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Hardware Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Supermicro

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a motivated Hardware Design Engineer to join our engineering team in San Jose. The successful candidate will participate in the design and development of enterprise server motherboards ...

Apple

Hardware Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

We have built the best RF hardware design team on the planet! We're looking for a dedicated individual to join our team. We support WiFi, Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, and emerging technologies. As a Mixed ...

Super Micro Computer

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a motivated Hardware Design Engineer to join our engineering team in San Jose. The successful candidate will participate in the design and development of enterprise server motherboards ...

Super Micro Computer

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a motivated Hardware Design Engineer to join our engineering team in San Jose. The successful candidate will participate in the design and development of enterprise server motherboards ...

Supermicro

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

We are seeking a motivated Hardware Design Engineer to join our engineering team in San Jose. The successful candidate will participate in the design and development of enterprise server motherboards ...

Apple

Hardware Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

We have built the best RF hardware design team on the planet! We're looking for a dedicated individual to join our team. We support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, and emerging technologies. As a Mixed ...

Actalent

Hardware Design Engineer

Torrance, CA

$62 - $94/hr

Hardware Design Engineer We are seeking a skilled Hardware Design Engineer who will be responsible for circuit design, schematic review, and board layout design using Altium. You will conduct ...

Apple

Hardware Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$129K - $225K/yr

We have built the best RF hardware design team on the planet! We're looking for a dedicated individual to join our team. We support WiFi, Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, and emerging technologies. As a Mixed ...

Apple

Hardware Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

We have built the best RF hardware design team on the planet! We're looking for a dedicated individual to join our team. We support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, and emerging technologies. As a Mixed ...

SAAZ Micro Inc

Hardware Design Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

The successful applicant will be responsible for hardware design. The position includes design, development, validation, and production of advanced electronic hardware for electro-optical, imaging ...

SAAZ Micro Inc

Hardware Design Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

This position combines PCB design, circuit development, hardware integration, and laboratory validation into a single engineering role. Key Responsibilities: * Assistin the design, development, and ...

Super Micro Computer

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

At Supermicro We are seeking a talented and motivated Hardware Design Engineer to join our dynamic engineering team. In this collaborative role, you will contribute to technology innovation and play ...

Cisco

Hardware Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$138K - $196K/yr

This individual will contribute to the hardware development team and be responsible for the full lifecycle of board design, complex debugging, and schematic and layout verification processes.

Super Micro Computer

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$148K - $165K/yr

We are seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to join our talented design team. In this role, you will play a critical part in the research, design, development, and testing of high-performance server ...

Supermicro

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$148K - $165K/yr

We are seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to join our talented design team. In this role, you will play a critical part in the research, design, development, and testing of high-performance server ...

Support Revolution

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$133 - $180/hr

We are seeking a Hardware Design Engineer to join our talented design team. In this role, you will play a critical part in the research, design, development, and testing of high-performance server ...

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All JobsHardware Design JobsHardware Design Jobs in California

Hardware Design information

See California salary details

$68.6K

$145.6K

$212.2K

How much do hardware design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware design in California is $145,580.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $171,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hardware design?

Hardware design is the process of creating and developing the physical components of electronic devices, such as circuit boards, microchips, and other hardware systems. Hardware designers use engineering principles to plan, prototype, test, and refine these components to meet specific functional requirements. This field often involves working with design software, understanding electrical schematics, and ensuring that hardware products are reliable and manufacturable. Hardware design is essential in industries ranging from consumer electronics to telecommunications and automotive systems.

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

To thrive as a Hardware Designer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with design tools such as Altium Designer, Cadence, or OrCAD, along with knowledge of industry standards and certifications like IPC, is typically expected. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting design issues. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring reliable, innovative hardware solutions that meet project specifications and industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by hardware design engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Hardware design engineers often work closely with software engineers, product managers, and manufacturing teams. A common challenge is aligning hardware specifications with software requirements and production constraints, which can lead to iterative design changes and tight deadlines. Effective communication and clear documentation are essential to ensure everyone is on the same page, especially when integrating new features or resolving compatibility issues. Adapting to evolving project goals and managing feedback from multiple stakeholders are also key aspects of successful collaboration in this role.

What is the difference between Hardware Design vs PCB Design?

