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Hardware Design Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Atlanta, GA

Adtran

Senior Hardware Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$106K - $141K/yr

Overview ADTRAN is seeking a highly motivated Optical Hardware Engineer to join our team developing ... This role will contribute to the design, evaluation, qualification, and integration of advanced ...

Adtran

Senior Hardware Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$106K - $141K/yr

Overview ADTRAN is seeking a highly motivated Optical Hardware Engineer to join our team developing ... This role will contribute to the design, evaluation, qualification, and integration of advanced ...

Metromont LLC

Design Engineer

Hiram, GA · On-site

POSITION PURPOSE The Design Engineer is an entry-level position where associates are heavily supervised and are expected to learn and assist with all engineering design aspects of a project. Once ...

New

Adtran

Senior Hardware Engineer- Optical

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$106K - $141K/yr

Overview ADTRAN is seeking a highly motivated Optical Hardware Engineer to join our team developing ... This role will contribute to the design, evaluation, qualification, and integration of advanced ...

Adtran

Senior Hardware Engineer- Optical

Atlanta, GA

$106K - $141K/yr

Overview ADTRAN is seeking a highly motivated Optical Hardware Engineer to join our team developing ... This role will contribute to the design, evaluation, qualification, and integration of advanced ...

Johnson Service Group

Be Seen First

Engineer (Entry Level)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$45 - $48/hr

* The Engineer Design contractor position assists in the planning, design, and development of technical standards for gas distribution infrastructure projects. * The right candidate must be a self ...

New

Dennis Group Inc

Controls Engineer Co-Op

Duluth, GA

$76K - $99K/yr

As a design/build engineering firm and general contractor that designs and builds food and beverage ... Both software and hardware design and troubleshooting skills and abilities are required for this ...

Dennis Group

Controls Engineer Co-Op

Duluth, GA · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

As a design/build engineering firm and general contractor that designs and builds food and beverage ... Both software and hardware design and troubleshooting skills and abilities are required for this ...

Dennis Group

Controls Engineer Co-Op

Duluth, GA

$76K - $99K/yr

Both software and hardware design and troubleshooting skills and abilities are required for this ... level engineer Design and troubleshoot both software and hardware necessary for control systems ...

One Tech

Transmission Engineer

Atlanta, GA

One Tech Engineering is searching for a Transmission Engineer for a position located in either ... development; hardware design and selection; and field installation supervision. Prepare ...

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All JobsHardware Design Engineer JobsHardware Design Engineer Entry Level JobsHardware Design Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Atlanta, GA

Hardware Design Engineer Entry Level information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$66.8K

$141.9K

$206.8K

How much do hardware design engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware design engineer entry level in Atlanta, GA is $141,856.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,400.00 and $167,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level hardware design engineers when transitioning from academia to industry?

Entry-level Hardware Design Engineers often find the transition from academic projects to real-world product development to be a significant adjustment. In industry, projects typically involve stricter deadlines, larger teams, and the need to balance technical requirements with cost, manufacturability, and compliance standards. Learning to use industry-standard design tools, adapting to established workflows, and effectively communicating design changes within multidisciplinary teams can be challenging but are crucial for professional growth. Embracing feedback and seeking mentorship can help new engineers navigate these challenges successfully.

What does an entry-level hardware design engineer do?

An entry-level Hardware Design Engineer assists in designing, testing, and developing physical components for electronic devices and systems. They typically work with schematics, PCB layouts, and simulation tools to help bring hardware products from concept to prototype. These engineers often collaborate with senior engineers, troubleshoot hardware issues, and help ensure that designs meet performance and quality standards. Entry-level roles are a great way to gain hands-on experience and learn industry best practices.

What is the difference between Hardware Design Engineer Entry Level vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectHardware Design Engineer Entry LevelHardware Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; internship experienceBachelor's or Master's degree; several years of experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level positions in design teams, labs, or manufacturing settingsMid to senior-level roles with increased responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageStart of career in electronics, consumer devices, or telecommunications companiesDesigning complex hardware for advanced electronics, aerospace, or automotive industries

In summary, a Hardware Design Engineer Entry Level is an entry-stage role requiring foundational education and limited experience, focusing on learning and supporting design tasks. A Hardware Design Engineer typically has more experience, handles complex projects, and takes on greater responsibilities within the hardware development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry-level hardware design engineer?

