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Hardware Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Engineer The Hardware Engineer will be responsible for executing schematic capture and PCB design in Altium for fire detection and suppression controllers. This includes working on a new ...

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Network IT Hardware Engineer

Newport, RI · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Network IT Hardware Engineer Company Overview: KMS Solutions, LLC is a technical management / solutions company that specializes in engineering, analysis, and cyber security. Founded in 2005, KMS is ...

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Hardware Engineer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$49.9K

$143.2K

$192.4K

How much do hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware engineer in Rhode Island is $143,205.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,900.00 and $159,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior hardware engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like FPGA design or ASIC development, and advanced certifications, can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-level software engineers and certain engineering managers in technology companies may also reach this salary level, often with additional bonuses or stock options.

Can you make $250,000 as an engineer?

Hardware engineers can earn $250,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries or senior roles. Achieving this salary often requires specialized knowledge, certifications, and working in regions or companies that offer higher compensation packages.

What are hardware engineers?

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 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 can a Hardware Engineer do?

A Hardware Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains physical electronic components and systems such as circuit boards, processors, and embedded systems. They often use tools like CAD software and may require knowledge of programming, electrical theory, and industry standards. Hardware Engineers work in labs or manufacturing environments and may hold certifications like IPC or IEEE standards.

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 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced hardware engineers working in specialized fields such as semiconductor design, aerospace, or defense can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with senior roles, bonuses, and stock options. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience.

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 the most commonly searched types of Hardware Engineer jobs in Rhode Island? The most popular types of Hardware Engineer jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Hardware Engineer jobs in Rhode Island? For Hardware Engineer jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hardware Engineer jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Engineer jobs in Rhode Island are:
Infographic showing various Hardware Engineer job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,205 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Hardware Engineer

Actalent

Manville, RI • On-site

$70/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Hardware EngineerJob Description

The Hardware Engineer will be responsible for executing schematic capture and PCB design in Altium for fire detection and suppression controllers. This includes working on a new control board for the air replenishment system redesign and a new vehicle fire suppression controller. The engineer will implement, revise, and verify board designs while collaborating on architecture-level decisions and conducting DFMEA.

Responsibilities
  • Create and revise schematics and PCB layouts using Altium / Altium 365.
  • Design mixed-signal microcontroller-based boards, including analog signal conditioning and A/D interfaces.
  • Support designs for intrinsically safe environments, including fusing, current limiting, and voltage limiting.
  • Conduct EMC troubleshooting and design remediation as needed.
  • Perform component selection and support obsolescence-driven redesign work.
  • Conduct board bring-up and benchtop verification using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and related lab equipment.
  • Collaborate with firmware engineers on hardware/firmware integration and debugging.
Essential Skills
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 3–8 years of electronics hardware/PCB design experience.
  • Proficiency with Altium Designer; experience with Altium 365 is a plus.
  • Solid analog and digital circuit fundamentals, including op-amp circuits and microcontroller designs.
  • Hands-on benchtop skills with oscilloscopes, multimeters, and general board bring-up/debug.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Experience with intrinsically safe design practices or products certified through a notified body.
  • Experience with EMC/EMI testing and remediation.
  • Experience in fire/life-safety, industrial, or vehicle electronics.
  • Familiarity with component obsolescence management.
Work Environment

The position requires onsite work in Rhode Island. The role is a long-term opportunity, lasting 9-12 months with potential for extension. Benefits include standard company benefits, 3 weeks of PTO, and 10 company holidays.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Lincoln, RI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $70.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lincoln,RI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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