AspectHardware DesignPCB Design
Primary FocusDesigning overall electronic hardware systems, including schematics and component selectionCreating detailed printed circuit board layouts based on hardware schematics
Required SkillsElectronics theory, schematic capture, hardware prototypingPCB layout, signal integrity, CAD tools for PCB design
Work EnvironmentHardware labs, design offices, prototyping facilitiesDesign software environments, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageElectronics manufacturing, consumer electronics, aerospaceElectronics manufacturing, embedded systems, IoT devices

Hardware Design involves creating the overall electronic systems, while PCB Design focuses on laying out the physical circuit boards. Both roles are interconnected but require different skill sets and tools. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the electronics industry.

Are hardware design engineers in high demand?

Hardware design engineers are in high demand due to the growth of electronics, IoT devices, and embedded systems. Skills in FPGA, ASIC design, and proficiency with CAD tools increase employability, especially in industries like telecommunications, consumer electronics, and aerospace.

How to become a hardware designer?

To become a hardware designer, typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with circuit design, hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog, and proficiency with CAD tools are essential. Certifications and hands-on projects can also enhance job prospects in this field.

What do hardware designers do?

Hardware designers develop and create electronic hardware components and systems, such as circuit boards, processors, and integrated circuits. They use tools like CAD software and often collaborate with engineers to ensure designs meet specifications, performance, and safety standards. Strong knowledge of electronics, schematics, and industry regulations is essential in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Hardware Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Hardware Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hardware Design job openings:

Hardware Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,580 per year, or $70 per hour.

Hardware Design Engineer

Denken Solutions, Inc.

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$55 - $60/hr

Contractor

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

On-Site role

Job Description:

  • The FPD Hardware team is seeking a hands-on Contract Hardware Design Engineer to support the development and qualification of HBF Gen1 platform and product. 
  • This role will focus on hardware component qualification, board-level bring-up, design validation, debugging, and schematic support activities. 
  • The ideal candidate will have strong experience with board-level hardware development, power architecture, component validation, and laboratory debugging.

Key Responsibilities

  • Hardware Component Qualification
  • Own and execute qualification of hardware components including:
  • Power management devices (PMICs, DC-DC converters, LDOs)
  • Temperature sensors
  • Oscillators and crystals
  • EEPROMs and other supporting components
  • Develop qualification plans, test procedures, and validation reports.
  • Perform electrical characterization, reliability assessment, and design validation testing.
  • Work with suppliers to resolve technical issues and review component documentation.

Hardware Bring-Up & Debug:

  • Support first-board bring-up activities for Gaia development platforms.
  • Debug board-level issues related to power, clocks, interfaces, and signal integrity.
  • Perform measurements using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, DMMs, and power analyzers.
  • Root-cause hardware failures and drive corrective actions with cross-functional teams.

Hardware Design Support:

  • Assist with schematic capture, design reviews, and BOM maintenance.
  • Support design updates, ECO implementation, and component substitutions.
  • Conduct schematic checks for power sequencing, sensor integration, and support circuitry.
  • Collaborate with layout, SI/PI, mechanical, and validation teams during product development.

Validation & Documentation:

  • Develop and execute validation plans for new hardware designs.
  • Document qualification results, bring-up findings, and design recommendations.
  • Maintain engineering records and support design reviews.
  • Generate clear technical reports for internal stakeholders.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Work closely with Hardware Design, Validation, Firmware, ASIC, SIPI, Mechanical, and Component Engineering teams.
  • Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, and issue-tracking activities.
  • Support prototype build activities, lab testing, and qualification execution.

Skills:

  • Strong understanding of:
  • Power supplies and PMICs
  • Temperature monitoring circuits
  • Crystal/oscillator implementation
  • Analog and digital circuit design
  • Experience with board bring-up, debugging, and failure analysis.
  • Ability to read and modify hardware schematics.
  • Familiarity with common interfaces such as I2C, SPI, UART, SMBus, and GPIO.
  • Strong lab skills using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, DMMs, and power equipment.

Education:

  • BS or MS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in hardware design, validation, or board-level development.

About us:
At our organization, we take our mission and values to heart! We are on a mission to offer more and better jobs all over the world! Our goal is to care for you while you care for our clients and get you paid the highest pay possible. All our associates working with us are expected to embrace our RACE values: R - Results Matter, A- Approachable, C - Care, and E - Emergency i.e. work with a sense of urgency.

For more relevant job opportunities please visit our website: Denken Solutions Careers