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Hardware Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Google

Hardware Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$133K - $175K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field and 5 years of progressive, post-baccalaureate experience in the job offered or in a Hardware ...

Everpure

Hardware Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

THE ROLE Join our System Hardware Development Team to engineer the next generation of enterprise storage solutions that power leading organizations globally. You will own the full hardware lifecycle ...

Arlo Technologies, Inc.

Hardware Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

The Arlo Smart Home Device team is seeking an entry-level Hardware Engineer. We are looking for a new or recent EE graduate who is interested in a very hands-on position working within a team ...

Noblesoft Technologies

Hardware Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Role :Hardware Engineer Location: Palo Alto , California, USA - onsite Duration Contract high-speed board design manadatory * Strong experience in automotive hardware design (5-8 years preferred)

Arlo Technologies, Inc.

Hardware Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The Arlo Smart Home Device team is seeking an entry-level Hardware Engineer. We are looking for a new or recent EE graduate who is interested in a very hands-on position working within a team ...

Apex Informatics

Hardware Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$145K - $192K/yr

Hardware Engineer (Waymo) Mountain View, CA Mission You'll be the hands-on troubleshooter ensuring our hardware systems work as designed from the drawing board to the real world, and meet our ...

Google

Hardware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or a related field and 4 years of experience in the job offered or in a Hardware Engineer-related occupation. * Alternatively, will ...

CoreWeave

Hardware Engineering Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

The Hardware Engineering Manager will lead the Hardware Engineering Team, focusing on team management, project planning, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance hardware and firmware ...

Hyve Solutions

Hardware Engineer II

Fremont, CA · On-site

$130K/yr

What You'll Do As a Hardware Engineer, you'll play a critical role in configuring, validating, and optimizing hardware solutions tailored to customer needs. You'll collaborate with engineering, sales ...

Qualcomm

Hardware Platform Architect

San Diego, CA · On-site

$111K - $166K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Hardware Engineering General Summary: As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences ...

iKrusher Inc.

Vape Hardware Engineer

Arcadia, CA

$70K - $75K/yr

Vape Hardware Engineer Location : United States (Nationwide Travel Required) Travel : 40-70% Employment Type : Full-time Compensation : Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 annually (based on experience ...

hyve solutions

Hardware Engineer II

Fremont, CA · On-site

$130K/yr

What You'll Do As a Hardware Engineer, you'll play a critical role in configuring, validating, and optimizing hardware solutions tailored to customer needs. You'll collaborate with engineering, sales ...

Picogrid

Head of Hardware

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$220K - $270K/yr

About the Role As the Head of Hardware at Picogrid, you will be the foundational technical leader ... Participate in defining engineering process standards, part numbering and revision systems, vendor ...

Google

Manager, Hardware Engineering

San Jose, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field and 8 years of progressive, post-baccalaureate experience in the job offered or in a Hardware Engineering-related ...

hyve solutions

Hardware Engineer IV

Fremont, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

What You'll Do As a Hardware Engineer, you'll play a critical role in configuring, validating, and optimizing hardware solutions tailored to customer needs. You'll collaborate with engineering, sales ...

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All JobsHardware Developer JobsHardware Developer Jobs in California

Hardware Developer information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$95.3K

$106.6K

How much do hardware developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware developer in California is $95,334.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Hardware Developer typically collaborate with software and testing teams during product development?

Hardware Developers frequently work alongside software engineers and testing teams to ensure seamless integration between hardware and software components. This collaboration involves regular meetings, joint troubleshooting sessions, and sharing design specifications to align on system architecture and functionality. Hardware Developers also provide support during prototype testing phases, addressing hardware issues that may arise and incorporating feedback from testers to refine designs. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are key to delivering reliable, high-performance products.

What are hardware developers?

Hardware developers are professionals who design, develop, and test physical components of computer systems and electronic devices, such as circuit boards, processors, and memory devices. They work to create new hardware products or improve existing ones, often collaborating with software developers to ensure compatibility and performance. Hardware developers use engineering principles and specialized tools to create schematics, build prototypes, and oversee manufacturing processes.

What is the difference between Hardware Developer vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectHardware DeveloperHardware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesigning, prototyping, and testing hardware componentsDesign, development, and optimization of hardware systems
Industry UsageUsed across electronics, consumer devices, and embedded systemsCommon in electronics, telecommunications, and computer hardware industries
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared with Hardware Engineer due to overlapping rolesRelated but more focused on system integration and optimization

Hardware Developers focus on designing and prototyping hardware components, while Hardware Engineers work on developing, testing, and optimizing complete hardware systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are integral to electronics and tech industries, but their specific responsibilities differ slightly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hardware Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Developer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and hardware architecture, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD tools (like Altium Designer or OrCAD), simulation software, and experience with hardware prototyping platforms are essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective collaboration help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure the development of reliable, high-performance hardware solutions that meet project requirements and integrate seamlessly with other systems.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior hardware engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in FPGA, ASIC design, or embedded systems, can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-level roles often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and work in industries like aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior hardware engineers, especially those with extensive experience in designing complex electronic systems, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with specialized skills in FPGA, ASIC design, or embedded systems, and may include bonuses or stock options in large technology or semiconductor companies.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior hardware engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like FPGA design or ASIC development, and working in high-demand industries such as aerospace or semiconductor manufacturing, can earn salaries around $500,000. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly at large tech or hardware companies.

What does a hardware developer do?

A hardware developer designs, develops, and tests physical electronic components and systems, such as circuit boards, processors, and embedded devices. They often use tools like CAD software and work closely with software engineers to ensure hardware and software integration, typically requiring knowledge of electronics, programming, and industry standards.
Hardware Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Developer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,334 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Hardware Engineer

Hardware Engineer

Google

Goleta, CA • On-site

$133K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field and 5 years of progressive, post-baccalaureate experience in the job offered or in a Hardware Engineer-related occupation.
  • Alternatively, will accept a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, and 3 years of experience in the job offered or in a Hardware Engineer-related occupation.
  • Position requires 3 years of experience in the following: System-level analysis of component interrelations, trade-offs, and systems architecture to optimize system testability, performance, reliability, and cost. Identifying, debugging, triaging, and conducting root-cause analysis of technical issues. Analyzing data and information to generate solutions, identify system/workflow gaps, and develop plans of action. Applying domain-specific technical knowledge (Optics, Sensors, Audio/Digital Signal Processor) to complete work. Managing the product lifecycle (development, maintenance, evolution, delivery, and sunsetting);

About the job
The Google Quantum Hardware team is building a quantum computer using superconducting integrated circuits. Here, you have the opportunity to work hands-on with an entirely new paradigm of computing as it advances from fundamental physics to industrial applications. These devices are extremely sensitive to materials properties, and so improving device performance requires creative fabrication techniques.
The US base salary range for this full-time position is $201,300 to $231,000 15% bonus target equity benefits determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Learn more about benefits at Google
Responsibilities
  • Identify hardware flaws, analyze key risks or trade-offs, and implement corrective solutions
  • Evaluate hardware design feasibility against product requirements and collaborate with partners to scope projects
  • Apply best practices to optimize complex hardware components for performance, power, and cost
  • Predict hardware design consequences in cross-functional trade-off discussions using simulation or measurement data
  • Review and approve hardware designs, resolve test issues, and compare performance against predictions. Drive the documentation of hardware design, implementation, and validation results throughout the product life cycle

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If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
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