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Hardware Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Parsons

Hardware Reverse Engineer TS

Centreville, VA · On-site

$112K - $196K/yr

Parsons is looking for talented Cleared Hardware and Embedded Systems Reverse Engineers to join our team! In this role you will work directly on an agile, tight knit development team helping to drive ...

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All JobsHardware Engineer JobsHardware Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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.
More about Hardware Engineer jobs
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 are popular job titles related to Hardware Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Hardware Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hardware Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for 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:
What are popular job titles related to Hardware Engineer jobs in VA? For Hardware Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Hardware Engineer jobs near you
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.

Hardware Reverse Engineer SME with Security Clearance

Kforce Federal Solutions

Arlington, VA

$142K - $187K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Hardware Reverse Engineer SME (TS/SCI)
Location: Arlington, VA
Clearance: Active TS/SCI required Apply Now!
or
Contact Recruiter: Brenton Anderson
Email:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myitrecruiterbrenton/ Overview
We are seeking a highly specialized Hardware Reverse Engineer Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a mission-critical federal cybersecurity program focused on responding to sophisticated cyber attacks and protecting critical infrastructure.
This role centers on advanced hardware forensics across operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) environments. You will play a key role in analyzing compromised devices, uncovering deeply embedded threats, and supporting investigations where traditional detection capabilities are limited. Key Responsibilities Conduct advanced hardware reverse engineering on OT/ICS and embedded systems
Analyze compromised network-edge devices (routers, switches, firewalls, IoT)
Perform deep technical analysis of proprietary or undocumented hardware platforms
Reverse engineer firmware and low-level software on embedded devices
Identify and extract embedded malware from hardware components
Perform vulnerability analysis, failure analysis, and exploitation assessments
Analyze proprietary communication protocols and system-level functionality
Identify hardware implants, backdoors, and malicious modifications
Support forensic investigations in environments lacking traditional endpoint visibility
Collaborate with engineering and research teams on advanced analysis techniques
Develop standard operating procedures for hardware forensic workflows
Provide subject matter expertise to operational teams during active investigations
Train analysts on hardware reverse engineering methodologies
Document technical findings, exploitation methods, and defensive countermeasures
Contribute to research initiatives focused on emerging hardware-based threats Required Qualifications Active TS/SCI clearance
Ability to obtain additional federal suitability as required
10+ years of experience in hardware reverse engineering or embedded systems analysis
Deep expertise in OT/ICS hardware systems and vulnerabilities
Strong experience with firmware reverse engineering and analysis
Proficiency with reverse engineering tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja)
Strong understanding of embedded processor architectures (ARM, MIPS, PowerPC)
Experience with hardware debugging interfaces (JTAG, SWD, UART)
Strong programming and scripting skills (Python, C, Assembly)
Experience analyzing edge devices, embedded systems, and proprietary platforms
Knowledge of exploitation techniques targeting embedded systems
Experience with malware analysis in hardware/firmware contexts
Ability to analyze complex systems with limited documentation
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting cybersecurity or critical infrastructure environments
Hands-on experience with advanced hardware analysis techniques (e.g., chip-off, imaging, deprocessing)
Background in offensive security or OT-focused penetration testing
Experience with industrial systems (SCADA, PLCs, RTUs)
Familiarity with critical infrastructure sectors (energy, utilities, manufacturing)
Understanding of supply chain security and hardware implant detection
Experience with system emulation or virtual hardware analysis platforms
Knowledge of adversary tactics targeting OT and embedded systems
Background in hardware security research or electronics engineering environments Education Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
Advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) preferred Certifications (Preferred) DoD 8140-aligned certifications (IAT Level III or similar)
PMP or relevant advanced technical certifications

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