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Hardware Designer Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$201.30 - $231/hr

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $201,300 to $231,000 + 15% bonus target ... Review and approve hardware designs, resolve test issues, and compare performance against ...

$108K - $150K/yr

Ashburn, VA, Boston, MA, Salem, NH Salary Range: $108,900 - $150,000 per year plus bonus Please ... Extensive experience designing mixed-signal, high-speed digital, analog, and low-power, high ...

Create and maintain accurate documentation of liquid cooling hardware designs, specifications, test ... The starting salary will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and ...

$94K - $130K/yr

This role involves designing and developing complex electrical boards , including single board ... Ashburn, VA, Boston, MA, Salem, NH Salary Range: $94,900 - $130,000 per year plus bonus Please note ...

Create and maintain accurate documentation of liquid cooling hardware designs, specifications, test ... The starting salary will be determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$94K - $130K/yr

This role involves designing and developing complex electrical boards , including single board ... Ashburn, VA, Boston, MA, Salem, NH Salary Range: $94,900 - $130,000 per year plus bonus Please note ...

This role involves designing and developing complex electrical boards , including single board ... Ashburn, VA, Boston, MA, Salem, NH Salary Range: $94,900 - $130,000 per year plus bonus Please note ...

Ensure designs comply with customer requirements, industry standards, and manufacturing constraints ... Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $193,000 - $215,000 The salary range provided is intended as ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$94K - $130K/yr

This role involves designing and developing complex electrical boards , including single board ... Ashburn, VA, Boston, MA, Salem, NH Salary Range: $94,900 - $130,000 per year plus bonus Please note ...

Showing results 21-40

Hardware Designer Salary information

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$21.5K

$65.4K

$112K

How much do hardware designer salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware designer salary in the United States is $65,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges hardware designers face in collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Hardware Designers frequently work with software engineers, product managers, and manufacturing teams to bring products from concept to reality. One common challenge is aligning design specifications with software requirements and production constraints, which can require extensive communication and compromise. Balancing innovation with cost-effectiveness and manufacturability is also a key hurdle, as is managing project timelines when unexpected issues arise during prototyping or testing. Effective collaboration and flexibility are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Hardware Designer Salary vs Electronics Engineer Salary?

AspectHardware Designer SalaryElectronics Engineer Salary
Average Annual Salary$85,000 - $110,000$80,000 - $105,000
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departments
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, industrial equipment, embedded systemsConsumer electronics, telecommunications, aerospace

Hardware Designers and Electronics Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. While their salaries are comparable, Hardware Designers often focus more on the physical design of hardware components, whereas Electronics Engineers may work on broader electronic systems. Both roles are vital in electronics development and are frequently searched together by employers and job seekers.

What do hardware designers do?

Hardware designers develop and create electronic hardware components and systems, including circuit boards, processors, and other physical devices. They use tools like CAD software and often collaborate with engineers to ensure designs meet specifications and performance standards. Their work typically involves testing prototypes, troubleshooting issues, and refining designs for manufacturing.

What is the average salary of a hardware designer?

The average salary of a hardware designer varies depending on experience, location, and industry. In the United States, hardware designers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting around $70,000 and more experienced professionals earning upwards of $150,000. Factors such as advanced degrees, specialized skills, and working for large tech companies can lead to higher salaries.

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 hardware architecture, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD tools (like Altium Designer or Cadence), PCB layout software, and industry standards is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These skills ensure innovative, reliable hardware products and successful project delivery in a highly technical environment.
More about Hardware Designer Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Hardware Designer Salary jobs? Cities with the most Hardware Designer Salary job openings:
What states have the most Hardware Designer Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Hardware Designer Salary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hardware Designer Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,444 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Sr Principal Hardware Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Aurora, CO • On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Sr Principal Hardware Integration and Test Engineer to join our team. This position is based in Aurora, Colorado.

The selected candidate for this role will bring a background in ground systems software and hardware integration and test, with a focus on understanding how changes in requirements impact software and hardware designs. This role will involve working on systems that utilize diverse electrical signals including power, RF, and fiber optics.

What You'll Get To Do:

  • Provide engineering expertise for test planning, test environment development, unit testing, part and assembly characterization, testing, and verification processes, ensuring software and hardware at each architectural level meets all specified requirements and standards.

  • Design Test software and hardware to provide input stimulus and verify output formatting and error free content

  • Conduct troubleshooting and modifications on existing hardware designs to enhance performance and reliability.

  • Utilize clear technical writing to document plans, design, design alterations, prepare reports, and develop design specifications and validation plans.

  • Generate/Update/Finalize drawings, support equipment moves, rack and stack of equipment (both test and product) and integration of RF front end and compute equipment into a shelter for deployment.

  • Collaborate on the design and integration of hardware and software systems ensuring adherence to changing requirements and specifications.

  • Position may require occasional travel CONUS and OCONUS to support field activities and hardware deployment.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 8+ years of relevant experience, OR Master's degree in a STEM field with 6+ years of relevant experience is required.

  • Must have an active Top Secret Clearance at the time of application with SCI eligibility

  • Experience with hardware design, performing integration and developing and executing test processes.

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the impacts of requirement changes on hardware design.

  • Experience with power, RF, and fiber electrical signal principles and applications.

  • Can lift 50 lbs.

  • Can work from elevated positions at heights above 8 feet.

  • Ability to work in the field under austere weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with SW testing tools such as Python, Python's unittest and pytest libraries, Jenkins, Matlab, Gitlab, Github

  • Experience with RF and Electrical testing tools, such as Spectrum Analyzer, Network Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, Signal Generators, RF Power meters, multimeters

  • Experience in Linux/RHEL bash scripting and CICD pipeline establishment and testing

  • Experience with complex system architectures and hardware validation procedures.

  • Knowledge of electronic components and their applications in communication systems.

  • Previous experience in a fast-paced engineering environment with a focus on field support operations is desirable.

Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939