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Hardware Development Lead Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Hardware Development Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$138K - $182K/yr

Key job responsibilities In this role, you will be expected to lead a variety of tasks, from board ... computer engineering, or equivalent - 3+ years of experience in hardware development across the ...

Hardware Development Engineer

Redmond, WA

$138K - $182K/yr

The Electrical Engineer will be a member of the Leo Inter-Satellite Link Avionics team, focusing on ... Key job responsibilities In this role, you will be expected to lead a variety of tasks, from board ...

Hardware Development Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$138K - $182K/yr

The Electrical Engineer will be a member of the Leo Inter-Satellite Link Avionics team, focusing on ... Key job responsibilities In this role, you will be expected to lead a variety of tasks, from board ...

Hardware Development Engineer , Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$138K - $182K/yr

As a Hardware Engineer, you will be a part of the team of experts working on the development of ... lead PCB layout design and reviews - Design DC/DC power supplies and Point of Load - Support flow ...

Hardware Development Engineer , Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$138K - $182K/yr

As a Hardware Engineer, you will be a part of the team of experts working on the development of ... lead PCB layout design and reviews - Design DC/DC power supplies and Point of Load - Support flow ...

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Showing results 1-20

Hardware Development Lead Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$48.4K

$140.9K

$205.4K

How much do hardware development lead engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware development lead engineer in Seattle, WA is $140,870.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,600.00 and $153,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hardware Development Lead Engineer vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectHardware Development Lead EngineerHardware Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like PMP are commonBachelor's or Master's in Electrical or Computer Engineering, certifications less common
Work EnvironmentLeads cross-functional teams, manages project timelines, collaborates with manufacturingFocuses on designing and testing hardware components, works primarily in design labs
Industry UsageUsed in product development, R&D, and engineering management rolesPrimarily in hardware product design, prototyping, and testing

The Hardware Development Lead Engineer oversees entire hardware projects, managing teams and ensuring project delivery, while the Hardware Design Engineer concentrates on creating and testing hardware components. Both roles require technical expertise, but the Lead Engineer has broader responsibilities in project management and coordination.

What does a Hardware Development Lead Engineer do?

A Hardware Development Lead Engineer oversees the design, development, and testing of electronic hardware components and systems. They lead a team of engineers, manage project timelines, and ensure that hardware products meet technical specifications and quality standards. Their responsibilities also include collaborating with cross-functional teams, troubleshooting complex issues, and staying up-to-date with technological advancements in hardware engineering. Ultimately, they play a key role in turning product concepts into reliable, manufacturable hardware solutions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior hardware development lead engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in FPGA, ASIC design, or embedded systems, and working in high-demand industries like aerospace or semiconductor manufacturing, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, particularly at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

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

To thrive as a Hardware Development Lead Engineer, you need a deep understanding of electronic circuit design, hardware architecture, and embedded systems, typically supported by a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Expertise in CAD tools like Altium Designer or Cadence, along with familiarity with industry standards and certifications such as IPC or ISO, is commonly required. Strong project management, leadership, and effective communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and deliver complex hardware projects. These skills ensure innovative, reliable hardware solutions are developed efficiently and meet both technical and business objectives.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior hardware development lead engineers in high-demand industries or at large technology companies can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, and extensive experience. Such roles typically require advanced skills in circuit design, firmware, and project management, along with a strong track record of successful product development.

What is the highest salary of a hardware engineer?

The highest salary for a hardware development lead engineer can exceed $150,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in FPGA or ASIC design, and leadership responsibilities. Top earners in this field often work in high-tech industries or large corporations and may receive additional compensation such as bonuses and stock options.

What are the main challenges a Hardware Development Lead Engineer faces when managing cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Hardware Development Lead Engineer, one of the main challenges is coordinating effective communication and collaboration between electrical, mechanical, and software teams. Balancing project timelines with technical feasibility requires strong leadership and negotiation skills, especially when unforeseen issues arise. Additionally, ensuring that all team members adhere to design specifications and regulatory standards is critical for successful product delivery. Navigating these complexities while fostering a collaborative team environment is essential for project success.

What does a lead hardware engineer do?

A lead hardware engineer oversees the design, development, and testing of electronic hardware components and systems. They coordinate engineering teams, ensure design specifications are met, and often use tools like CAD software and testing equipment. Their role involves technical leadership, project management, and ensuring hardware reliability and performance.
Autonomy Hardware Development Lead

Autonomy Hardware Development Lead

Carbon Robotics

Seattle, WA • On-site

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Overview

This role is ideal for a hands-on technical leader who has shipped real hardware products-preferably in a fast-paced startup environment-and who thrives at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, embedded systems, and software. You will own the ATK hardware end-to-end, drive engineering execution, and ensure the platform performs reliably in both manufacturing and field environments.

What You'll Do

  • Own the ATK hardware system holistically, including architecture, integration, reliability, and cross-functional alignment.
  • Provide a clear technical vision for the engineering project team that is based on a deep understanding of the business, market, and technical requirements. 
  • Develop a detailed technical product development plan in coordination with Engineering leadership and the project team. 
    • Conduct and lead system-level design reviews, requirements definition, verification planning, and technical decision-making.
  • Drive engineering development cycles, including:
    • Risk identification and mitigation
    • Rapid prototyping and iteration
    • Root-cause analysis and corrective actions
    • Responding to issues discovered in manufacturing or field deployments
  • Provide mentorship to the hardware engineering team, providing technical direction, design guidance, and hands-on support when needed.
  • Maintain deep awareness of the ATK program, including technical dependencies, customer issues, field performance, and product roadmap impacts.
  • Maintain close integration with ATK Product Management, Program Management, Sales, Marketing, Field Operations, Procurement, and Manufacturing stakeholders.
  •  
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, software, autonomy, and manufacturing teams to ensure system-level performance and reliability.
  • Support manufacturing builds, supplier interactions, and field testing, ensuring designs scale effectively into production.
  • Know when to dive deep as an individual contributor to unblock technical challenges across sensors, power systems, compute, harnessing, firmware/software integration and mechanical fixturing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Success:

  • Proven experience leading integrated hardware project engineering teams that have designed, built, and shipped complex physical products.
  • Strong preference for candidates with startup or small-company experience, where ownership, speed, and adaptability are essential.
  • Demonstrated success as a high-quality individual contributor engineer in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronic systems.
  • System level design experience with vehicle electrical systems. Systems integration experience through full design cycle
  • Experience with off-highway systems like hydraulics, electromechanical assemblies, vehicle controls, etc
  • Experience with designing parts and complex assemblies in Solidworks or other CAD
  • Experience working across sensors, compute modules, power systems, harnessing, and ruggedized enclosures is highly valuable.
  • Ability to balance high-level system thinking with hands-on technical depth.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to influence across engineering, operations, and product teams.

Travel Requirements

  • Approximately 40% travel per month, typically split across several short trips.
  • Occasional weekend travel may be required during major releases, field testing, or urgent issue resolution.