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Hardware Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Hardware Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$134K - $202K/yr

Collaborating closely with top-tier hardware engineers and security researchers, you'll help tackle some of the toughest challenges in the field. Our growing roster of government customers depends on ...

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Hardware Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$50.6K

$145K

$194.8K

How much do hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware engineer in Virginia is $144,976.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,400.00 and $161,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Hardware engineers and electrical engineers typically earn salaries below $500,000, with top earners in specialized fields or executive roles reaching higher compensation. Achieving such a salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced skills, leadership positions, or working in high-paying industries like aerospace or semiconductor design. Most electrical engineers earn a median salary significantly lower than $500,000 annually.

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 bonuses and stock options. Such roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior hardware engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like FPGA design or ASIC development, and working in high-demand industries such as aerospace or semiconductor manufacturing, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

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 Virginia? The most popular types of Hardware Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Hardware Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Hardware Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $144,976 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Principal I&C Hardware Engineer

Framatome North America

Lynchburg, VA

$115K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Why This Role Is Critical

As the need for nuclear energy grows, the future couldn't be brighter. Join our vital mission to create lasting solutions for our planet's greatest challenges. In this role, you are ready to shape the future of clean energy and make a long-lasting global impact. With us, anticipate engaging and challenging projects that deliver innovative solutions and value-added technologies helping power more than 38 million North American homes.

We are seeking a highly motivated Instrumentation & Control (I&C) Safety System Hardware Engineer to support the modernization of safetyrelated systems in commercial nuclear power plants. In this role, you will design, implement, and verify hardware solutions that meet stringent functional safety requirements and comply with nuclear regulatory standards. You will contribute across the entire system lifecycle-from requirements definition and detailed design through implementation, testing, configuration management, and preparation of licensing documentation.

What You'll Do Day-To-Day
  • Performs a variety of more complex engineering assignments typically in areas of design, development, analysis, evaluation, testing, preparation of specifications, execution of field tasks and resolution of field problems.  
  • Performs independent review of department work products, risk assessments, Apparent Cause Analyses, Root Cause Analyses, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis etc.  
  • Proposes solutions and work scope to supervisor, works autonomously on most assignments and solutions.  
  • Ensures compliance with government regulations, organization, industry and customer engineering standards.  
  • Independently evaluates, selects and applies a variety of technical techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgement in making more complex adaptations and modifications for tasks not previously performed.  
  • Develops new or adapted products, methods, systems or models to provide added value solutions to customers.  
  • Understands impact of work on other organizations internally and externally.  
  • Works on special projects, as directed.  
  • Provides suggestions for improving processes and implementing process improvements.
  • Translate system and regulatory requirements into detailed hardware design requirements, design specifications, and implementation plans.
  • Develop and review hardware designs, system architectures, cabinet layouts, Bills of Materials, system cabling interfaces, and cabinet power design.
  • Define and support Establish equipment setups/monitoring for seismic, environmental, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests.
  • Support power distribution analysis, heat load calculations, response time evaluations, and uncertainty analyses for safety related systems.
  • Provide support for SAP Material Master data and Bill of Materials (BOM) management activities.
  • Assist in developing and executing test methods, procedures, and validation plans.
  • Develop and execute Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) plans and associated reports.
  • Work closely with system architects, software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and licensing teams to ensure solutions are technically integrated, compliant, and licensable.
What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
    • Dependent on the position, degrees in Physics, Engineering Technology and Engineering Science may also be accepted.
  • Minimum of 7 years of related experience.
  • Advanced knowledge of related engineering standards, techniques and criteria.  
  • Excellent communication skills to comprehend and convey detailed technical data.
  • Grows developed network and maintains good interpersonal relationships; work collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Advanced problem identification and problem resolution skills.  
  • Displays leadership characteristics.  
  • Exhibits questioning attitude and practices self-checking.  
  • Advanced proficiency with specialized software tools and programming languages as required by the role.
  • Familiarity with nuclear digital I&C standards and regulatory expectations for digital safety systems.
  • Experience with requirements engineering, traceability, and configuration management processes.
  • Strong analytical skills and proficiency in technical documentation and communication.
  • Handson experience with digital safety platforms such as safety PLCs or FPGAbased platforms.
  • Experience supporting licensing submittals, audits, or regulatory inspections.
  • Background in Equipment Qualification and applicable regulatory standards.
  • Proficiency with electrical and system CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, EPlan, AutoCAD Electrical).
  • Prior experience working in a commercial nuclear power plant environment. 
Total Rewards Package

Total Rewards Package         

  • Salary: $115,000 - $156,000, and may also include annual incentives and performance bonuses. The base salary range is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.
  • Health & Wellness: Multiple medical plan options, dental & vision coverage, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, and optional supplemental plans (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, dependent life).
  • Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.
  • Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays annually.
  • Extra Perks: Lifestyle spending account, employer paid mental health support, education reimbursement, professional development opportunities, adoption assistance, parental leave, and employee assistance programs.
About Framatome

Framatome has been shaping the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. for more than 60 years. Framatome Inc. is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, with more than 2,400+ employees across North America supporting nearly every nuclear plant in the nation.

From our facilities in Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and beyond, we deliver outage services, advanced nuclear fuel technologies, and next-gen reactor innovations that keep the lights on.

At Framatome, you will join a global team committed to creating reliable, carbon-free energy. Here, you can:

  • Solve complex nuclear challenges that directly impact the climate.
  • Build your career through technical fellowships, leadership roles, and global opportunities.
  • Do your best work in a culture that values safety, innovation, and well-being.

Framatome is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Offers are contingent on background check and drug screen (where applicable). Positions may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations; applicants must meet eligibility requirements (see DOE 810 Appendix A).

Employment Type: FULL_TIME