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Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA

$127K - $168K/yr

Support identification of hardware problems and problem resolution, preparation of engineering plans and technical documentation and may participate in configuration management activities. You will ...

Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100 - $145/hr

Hardware Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Job Id: 1169 # of Openings: 1 About DZYNE DZYNE Technologies is leading the future of autonomous defense. Based in Irvine, California, we develop and ...

Hardware Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

What You'll Do As a Hardware Engineer, you'll play a critical role in configuring, validating, and optimizing hardware solutions tailored to customer needs. You'll collaborate with engineering, sales ...

Hardware Engineer

San Bruno, CA · On-site

$147K - $194K/yr

As a Hardware Engineer, you will join femtoAI's hardware team to help design and build our novel neural network accelerator. Working in a small, highly collaborative group, you will contribute ...

Hardware Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The Arlo Smart Home Device team is seeking an entry-level Hardware Engineer. We are looking for a new or recent EE graduate who is interested in a very hands-on position working within a team ...

Hardware Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

What You'll Do As a Hardware Engineer, you'll play a critical role in configuring, validating, and optimizing hardware solutions tailored to customer needs. You'll collaborate with engineering, sales ...

Hardware Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

What You'll Do As a Hardware Engineer, you'll play a critical role in configuring, validating, and optimizing hardware solutions tailored to customer needs. You'll collaborate with engineering, sales ...

Hardware Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$145K - $192K/yr

Hardware Engineer (Waymo) Mountain View, CA Mission You'll be the hands-on troubleshooter ensuring our hardware systems work as designed from the drawing board to the real world, and meet our ...

Hardware Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Role :Hardware Engineer Location: Palo Alto , California, USA - onsite Duration Contract high-speed board design manadatory * Strong experience in automotive hardware design (5-8 years preferred)

Hardware Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$150.25 - $189/hr

Optimize complex hardware components for performance, power, and cost by applying engineering best practices. * Review hardware designs, including schematics, layouts, and block diagrams, to ...

Hardware Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$145K - $191K/yr

THE ROLE Join our System Hardware Development Team to engineer the next generation of enterprise storage solutions that power leading organizations globally. In this role, you will own critical ...

The Arlo Smart Home Device team is seeking an entry-level Hardware Engineer. We are looking for a new or recent EE graduate who is interested in a very hands-on position working within a team ...

Hardware Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The Arlo Smart Home Device team is seeking an entry-level Hardware Engineer. We are looking for a new or recent EE graduate who is interested in a very hands-on position working within a team ...

Hardware Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$145K - $192K/yr

Optimize complex hardware components for performance, power, and cost by applying engineering best practices. * Review hardware designs, including schematics, layouts, and block diagrams, to ...

Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$91K - $105K/yr

Job Summary: We're hiring a hands-on Hardware Engineer to support server products across our production lines and customer data centers. You will start embedded at production to learn our processes ...

Hardware Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$110 - $145/hr

What You'll Do As a Hardware Engineer, you'll play a critical role in configuring, validating, and optimizing hardware solutions tailored to customer needs. You'll collaborate with engineering, sales ...

Hardware Engineer

Stanford, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

We seek a Hardware Engineer to help develop and maintain the robots and supporting infrastructure at the SRC. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position will communicate with faculty, staff ...

Hardware Engineer

Stanford, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

We seek a Hardware Engineer to help develop and maintain the robots and supporting infrastructure at the SRC. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position will communicate with faculty, staff ...

Showing results 21-40

Hardware Engineer information

See California salary details

$50.3K

$144.3K

$193.9K

How much do hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware engineer in California is $144,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,900.00 and $160,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hardware engineer?

Hardware engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and oversee the manufacturing of computer hardware, such as circuit boards, processors, memory devices, networks, and routers. They work closely with software engineers to ensure that hardware and software function together efficiently. Hardware engineers are involved in researching new technologies, improving existing hardware, and troubleshooting issues to enhance system performance. Their work is crucial in industries like computing, telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics.

What does a hardware engineer do?

A hardware engineer, or computer hardware engineer, specializes in all aspects of computer hardware, including testing, repairing, building, and maintaining its efficiency. As a hardware engineer, your responsibilities include developing and installing new hardware systems for businesses, providing tech support to users with hardware issues, along with designing and building new products for manufacturers. You may specialize in areas such as internal components, servers, electrical engineering, cellular and tablet devices, or traditional computers and networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Engineer, a strong background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and computer architecture is essential, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, PCB layout tools, and hardware description languages, as well as certifications like Certified Hardware Design Engineer (CHDE), are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding hardware engineers apart. These skills and qualities are vital for designing reliable, high-performance hardware products that meet rigorous industry standards.

