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Hardware Design Engineer Intern Jobs in Reston, VA

Geologics

Digital Design Engineer

Manassas, VA

$67/hr

Digital Design Engineer Client: Defense-Aerospace Hourly Rate: up to $67/hr W2, non-benefited ... Verification and validation on target hardware * Leadership on inter-disciplinary design efforts ...

X Energy LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD

$77K - $105K/yr

This role is responsible for the engineering design and development of mechanical systems ... Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight. * Experience in use of Computer ...

X Energy LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

This role is responsible for the engineering design and development of mechanical systems ... Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight. * Experience in use of Computer ...

Geologics

Digital Design Engineer

Manassas, VA

$67/hr

Digital Design Engineer Client: Defense-Aerospace Hourly Rate: up to $67/hr W2, non-benefited ... Verification and validation on target hardware * Leadership on inter-disciplinary design efforts ...

Helsing

Senior Design Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

The role As a Design Engineer, you will work on innovative UAV platforms, modifying and adapting ... You will conceptualize innovative hardware configurations, conduct comprehensive trade studies, and ...

Helsing

Senior Design Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

The role As a Design Engineer, you will work on innovative UAV platforms, modifying and adapting ... You will conceptualize innovative hardware configurations, conduct comprehensive trade studies, and ...

Mu-Del Electronics

Be Seen First

PCB Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

Position Overview Mu-Del Electronics is seeking a highly skilled PCB Design Engineer with strong ... Experience with RF systems, GPS, or avionics hardware * Experience designing for aerospace, defense ...

DUIT

Hardware Technicians (25)

Washington, DC · On-site

Provides hardware engineering expertise to analyze complex hardware systems, hardware design, architecture, network design, and other technical hardware issues. * Procures and performs acceptance ...

CSG

Mechanical Systems Design Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

Mechanical Systems Design Engineer We are partnering with a cutting-edge advanced nuclear energy ... Hardware ownership including manufacturing and testing oversight. One plus years of demonstrated ...

DSI Tech

AV Design Engineer

Ashburn, VA

$82K - $108K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Audio-Visual Design Engineer to join our dynamic Audio ... Prepare bill of materials that includes hardware, materials, wall plates, and cabling, and provide ...

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All JobsHardware Design Engineer Intern JobsHardware Design Engineer Intern Jobs in Reston, VA

Hardware Design Engineer Intern information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$20

$38

How much do hardware design engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware design engineer intern in Reston, VA is $20.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $22.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Hardware Design Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of electronics, circuit design, and hardware fundamentals, usually supported by coursework or a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with CAD tools such as Altium Designer, OrCAD, or Mentor Graphics, along with basic proficiency in hardware description languages, is typically expected. Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure that interns can contribute meaningfully to design projects, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate efficiently in fast-paced engineering environments.

What types of projects can a Hardware Design Engineer Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Hardware Design Engineer Intern, you can expect to be involved in projects such as circuit board design, prototyping, testing, and debugging of hardware components. Interns often assist with schematic capture, PCB layout, and collaborating with senior engineers to validate and optimize hardware designs. These projects provide hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and foster collaboration with cross-functional teams, including firmware and mechanical engineers. This exposure helps build a strong technical foundation and prepares you for more advanced engineering roles.

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

AspectHardware Design Engineer InternHardware Design Engineer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of Electrical or Computer EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in tech or manufacturing companiesFull-time professional role in hardware development teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, electronics, and semiconductor industries for entry-level rolesFull-time positions in similar industries, focusing on product development

The main difference between a Hardware Design Engineer Intern and a Hardware Design Engineer lies in experience level and responsibilities. Interns are typically students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, while engineers are full-time professionals responsible for designing and developing hardware products.

What does a Hardware Design Engineer Intern do?

A Hardware Design Engineer Intern assists in the development and testing of electronic hardware components and systems, such as circuit boards, processors, and embedded systems. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers, helping with schematic design, PCB layout, prototyping, and debugging. Their tasks may also include performing simulations, documenting designs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. This role provides hands-on experience in the hardware development process and helps interns learn industry standards and tools.
What are popular job titles related to Hardware Design Engineer Intern jobs in Reston, VA? For Hardware Design Engineer Intern jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hardware Design Engineer Intern jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Design Engineer Intern jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Hardware Design Engineer Intern jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Hardware Design Engineer Intern job openings:
Hardware Design Engineer Intern jobs near you

RF Design Engineer (FPGA)

Quartermaster AI Inc

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Us:
At Quartermaster AI, we believe the ocean should be a safe and sustainably managed resource for all. By leveraging cutting-edge AI, distributed sensing, and resilient data systems, we unlock capabilities that were only recently impossible. Our distributed open-ocean systems enable vessels and coastal infrastructure to sense, compute, and communicate, enhancing maritime domain awareness for those who need it most.
Job Description:
We are seeking an RF specialist Electrical Engineer to design and develop a custom Software Defined Radio (SDR) based subsystem for the Smartmast platform, our edge-deployed maritime sensing system. You will lead the electrical design of our SDR hardware stack, including schematic development, RF layout, PCB fabrication, integration with compute hardware, COTS part selection, and field validation. This is a hands-on, cross-disciplinary role requiring deep understanding of RF signal chains, mixed-signal design, EMI mitigation, and high-speed digital interfaces.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design and thoroughly document the electrical architecture for our SDR-based modules, including custom or COTS SDRs, RF front-end, clocking, ADC/DAC interfaces, and host connectivity.
  • Develop schematics and high-frequency PCB layouts optimized for signal integrity, low noise, and compact form factor in marine environments.
  • Coordinate with software engineers to validate digital interfaces and ensure clean RF signal paths from antenna to baseband.
  • Perform benchtop validation using spectrum analyzers, VNAs, and signal generators to benchmark performance and tune system characteristics
  • Support antenna integration, placement, and impedance matching in close collaboration with mechanical and system engineers
  • Assist with integration into the larger Smartmast system, including coordination with power, networking, and compute subsystems
Qualifications (Preferred):
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field
    6+ years of experience in RF hardware design, with at least one full SDR or RF subsystem taken from concept to deployment
  • Strong experience with schematic capture and RF-aware PCB layout using tools such as Orcad or Allegro
  • Familiarity with ADCs/DACs, digital interfaces (PCIe, SPI, LVDS), and high-speed layout constraints
  • Hands-on experience with RF lab instrumentation (spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes)
  • Bonus: experience with marine communication bands, direction-finding, or defense-related RF systems.
Work Environment:
  • This is a remote position with collaboration via online tools.
  • Flexible working hours with occasional deadlines requiring high availability.
  • Opportunity to work on innovative projects with a global impact.
Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Flexible work hours and the option for remote work.
  • Opportunities for professional development and continued education.

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