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Hardware Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aptino

Hardware Design Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Hardware Design Engineer Location: Irvine, CA (Onsite) Duration: 6-12 Months Contract Job Type: C2C & W2 Contract Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Hardware Design Engineer to support the ...

New

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 ...

Experis

Hardware Design Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

As a Hardware Design Engineer, you will be part of the Silicon One optics development organization supporting the Design-for-Test (DFT) initiatives. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

Cisco

Hardware Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$135K - $193K/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.

Cisco

Hardware Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$135K - $193K/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.

Tensordyne

Hardware Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

About the role To keep pace in this exciting, multi-disciplinary field, we're looking for a Hardware Design Engineer. You will be in a unique position to have ownership of a wide-ranging list of ...

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 ...

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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 Jul 26, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hardware Designer, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,580 per year, or $70 per hour.
Hardware Design Engineer

Hardware Design Engineer

Aptino

Irvine, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Hardware Design Engineer

Location: Irvine, CA (Onsite)
Duration: 6–12 Months Contract

Job Type: C2C & W2 Contract

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Hardware Design Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and validation of advanced electronic hardware systems for automotive and embedded applications. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in PCB design, circuit validation, and hardware troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and validate electronic hardware solutions.
  • Support existing hardware by troubleshooting issues and improving system performance and reliability.
  • Perform root cause analysis of hardware failures and recommend effective design improvements.
  • Create and execute hardware test plans to verify functionality and performance.
  • Optimize hardware designs for manufacturability, quality, and scalability.
  • Collaborate with software, firmware, and mechanical engineering teams to ensure successful product integration.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor''s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in hardware design and development, preferably within the automotive or embedded systems industry.
  • Strong knowledge of analog and digital circuit design.
  • Hands-on experience with Altium, Cadence, or OrCAD for schematic capture and PCB layout.
  • Understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, and thermal management.
  • Experience working with high-speed communication protocols such as Ethernet, PCIe, MIPI, or GMSL.
  • Experience with high-speed hardware validation, circuit debugging, and troubleshooting.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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