To thrive as an Entry-Level Hardware Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, circuit design, and problem-solving, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD tools such as Altium Designer or OrCAD, and experience with hardware description languages (HDL) like VHDL or Verilog, are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, effective teamwork, and good communication skills help you collaborate efficiently and adapt to project challenges. These competencies are crucial for ensuring reliable hardware designs, smooth project execution, and successful integration within engineering teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Design Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA? The most popular types of Hardware Design Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
What are popular job titles related to Hardware Design Engineer Entry Level jobs in Atlanta, GA? For Hardware Design Engineer Entry Level jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hardware Design Engineer Entry Level jobs in Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Design Engineer Entry Level jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
Hardware Design Engineer Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Design Engineer Entry Level job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,856 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

Senior Hardware Engineer

Adtran

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$106K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Welcome!

Our Growth is Creating Great Opportunities!
Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel suit you best and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new postings that might interest you!
Thanks for your interest in working on our team!

Overview

ADTRAN is seeking a highly motivated Optical Hardware Engineer to join our team developing next-generation DWDM optical transport solutions. This role will contribute to the design, evaluation, qualification, and integration of advanced optical components and subsystems used in high-performance optical networking products. The successful candidate will collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines to develop innovative solutions that meet demanding performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost objectives.

This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies that enable the future of optical communication networks while participating throughout the entire product development lifecycle.

Duties and ResponsibilitiesOptical System Development
  • Define specifications, evaluate performance, qualify, and integrate passive and active optical components and subsystems.
  • Support the development of DWDM optical communication systems incorporating:
    • DWDM modules
    • ROADMs (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexers)
    • Wavelength-selective switches
    • Optical amplifiers
    • Laser and photodetector-based subsystems
  • Analyze system performance and support optical design trade-off studies.
  • Collaborate with component suppliers and technology partners to evaluate emerging optical technologies.
Hardware Design
  • Design and develop electronic circuits for laser, photodetector, and optical subsystem control.
  • Implement and optimize analog and digital control algorithms.
  • Contribute to mixed-signal hardware development and troubleshooting activities.
  • Provide PCB layout guidance and participate in schematic, layout, and design reviews.
  • Support hardware integration, verification, and product qualification activities.
Test, Validation, and Automation
  • Perform hands-on laboratory testing, characterization, and validation of optical components and subsystems.
  • Develop software tools and automation solutions for:
    • Instrument control
    • Data acquisition
    • Test monitoring
    • Performance characterization
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to identify performance trends and opportunities for improvement.
  • Develop and execute qualification and reliability test plans.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with optical, electrical, mechanical, firmware, software, manufacturing, and quality engineering teams.
  • Drive technical solutions that balance performance, packaging, interface, reliability, and cost requirements.
  • Participate in design reviews and support root-cause analysis and corrective actions when necessary.
  • Create and maintain high-quality engineering documentation, reports, specifications, and test procedures.
Required QualificationsEducation
  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
  • MS degree is preferred.
Experience
  • Minimum of 2 years of relevant engineering experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Optical communications
    • Test and measurement systems
    • Hardware development
    • Mixed-signal electronics
    • Photonics or related technologies
Technical Skills
  • Understanding of optical communication systems and optical networking technologies.
  • Experience with test equipment and laboratory measurement techniques.
  • Knowledge of analog and digital electronics.
  • Experience with mixed-signal circuit design and debugging.
  • Familiarity with laser and photodetector control systems.
  • Ability to analyze technical data and solve complex engineering problems.
Software Skills

Experience with one or more of the following is desirable:

  • Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Excel automation
  • LabVIEW
  • C++
  • Test automation and data acquisition software development
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with DWDM transmission systems.
  • Knowledge of ROADMs, wavelength-selective switching technologies, and optical amplifiers.
  • Familiarity with analog servo-loop control systems.
  • Experience supporting products through the complete development lifecycle from concept through production.
  • Knowledge of optical component reliability and qualification requirements.
  • Familiarity with industry standards including:
    • Telcordia
    • IEC
    • ITU
  • Experience working with external vendors and technology suppliers.

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