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Hardware Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Design Engineer

Malibu, CA ยท On-site

$154.50 - $197.90/hr

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

Hardware Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$65K - $169K/yr

Provide ongoing support for deployed hardware systems, ensuring reliability and performance. * Identify opportunities for design enhancements and implement changes to improve efficiency, scalability ...

Hardware Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$65K - $169K/yr

Provide ongoing support for deployed hardware systems, ensuring reliability and performance. * Identify opportunities for design enhancements and implement changes to improve efficiency, scalability ...

THE ROLE We are seeking a highly motivated Hardware Design Engineer for Pure's Datastore team. The Pure Engineering Team builds the industry's most innovative, high-performance, energy-efficient and ...

Job #219587 Chipton-Ross is seeking multiple Hardware Design Engineer 2's for a contract opportunity in Rolling Meadows, IL. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) * Bachelors' degree in ...

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

We have an immediate need for a Hardware Design Engineer to join our talented and bright design team. The candidate will play a key role in the development process of in-house server motherboards, by ...

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $105K/yr

We have an immediate need for a Hardware Design Engineer to join our talented and bright design team. The candidate will play a key role in the development process of in-house server motherboards, by ...

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

We have an immediate need for a Hardware Design Engineer to join our talented and bright design team. The candidate will play a key role in the development process of in-house server motherboards, by ...

Hardware Design Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$91K - $105K/yr

We have an immediate need for a Hardware Design Engineer to join our talented and bright design team. The candidate will play a key role in the development process of in-house server motherboards, by ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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

jobr.pro

Malibu, CA โ€ข On-site

$154.50 - $197.90/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and implement electronic solutions for electrical and electronic components, analog and digital subsystems.

  • Create board level design requirements, schematics, and test plans, including analysis and verification activities.

  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors throughout hardware design and development cycles.


Job description

HRL Laboratories pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers to help them remove limitations and create competitive advantage. HRL then transitions the work back to customers โ€“ ready for real-world application. For more than 70 years, HRLโ€™s rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations continues to build on each other โ€” often in unexpected, profound and far-reaching ways. As a private company owned jointly by Boeing and GM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.

HRL Laboratories develops radiofrequency, millimeter-wave and electro-optical sensors using state-of-the-art materials and device fabrication processes to deliver agile, mission-ready systems. Our high-performance solutions are highly integrated, architecturally low cost, and optimized for size, weight and power efficiency while leveraging commercial, custom and novel mixed-signal innovations.

The Mixed Signal Solutions department at HRL Laboratories is composed of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers supporting quantum computing research. The team develops and integrates leading edge mixed signal systems involving novel architectures, advanced algorithms, custom integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), and state of the art packaging and integration techniques. 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 solutions for electrical and electronic components, analog and digital subsystems, and associated algorithms, ensuring alignment with established engineering principles and development guidelines
  • Create board level design requirements, schematics, and test plans for existing designs, including tolerance verification, form/fit/function assessment, signal and power integrity analysis, thermal characterization, and system level power measurements for printed circuit assemblies
  • Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors throughout hardware design and development cycles
  • Analyze product requirements from both system and hardware perspectives to propose high performance, cost effective solutions
Required Qualifications
  • BS, MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related scientific discipline
  • Experience taking complex designs through the full hardware development cycle, including specification, schematic capture, layout, bring up, characterization, and testing
  • Proficient in system bring up and debugging of complex embedded systems
  • Skilled in high speed digital design (e.g., PCIe, SERDES, HDMI)
  • Proficient with CAD toolsโ€”preferably Allegroโ€”for design, layout, and simulation
  • Proficiency in the use of computers, engineering workstations, complex electronic equipment, oral and written communication, interaction with vendors/colleagues, and willingness to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
  • Ability to work well in a team and independently
Preferred Qualifications
  • Possess a solid working knowledge of fundamental high speed electrical engineering and circuit design principles
  • Familiarity with power integrity concepts such as decoupling strategies, transient response, and PDN design
  • Understanding of signal integrity topics including crosstalk, insertion and return loss, termination techniques, BGA breakout strategies, and fabrication material selection
  • Knowledge of test procedures and equipment, particularly RF measurement tools such as VNAs and TDRs
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and capable of producing technical documentation
Physical Requirements
  • Must be sufficiently mobile to work within confined spaces and have both visual and hearing acuity
Special Requirements
  • U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance
Compensation and Benefits
  • Pay Range: $154,500 - $197,900
  • Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Benefits: HRL offers a generous and very competitive total compensation and benefits package. Our Regular/Full Time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K match, gym facilities, PTO, Sick time, upward mobility, and an exciting and challenging work environment.
  • For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: https://www.hrl.com/careers/benefits
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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