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Hardware Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

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 ...

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 ...

Nutanix

Hardware Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94 - $141/hr

As a Hardware Design Engineer, you will join an inventive team responsible for developing next-generation 6G prototype platforms and high-performance hardware modules. This role sits at the ...

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 ...

Supermicro

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 ...

Supermicro

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 ...

Qualcomm

Hardware Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94.20 - $141.20/hr

As a Hardware Design Engineer, you will join an inventive team responsible for developing next-generation 6G prototype platforms and high-performance hardware modules. This role sits at the ...

Qualcomm

Hardware Design Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $141K/yr

As a Hardware Design Engineer, you will join an inventive team responsible for developing next-generation 6G prototype platforms and high-performance hardware modules. This role sits at the ...

Flux

Head of Hardware Design

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$245K - $270K/yr

In this role, you'll grow our existing Hardware Design function and team. This is a high‑impact, multidisciplinary role for someone who has experience building complex electronics that shipped at ...

Broadatacom

Senior Hardware Design Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$130 - $180/hr

Senior Hardware Design Engineer Broadata Communications, Inc. (BCI) - Torrance, CA On-site Company Overview Broadata Communications, Inc. (BCI) is a privately held California-based corporation. BCI ...

HRL Laboratories

Hardware Design Engineer

Malibu, CA

$154K - $197K/yr

Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors throughout hardware design and development cycles * Analyze product requirements from both system and hardware perspectives to ...

HRL Laboratories

Hardware Design Engineer

Malibu, CA · On-site

$154K - $197K/yr

As a member of this group, you will contribute to designing electronic solutions that transition innovative concepts into prototype hardware. Essential Duties: Design and implement engineering ...

HRL Laboratories

Hardware Design Engineer

Malibu, CA · On-site

$154K - $197K/yr

As a member of this group, you will contribute to designing electronic solutions that transition innovative concepts into prototype hardware. Essential Duties: • Design and implement engineering ...

Sincerus Solutions

Be Seen First

Senior Hardware Design Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Hardware Design Engineer owns board-level hardware development from initial requirements through production release. The role is responsible for architecture development ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 5, 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

Cisco

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$138K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Cisco Systems rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 161 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 09/29/2026
This role requires the employee to work onsite at the San Jose, CA office location.
Meet the Team
The Common Hardware Group (CHG) creates innovative hardware platforms central to the AI era, powering Cisco's core Switching, Routing, and Wireless products for organizations globally. Our innovations in silicon, optics, and hardware platforms-like Silicon One-are shaping the technology industry.
The High-End Routing hardware team develops the groundbreaking routers deployed in Service Providers and Data Centers worldwide. We are inventors in our field, using powerful technologies to design a new class of innovative routers supporting the Internet of the Future. Join us and participate in this exciting journey towards the future of connectivity!
Your Impact
  • As a Hardware Engineer, you will develop high-performance board designs for Cisco's next-generation networking hardware. These products range from high-density access switches to massive-scale service provider routers and AI infrastructure.
  • 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.
  • Participate in the design and sustenance of complex, high-speed multi-layer PCBs, incorporating high-speed serial links and advanced power delivery networks.
  • Perform root-cause analysis on complex hardware failures, including signal integrity issues, power rail instabilities, and component-level degradation.
  • Develop and execute test plans for upcoming designs and document procedures, plans, and specifications used by the engineering team.
  • Perform and lead design reviews of schematics, BOMs, layout, and routing using internal automation tools.
  • Perform and review failure analysis (FA), root cause analysis (RCA), and corrective action reports (CAR) to improve long-term product reliability.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering + 5 years of related experience OR Master's degree in electrical or computer Engineering + 3 years of related experience
  • Experience in schematic capture and PCB layout oversight for high-complexity systems.
  • Experience with hardware debugging using high-speed such as oscilloscopes, VNAs, or logic analyzers.
  • Experience with tools such as Concept, Allegro, LTspice, or similar industry-standard hardware design suites.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Automation skills using python or perl is highly preferred
  • Experience writing hardware functional specifications
  • Experience with control interfaces such as PCIe, MDIO, SPI, I2C
  • Experience designing systems with DDR4/DDR5 DIMMs and storage products
  • Experience with tackling signal integrity issues and board mounted power design and distribution techniques
  • Experience working with programmable devices such as FPGAs, CPLD
  • Prior experience with shipping products

Why Cisco?
At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.
Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.
We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.
Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:
The starting salary range posted for this position is $138,100.00 to $196,500.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.
Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.
U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.
U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:
  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
  • 1 paid day off for employee's birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.
Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:
  • .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;
  • 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;
  • 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and
  • Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.
The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:
New York City Metro Area:
$138,100.00 - $226,000.00
Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$124,000.00 - $201,000.00
* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.
** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.

What Cisco Systems employees say

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About Cisco Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cisco Systems, a global tech titan based in San Jose, CA, US, operates in the information technology and services industry. Founded in 1984, the company was derived from a project between two computer scientists from Stanford University. They aimed to connect different networks of computer systems at the university, resulting in the first multi-protocol router, and subsequently, the birth of Cisco. As an industry-leading manufacturer of networking hardware and telecommunications equipment, Cisco's product and services range includes routers, switches, firewall devices, and telecommunication technology. The company's mission, "to shape the future of the Internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors, and ecosystem partners," is a testament to its pursuit of technology-forward innovation and customer satisfaction.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1984

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