1

Hardware Engineer Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$159K - $195K/yr

By prioritizing relentless hardware iteration, we deliver high-speed systems at the pace of the ... As a Senior Flight Software Engineer, you will work closely with our hardware and systems engineers ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Hardware Engineer information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$49.8K

$142.8K

$191.8K

How much do hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware engineer in Decatur, GA is $142,769.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,600.00 and $159,100.00 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 cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Hardware Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Hardware Engineer job openings in Decatur, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,769 per year, or $68.6 per hour.
Test Engineer - Hardware & Validation - Decatur, GA

Test Engineer - Hardware & Validation - Decatur, GA

Acuity Brands, Inc.

Decatur, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and execute comprehensive hardware test plans for lighting products, components, and related materials.

  • Conduct certification and validation testing to ensure products meet internal and external standards, including setup, execution, reporting, and interpreting results.

  • Maintain testing records, generate reports, and collaborate with engineering teams to support product modifications and additional testing.


Acuity Brands rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

140th of 141 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people's lives.
We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals.
Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com.
Job Summary
Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces and light. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls ("ABL") and the Intelligent Spaces Group ("ISG"), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make the world more brilliant, productive, and connected. We grow by developing innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management systems, and location-aware applications.
Job Summary
This team is in a renovated Innovation Center in Decatur, GA, which houses state-of-the-art design validation equipment and facilities. The onsite café and indoor/outdoor exercise facilities offer competitive work-life balance opportunities to achieve collective business and personal goals. This is a close-knit team dedicated to serving engineering by conducting testing on new and existing products. The team is essential to new product development and is focused on continuous improvement of processes and practices in testing. This role will be given the opportunity to be successful by learning from the best in lighting and will be encouraged to share your own ideas.
Location: Decatur, GA (Onsite) Schedule: 4 days/week (Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, 10-hour days) - offering a compressed work week with Fridays off
Key Responsibilities
This role is responsible for test and measurement operations on Acuity Brands lighting products, components, and related materials. The Test Engineer will maintain testing records, generate reports, and partner closely with engineering teams to support product modifications and additional testing.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive hardware test plans
  • Conduct environmental and stress testing (HALT/HASS is a plus) and guide internal/external test activities
  • Design and implement both automated (scripting) and manual test setups to validate subsystems and full products
  • Perform root cause analysis and troubleshoot hardware failures using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers
  • Conduct certification testing (UL, CSA, ANSI, IEC) ensuring products meet internal and external standards, including setup, execution, reporting, and results interpretation
  • Perform validation testing (electrical, mechanical, environmental, FCC, IEC, IEEE) to support third-party safety verification
  • Execute photometric testing using goniophotometers and integrating spheres to measure flux, intensity distribution, and spectral output
  • Maintain lab environment aligned with 5S standards and continuously improve testing processes
  • Track performance using KPIs and apply Lean principles to optimize workflow and efficiency
  • Develop new test methods and standard work aligned with UL, CSA, ANSI, IEC, and internal requirements
  • Maintain test equipment and documentation records

Minimum Requirements
  • BSEE degree (Mechanical/Physics) and experienceworking for a test lab under the umbrella of ISO 17025, preferably testing electrical and /or lighting systems.
  • Proficiency at programming in LabView or similar platform to test products.
  • Proficient with Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Microsoft Office, and other Windows applications.
  • Training provided on the job
  • Abillity to lift up to 40lbs.

Preferred Requirements
  • Experience testing to UL924 Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment
  • BSEE degree in Electronics

Travel Requirements
  • Up to 20%

#LI-EK1
We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please click here and here for more information.
Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition.
Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.
Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.
E-Verify Participation Poster
e-verify.gov
eeoc.gov