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Hardware Development Engineer Jobs in Washington

Direct the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of advanced integrated circuits, hardware components, embedded firmware, and signal processing technologies. * Lead complex ...

Direct the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of advanced integrated circuits, hardware components, embedded firmware, and signal processing technologies. * Lead complex ...

Mechanical Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

Mechanical Engineer - Aerospace Hardware Development Location: Germantown, MD Duration: 1+ year contract with strong likelihood for extensions We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 10, 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.

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 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.

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 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, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,620 per year, or $79.6 per hour.

Senior Software Test Development Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Overview

This position will support a mission-focused customer throughout the full life cycle of a Radio Frequency Processing System, including system design, integration, testing, installation, troubleshooting, operations, and sustainment.

Senior Software Test Development Engineer specializing in C++ to join our team. This position will support a mission-focused customer deploying cutting-edge systems.

This role is based in Fort Meade, Maryland.

Eligible candidates may receive a sign-on bonus of up to $10,000, making this an exceptional opportunity to join a mission-critical team supporting national security initiatives.

#Triaplex

#VTG


What will you do?
  • Analyze user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements.
  • Design, develop, modify, test, and maintain software systems using C++.
  • Use Python and Shell scripting to support software development, testing, and automation activities.
  • Debug existing software, identify root causes, and correct defects using applicable programming languages.
  • Develop and maintain scalable, highly available mission systems using modern system design principles.
  • Create and maintain Docker containers, Kubernetes pods, and Kubernetes clusters.
  • Develop and execute test procedures for software components.
  • Design and develop automated software tests to support continuous testing.
  • Support software testing within environments that include software-defined radios, servers, and other customer test-infrastructure hardware.
  • Modernize software build processes and improve automated testing capabilities.
  • Develop, maintain, and improve continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines.
  • Generate automation scripts to improve development, build, testing, and deployment workflows.
  • Use scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure software design outcomes and performance.
  • Collaborate with systems engineers and hardware engineers to derive software requirements and understand system capabilities, interfaces, performance requirements, and project limitations.
  • Troubleshoot software, hardware, build, integration, and test-environment issues.
  • Provide recommendations for improving software documentation, testing practices, development processes, and engineering standards.

Do you have what it takes?
  • US Citizen with TS/SCI with Poly required
  • Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience as a Software Test Development Engineer.
  • Strong software development experience using C++.
  • Experience using Python and Shell scripting.
  • Experience developing and executing software test procedures.
  • Experience creating automated software tests and supporting continuous testing.
  • Experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery processes.
  • Experience modernizing software build and test processes.
  • Familiarity with software-defined radios, servers, and other hardware used within customer test infrastructure.
  • Experience debugging and correcting software defects.
  • Experience working with Docker containers and Kubernetes environments.
  • Experience collaborating with systems engineers and hardware engineers.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
 

VTG’s estimated starting pay range is $200K - $240K annually, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When extending an offer, VTG also considers work experience, education, skill level, market considerations and may possibly include contractual requirements which may cause an offer to fall outside of this range.

Qualifications:
  • US Citizen with TS/SCI with Poly required
  • Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience as a Software Test Development Engineer.
  • Strong software development experience using C++.
  • Experience using Python and Shell scripting.
  • Experience developing and executing software test procedures.
  • Experience creating automated software tests and supporting continuous testing.
  • Experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery processes.
  • Experience modernizing software build and test processes.
  • Familiarity with software-defined radios, servers, and other hardware used within customer test infrastructure.
  • Experience debugging and correcting software defects.
  • Experience working with Docker containers and Kubernetes environments.
  • Experience collaborating with systems engineers and hardware engineers.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills.
 
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME