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Hardware Development Engineer Jobs in Washington

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Hardware Development Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$57.8K

$165.6K

$222.6K

How much do hardware development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware development engineer in Washington is $165,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,900.00 and $184,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do hardware development engineers typically collaborate with software teams during the product development cycle?

Hardware Development Engineers frequently work alongside software engineers to ensure seamless integration between hardware components and embedded software. This collaboration often involves joint design reviews, debugging sessions, and iterative testing to resolve compatibility issues. Strong communication and a clear understanding of each team’s requirements are essential for meeting project timelines and delivering a cohesive final product. Being proactive in cross-disciplinary meetings can also foster innovative solutions and streamline development processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware development engineer?

To thrive as a Hardware Development Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and embedded systems, usually backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD tools, PCB design software, and proficiency in hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set candidates apart in this field. These skills are crucial for developing reliable, innovative hardware products that meet technical specifications and project deadlines.

What does a hardware development engineer do?

A Hardware Development Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and improving electronic hardware components and systems. Their work involves creating schematics, selecting components, building prototypes, and ensuring products meet technical specifications and industry standards. They often collaborate with software engineers and manufacturing teams to bring new products from concept to production. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with electronic design tools.

What is the difference between Hardware Development Engineer vs Electronics Engineer?

AspectHardware Development EngineerElectronics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, certifications like Cisco or IPCBachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, development teams, manufacturing settingsDesign labs, testing facilities, manufacturing environments
Industry UsageProduct development, hardware design, prototypingElectronics design, circuit analysis, testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a Hardware Development Engineer focuses on designing and developing hardware products, including circuit boards and systems, while an Electronics Engineer often specializes in analyzing, testing, and improving electronic circuits and components. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ slightly within the electronics industry.

Infographic showing various Hardware Development Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,620 per year, or $79.6 per hour.

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Zetier

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Zetier seeks Software Development Engineers in Test (SDET) to design, build, and maintain scalable automated testing capabilities for embedded hardware, cyber platforms, and operational software systems. This role focuses on developing robust test infrastructure and enabling continuous validation across hardware and software solutions.
Responsibilities:
• design, build, and maintain scalable automated testing capabilities for embedded hardware, cyber platforms, and operational software systems
• develop automated validation frameworks
• integrate testing into CI/CD pipelines
• support verification activities spanning low-level firmware, networking systems, and mission-driven software capabilities
• perform functional, integration, regression, and hardware-in-the-loop testing aligned with quality, operational effectiveness, and compliance objectives
Qualifications:
Required:
• 5+ years experience in software development or test engineering
• Strong programming experience in Python, C/C++, and/or Rust
• Experience deploying automated test frameworks (e.g. pytest, Robot)
• Experience testing embedded or Linux-based systems platforms
• Hands-on experience integrating testing into CI/CD pipelines
• Familiar debugging complex HW/SW system interactions
• Comfortable writing clear technical documentation (e.g. test reports)
• Strong communication skills across engineering and customer teams
• Active U.S. security clearance
Preferred:
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and device automation
• Experience testing embedded systems, networking devices, or mobile
• Experience with containerization (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, QEMU)
• Familiar with network/protocol validation (e.g. Wireshark, Scapy)
• Experience with RF or wireless systems (e.g. 802.11ac, Zigbee, SDR)
• Experience testing firmware, drivers, and low-level code/services
• Exposure to cybersecurity, vulnerability research, or pentest teams
• Experience with observability, telemetry, or reliability engineering
Company:
Zetier provides cybersecurity products, network infrastructure, database management, cloud computing, and technical solutions. Founded in , the company is headquartered in Arlington, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.