What are some typical challenges hardware engineers face when working on cross-functional teams?

Hardware Engineers often collaborate closely with software developers, product managers, and manufacturing teams. One common challenge is aligning hardware specifications with software requirements, which may change throughout the development cycle. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as Hardware Engineers must balance technical constraints, cost considerations, and evolving project goals. Staying proactive in cross-team meetings and clarifying expectations early on can help reduce misunderstandings and ensure smoother project delivery.

What is the difference between Hardware Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectHardware EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Computer EngineeringBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing hardware components, working in labs or officesDesigning electrical systems, working in labs, manufacturing, or field
Industry UsageElectronics, computer hardware, telecommunicationsPower systems, electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing

Hardware Engineers focus on designing and developing physical electronic components and systems, while Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems and power distribution. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate in technology industries.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hardware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,315 per year, or $69.4 per hour.

$127K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Kratos Defense and Rocket Support Service is seeking an enthusiastic, versatile, and resourceful Hardware Engineer to work in San Diego, CA. You will be a member of a small team at a U.S. Navy lab required to support research, design, development, test, and oversee the installation of hardware while supervising its manufacture and installation. Hardware may refer to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, networking systems/components and related equipment such as keyboards, modems, and printers. Support identification of hardware problems and problem resolution, preparation of engineering plans and technical documentation and may participate in configuration management activities. You will also be required to interface with customers, other labs, and other program members in other disciplines (i.e., Systems Engineering; Cyber Security; Scheduling; etc.). You must be innovative and willing to tackle challenging situations to meet the customer's specific requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Research, design, develop, test, and oversee the installation of hardware and supervise its manufacture and installation
  • Prepare engineering plans
  • Support contractual obligations
  • Identify various hardware problems and assist in the resolution
  • Willingness to travel, as required
  • Support Engineering and other meetings, as required
  • Meeting coordination, preparation, and participation activities to include development of briefings, agendas, and minutes, preparation and distribution of meeting invites, and other relevant material

Required Experience:

  • Minimum of one year of experience with lab testing to include but not limited to Confidence and include Regression Testing
  • Experience with the administration and operation of hardware and software to include: Redhat operating systems, VMware computer platforms, Windows Server operating systems, Amino Set Top Boxes (STB), ViaSAT crypto
  • Experience with the administration and operation of Windows operating systems, Wireshark, VLC player, Solarwinds, Crystal Computer, Germain Computer, Alcatel Switch, and Crystal switch as they relate to Global Broadcast Service (GBS)
  • Experience with supporting internet protocol network and routing configuration on GBS related hardware and software, to include broadcast, multicast, transmission control protocols, and file transfer protocols
  • Good writing skills and experience with development and updates of test plans, procedures, reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and user guides

Basic Qualifications:

  • U.S Citizen with Minimum SECRET Clearance
  • Bachelor of Science or higher from an accredited college in an applicable discipline such as Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or Computer Engineering
  • Knowledge of various types of hardware (computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, etc.)
  • Hardware installation
  • Problem solving skills
  • Experience leading the design, installation, maintenance, and management of complex network systems
  • Experience in broad and diverse background in business analysis, applications/systems engineering, and information operations and architectures.
  • Must have excellent problem-solving skills
  • Must be organized and self-motivated
  • Must possess strong communication skills
  • Must thrive in fast-paced environment
  • Intermediate knowledge and experience with MS Office suite, specifically MS Word, PowerPoint, Visio, and Excel. Project a plus

Preferred Qualifications:

  • GBS hardware and software
  • Demonstrate experience with GBS fielding and sustainment support. Demonstrate experience with Test and Evaluation (T&E) with GBS and Split Internet Protocol systems
  • Demonstrate experience performing T&E of software on Windows 10, Windows 7, and RedHat Enterprise Linux systems or show certifications in related technology
  • Demonstrate relatable experience working in computer lab environments
  • Demonstrate experience working with Shipboard Networks such as Consolidated Afloat Network and Enterprise Services (CANES) and Integrated Shipboard Network System (ISNS)
  • Demonstrate experience with test and evaluation of internet networking protocols to include but not limited to multicast, unicast, and broadcast data
  • Demonstrate technical writing experience
  • Experience providing test engineering support
  • Desired 2 years of experience testing software at system integration level

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