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Hardware Engineer Contract Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Microsoft

Hardware Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$138K - $182K/yr

Manages laboratory operating expenses, capital equipment purchases, maintenance contracts, software ... Hardware Engineering IC2 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $85,400 ...

Overland AI

Forward Deployed Hardware Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national ... We are looking for a field-forward, Hardware Engineer to deploy, operate, maintain, troubleshoot ...

Protingent

Hardware R&D Validation Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$45 - $70/hr

Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract opportunity for a Hardware R&D Validation Engineer with our client located in Bellevue, Washington (Onsite). * This is a high-impact role sitting at the ...

Staffingine LLC

Hardware Debug Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Hardware Debug engineer Job Location: Seattle, WA Job Type ... Contract * Installed, troubleshot, and maintained Server & Client computer components * Hands on ...

Socket.dev

Director of Hardware Engineering

Everett, WA · On-site

$160.10 - $297.80/hr

Job Summary The Director of Hardware Engineering provides strategic leadership and technical ... Supplier & Contract Management * Talent & Knowledge Development * Innovation & Continuous ...

System One

IT Systems Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

IT Systems Engineer (Contract) System One Location: Bellevue, WA (Onsite) Schedule: Full-Time, 40 ... Coordinate hardware support and warranty repairs with vendors. * Administer SAN, NAS, and ...

System One

IT Systems Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

IT Systems Engineer (Contract) System One Location: Bellevue, WA (Onsite) Schedule: Full-Time, 40 ... Coordinate hardware support and warranty repairs with vendors. * Administer SAN, NAS, and ...

System One

IT Systems Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

IT Systems Engineer (Contract) System One Location: Bellevue, WA (Onsite) Schedule: Full-Time, 40 ... Coordinate hardware support and warranty repairs with vendors. * Administer SAN, NAS, and ...

System One

IT Systems Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

IT Systems Engineer (Contract) System One Location: Bellevue, WA (Onsite) Schedule: Full-Time, 40 ... Coordinate hardware support and warranty repairs with vendors. * Administer SAN, NAS, and ...

System One

IT Systems Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

IT Systems Engineer (Contract) System One Location: Bellevue, WA (Onsite) Schedule: Full-Time, 40 ... Coordinate hardware support and warranty repairs with vendors. * Administer SAN, NAS, and ...

System One

IT Systems Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

IT Systems Engineer (Contract) System One Location: Bellevue, WA (Onsite) Schedule: Full-Time, 40 ... Coordinate hardware support and warranty repairs with vendors. * Administer SAN, NAS, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsHardware Engineer Contract JobsHardware Engineer Contract Jobs in Seattle, WA

Hardware Engineer Contract information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$58K

$166.4K

$223.6K

How much do hardware engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware engineer contract in Seattle, WA is $166,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,500.00 and $185,500.00 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Hardware Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Hardware Engineer Contract jobs in Seattle, WA? For Hardware Engineer Contract jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hardware Engineer Contract jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Engineer Contract jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Hardware Engineer Contract jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Hardware Engineer Contract job openings:
Hardware Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Engineer Contract job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,414 per year, or $80 per hour.

Hardware Engineer

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

$138K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 242 rated software companies

Job description

Overview
As a Device Analysis Engineer perform failure analysis and material characterization using cutting-edge instrumentation, analytical techniques, and critical thinking to identify failure mechanisms and root causes for complex engineering issues.
In addition to hands-on analytical investigations, this role owns the operational management of Device Analysis Engineering laboratories and the RDES budget, including laboratory planning, equipment management, procurement activities, vendor management, purchase orders, invoice processing, budget forecasting, and laboratory infrastructure support. The successful candidate will ensure DAE laboratories maintain the capabilities, resources, and operational efficiency required to support Microsoft's Surface, Xbox, Cloud, and Quantum programs.
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
Failure Analysis & Material Characterization
  • Performs material characterization and physical failure analysis on components, subsystems, and products.
  • Uses analytical techniques to identify failure mechanisms and determine root causes.
  • Supports engineering investigations during product development, qualification, manufacturing, and sustaining phases.
  • Works closely with Development, Manufacturing, Reliability, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to support engineering investigations and product improvements.
  • Communicates technical findings through clear reports, presentations, and engineering reviews.
  • Assists in developing and improving analytical methodologies, laboratory procedures, and best practices.
Laboratory Operations Management
  • Owns day-to-day operation of DAE laboratories to ensure safe, efficient, and effective execution of analytical activities.
  • Manages the laboratory equipment lifecycle, including procurement, calibration, maintenance, repair, and replacement.
  • Maintains laboratory inventory, consumables, chemicals, software licenses, and service agreements.
  • Develops and maintain laboratory operating procedures, safety practices, asset-tracking processes, and maintenance schedules.
  • Ensures laboratory readiness and operational efficiency to support engineering investigations and business priorities.
  • Supports implementation of new analytical capabilities and laboratory improvements.
RDES (Reliability, Device Analysis Engineering, Product Safety) Budget Ownership
  • Owns the RDES operating budget, including annual planning, forecasting, spending reviews, and expense tracking.
  • Manages laboratory operating expenses, capital equipment purchases, maintenance contracts, software licenses, and external analytical service costs.
  • Develops business justifications for equipment purchases, laboratory upgrades, and capability investments.
  • Monitors expenditures and ensure spending remains aligned with approved budgets.
  • Partners with Finance and Procurement teams to support budget execution and compliance with company policies.
Purchasing & Vendor Management
  • Manages procurement activities, including vendor quotations, purchase requisitions, purchase orders (POs), invoice approvals, and contract coordination.
  • Manages relationships with equipment suppliers, service providers, and external laboratories.
  • Ensures timely acquisition of equipment, consumables, and services required to support laboratory operations.
  • Coordinates with internal and external laboratories to support analysis projects and business needs.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
    • OR equivalent experience

Other Requirements:
  • Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
    • Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
    • Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their U.S. permanent residency or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate's citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable.

Preferred Qualification:
  • 1+ years of experience in materials characterization, physical failure analysis, laboratory operations, or related engineering disciplines.
  • Hands-on experience with failure analysis and analytical techniques such as 2D/3D X-ray, Mechanical Cross-Sectioning/Dye & Pry, SEM/EDS, FTIR, Optical Microscopy, and XRF.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
  • Ability to clearly communicate analytical findings through written reports and presentations.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment supporting both technical investigations and laboratory operations.
  • Experience with laboratory operations, including equipment management, calibration, maintenance, inventory control, and laboratory safety practices.
  • Experience managing budgets, purchase orders (POs), invoices, vendor relationships, equipment procurement, and operational expenditures.
  • Experience coordinating with internal and external laboratories, equipment suppliers, and service providers.
  • B.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.

#W+D #EiP
Hardware Engineering IC2 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $85,400 - $168,100 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $111,100 - $183,700 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

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Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

Social media

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