Hardware Engineer Contract Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Meta is seeking a Network Hardware Engineer to join the infrastructure team responsible for designing and scaling the physical network systems that power Meta's global data center fleet. In this role, you will drive the development of custom network hardware - including switching platforms, optical interconnects, and high-speed PCB assemblies - that underpin the reliability and performance of Meta's hyperscale infrastructure. You will work at the intersection of electrical engineering and network systems, translating complex network architecture requirements into production-ready hardware designs deployed at massive scale.
Responsibilities
Design and develop custom rack-scale network hardware platforms, including switching ASICs, switch cards, and chassis systems for hyperscale data center deployments
• Lead electrical design efforts for high-speed PCB layouts, signal integrity analysis, and power delivery networks for network switching and routing hardware
• Define hardware architecture and component selection for custom network equipment, including liquid cooling, high-speed SerDes interfaces, optical modules, and management subsystems
• Collaborate with ASIC, firmware, and network software teams to define hardware-software interfaces and ensure the functional integration of custom silicon into network platforms
• Drive hardware bring-up, debug, and qualification of prototype network systems in lab environments using oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, and network test equipment
• Partner with contract manufacturers and ODMs to translate hardware designs into production-ready network equipment
• Develop and execute hardware validation plans covering thermal, mechanical, power, and electrical compliance for network infrastructure equipment
• Contribute to technical roadmaps for network hardware platforms, evaluating emerging technologies such as co-packaged optics and next-generation switching fabrics
• Document hardware designs, test results, and failure analyses to support cross-functional engineering reviews and manufacturing readiness decisions
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
• 6+ years of experience in hardware or electrical engineering with a focus on network equipment, data center infrastructure, or high-speed digital systems
• Experience designing and validating high-speed PCBs for networking applications, including signal integrity analysis for SerDes-based interfaces at 50G, 100G, or higher data rates
• Experience with hardware bring-up and debug of complex network systems, including use of lab instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, TDRs, and network traffic generators
• Experience collaborating with ASIC or silicon teams to integrate custom or merchant silicon into network hardware platforms
• Experience working with ODMs or contract manufacturers through all the hardware development lifecycle stages, including EVT, DVT, and PVT
Preferred Qualifications
• Proficiency in Linux or other embedded environments
• Experience with networking hardware, including OSFP, or co-packaged optics module integration and characterization
• Experience contributing to open networking hardware initiatives or custom silicon-based switching platform development
• Experience with network hardware used in data center front-end, scale-out, or scale-up networks
• Experience designing systems and boards using high-power ASICs (>500W)
About Meta
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today-beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here.