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Hardware Engineer Contract Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Fenix Group, Inc

Hardware Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Hardware Engineer to lead the design ... Prior work transitioning hardware designs to production with contract manufacturers. * Experience ...

Nokia Federal Solutions Inc.

Hardware Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Hardware Engineer to lead the design ... Prior work transitioning hardware designs to production with contract manufacturers. * Experience ...

Actalent

Hardware Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD

$50 - $65/hr

Hardware Engineer This role supports a major hardware modernization effort for a mission-critical ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Gaithersburg, MD. Pay and Benefits The ...

Markesman Group

Hardware Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

*This position is contingent upon contract award Markesman Group is seeking Hardware Engineers to join our team at Annapolis Junction, Maryland. Candidates for this position will contribute to the ...

Quality Support, Inc.

Hardware Engineer II

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON CONTRACT AWARD. Location Level/Salary Range TBD HR Contact Subrina ... Hardware Engineer Qualifications/Skills * Proficiency with design and analysis software (e.g ...

Nwis

Hardware Engineer

Sterling, VA

$122K - $253K/yr

This position is CONTINGENT upon contract award** The Hardware Engineer (HWE) collaboratively works closely with the Sponsor, OM, and PO Teams to identify, understand, and anticipate Mission Partner ...

Nightwing

Hardware Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

This position is CONTINGENT upon contract award** The Hardware Engineer (HWE) collaboratively works closely with the Sponsor, OM, and PO Teams to identify, understand, and anticipate Mission Partner ...

Peraton

Systems Hardware Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Position is Contingent on Contract Award** Qualifications Basic Qualifications : * Active Top ... Proficiency in hardware engineering tools. * Proficiency in documenting requirements and ...

Peraton

Systems Hardware Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Position is Contingent on Contract Award** Qualifications Basic Qualifications : * Active Top ... Proficiency in hardware engineering tools. * Proficiency in documenting requirements and ...

Peraton

Systems Hardware Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Position is Contingent on Contract Award** Qualifications Basic Qualifications : * Active Top ... Proficiency in hardware engineering tools. * Proficiency in documenting requirements and ...

Decision Technologies

Senior Hardware Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$125K - $167K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Hardware Engineer (RFE3) to support a large support services contract with the Naval Sea Systems Command. Position Description: You will provide support to the ...

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Hardware Engineer Contract information

See Washington salary details

$57.8K

$165.6K

$222.6K

How much do hardware engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware engineer contract 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 is a hardware engineer contract?

A Hardware Engineer Contract job is a temporary or project-based role where engineers design, develop, and test hardware components for various systems. These contracts may last from a few months to a year or more, depending on the project's needs. Contractors often work for tech companies, manufacturers, or consulting firms, bringing specialized expertise without long-term commitments. This role typically involves circuit design, PCB layout, prototyping, and testing. Contract hardware engineers may work on-site or remotely, depending on the employer's requirements.

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

To thrive as a Hardware Engineer Contract, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and prototyping, often supported by a relevant degree and hands-on experience. Familiarity with CAD software, PCB layout tools, and hardware validation systems is typically required, and certifications like IPC-A-610 or CompTIA ITF+ can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you excel within cross-functional teams and manage shifting project priorities. These competencies ensure you can deliver robust hardware solutions on time, collaborate effectively, and adapt to the dynamic nature of contract work.

What kind of projects and work environments can I expect as a hardware engineer contract?

As a contract hardware engineer, you'll often work on short- to mid-term projects such as new product development, system upgrades, or prototype testing for a variety of clients. Environments vary from in-house R&D labs and manufacturing floors to remote collaboration with distributed teams, depending on the client and project scope. You'll typically work alongside firmware engineers, product managers, and test engineers to deliver integrated solutions. This variety offers exposure to different industries and technologies, building both your expertise and professional network.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Engineer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Hardware Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Engineer Contract jobs in Washington?

For Hardware Engineer Contract jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hardware Engineer Contract jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Hardware Engineer Contract jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Hardware Engineer Contract jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Hardware Engineer Contract job openings:

Hardware Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Engineer Contract job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,620 per year, or $79.6 per hour.

Hardware Engineer

Fenix Group, Inc

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced Hardware Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and fielding of advanced integrated networking and computing systems for tactical (military) applications. This is a hands-on technical leadership role focused on leveraging commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) networking and wireless communication technologies to create rugged, high-performance systems suitable for challenging operational environments.
The ideal candidate is a proven technical leader with deep expertise in modern hardware design who can guide a multidisciplinary team from concept through deployment.
Company Description
At Nokia Federal Solutions Inc. (Nokia Federal), we are committed to building scalable, secure, and resilient networks that enhance government operations. Our team helps solve complex challenges for U.S. civil, defense, and intelligence sectors by providing leading end-to-end mission-critical network solutions. With a legacy backed by over 100 years of technology innovation, we are pioneers in the field. Nokia Federal is a dedicated Nokia U.S. entity focused on delivering mission-critical solutions to the U.S. Government. Join us today and contribute to helping support the mission!
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the hardware architecture, design, development, integration, testing, and field support of tactical networking and computing systems built on commercial technologies.
  • Stay current with the latest networking and wireless communication chipsets (including 4G/5G, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and related RF components) and evaluate their suitability for tactical applications.
  • Define system architecture and hardware requirements to meet performance, size, weight, power (SWaP), thermal, and environmental constraints typical of military use.
  • Develop schematics, select components, define PCB stack-ups, oversee PCB layout, and manage signal integrity, power distribution, and thermal management/cooling solutions.
  • Lead hands-on hardware bring-up, debug, integration with software/firmware, and system-level testing in both lab and field environments.
  • Collaborate closely with software engineers, RF engineers, mechanical engineers, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration and overall system performance.
  • Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and technical trade studies to drive technical decisions.
  • Mentor and guide a team of hardware engineers while fostering a culture of technical excellence and accountability.
  • Support production transition efforts, including design for manufacturability (DFM) and coordination with contract manufacturers.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field (Master's preferred).
  • 10+ years of hands-on experience in hardware design and development, with a strong focus on embedded systems, networking hardware, or wireless communication platforms.
  • Proven experience as a technical leader or lead hardware engineer managing and mentoring a development team.
  • Deep knowledge of current-generation networking and wireless communication chipsets and modules.
  • Strong expertise in board-level design including schematic capture, PCB stack-up definition, high-speed signal routing, power integrity, and thermal/cooling design.
  • Experience with full product development lifecycle - from architecture definition through schematic design, layout, bring-up, verification, and fielding.
  • U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing hardware for tactical, military, or rugged environments (MIL-STD, environmental qualification, SWaP optimization).
  • Background in 4G/5G, IP networking hardware, or RF subsystem integration.
  • Familiarity with high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, DDR, SerDes, etc.) and associated signal integrity challenges.
  • Prior work transitioning hardware designs to production with contract manufacturers.
  • Experience with thermal analysis, cooling solutions, and ruggedization techniques for deployed systems.

What We Offer You
  • An opportunity to be a part of something bigger; a mission with real impact.
  • A chance to be a part of a people-first team.
  • A comprehensive range of benefits that are fair, equitable, and competitive that include the following:
  • Company-paid, full coverage inclusive health care (Medical, Dental Vision), for you and your family.
  • Life/Disability: Employer-paid life insurance, in addition to short-term and long-term disability.
  • 401(k) Retirement Account, 6% employer contribution.
  • Professional Development
  • Flexible Paid Time Off
  • Holidays: 11 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Nokia Federal Solutions Inc. is an equal opportunity employer & provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and will make hiring decisions without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, protected genetic information, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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