaping the future of world-leading hyperscale computing, with key teams working on the development of our TPUs, Vertex AI for Google Cloud, Google Global Networking, Data Center operations, systems research, and much more.
Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
US: $192000 - $279000 (USD) 20% bonus target equity benefits
Learn more about benefits at Google .
Responsibilities
  • Develop architectural specifications for next-generation high-performance computing systems.
  • Collaborate with software and systems teams to define requirements for AI workloads.
  • Perform architecture studies and drive performance, scalability, and power efficiency projections.
  • Influence technical roadmaps and provide strategic leadership for hardware-software platforms.
  • Drive cross-functional technical alignment across multiple engineering teams to ensure system-level integration.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Google's Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy .
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .
If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.

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