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Hardware Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

BMS Hardware Engineering Manager

Cupertino, CA

$212K - $319K/yr

Join Apple's Battery Engineering team as a Hardware Manager for Battery Management Systems (BMS) where you will lead and develop a sizable team of BMS hardware engineering managers and their ...

Cisco

Hardware Engineering Program Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$154K - $225K/yr

Orchestrate complex, multi-functional programs by aligning hardware and software engineering, product management, operations and other multi-functional teams to ensure cohesive delivery.

Velo3D

Hardware Engineering Technician

Fremont, CA · On-site

$31 - $40/hr

The Hardware Engineering Technician is responsible for the assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, repair, and qualification of complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and optical systems ...

Velo3D

Hardware Engineering Technician

Fremont, CA

$31 - $40/hr

The Hardware Engineering Technician is responsible for the assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, repair, and qualification of complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and optical systems ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsHardware Engineering JobsHardware Engineering Jobs in California

Hardware Engineering information

See California salary details

$50.3K

$144.3K

$193.9K

How much do hardware engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware engineering 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 hardware engineering?

Hardware engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on designing, developing, testing, and maintaining physical components of computers and electronic systems. This includes creating circuit boards, processors, memory devices, and other related hardware. Hardware engineers work closely with software engineers to ensure that hardware and software function together efficiently. They play a crucial role in advancing technology by developing faster, smaller, and more reliable electronic devices.

What are some typical challenges hardware engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Hardware engineers often work closely with software developers, product managers, and manufacturing teams to bring products from concept to reality. A common challenge is ensuring that design specifications align across disciplines, which may require frequent adjustments and open communication. Misalignment can lead to delays or design revisions, so it's essential for hardware engineers to be proactive in meetings and documentation. Effective collaboration involves balancing technical constraints with project timelines and user requirements.

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, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and hardware testing, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, PCB design tools (such as Altium Designer or OrCAD), and industry certifications like Certified Hardware Engineer (CHE) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set top candidates apart in this field. These skills ensure the development of reliable, innovative hardware solutions that meet project specifications and industry standards.

What is the difference between Hardware Engineering vs Electrical Engineering?

AspectHardware EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Computer EngineeringBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing physical hardware components, working in labs or manufacturing settingsDesigning electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry, often in labs or field sites
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, computer hardware, embedded systemsPower systems, telecommunications, control systems
Common Search/ComparisonHardware Engineering vs Electrical Engineering

Hardware Engineering focuses on designing and developing physical electronic components and systems, while Electrical Engineering covers a broader range of electrical systems, power, and circuitry. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often overlap in industry applications, but hardware engineers are more specialized in physical hardware design.

Are hardware engineers in high demand?

Hardware engineers are in high demand due to ongoing advancements in electronics, computing, and embedded systems. They often require skills in circuit design, CAD tools, and knowledge of industry standards, with employment opportunities growing in sectors like consumer electronics, telecommunications, and aerospace.

Is it hard to get a job as a hardware engineer?

Securing a job as a hardware engineer can be competitive and typically requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field, along with experience in circuit design, testing, and familiarity with tools like CAD software. Strong problem-solving skills, certifications, and a solid understanding of hardware development processes can improve job prospects, but the difficulty varies based on location and industry demand.

What does 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 require knowledge of electrical engineering principles, often working in labs or manufacturing environments. Hardware engineers may also troubleshoot hardware issues and collaborate with software teams to ensure compatibility and performance.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Hardware Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hardware Engineering job openings:

Hardware Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,315 per year, or $69.4 per hour.

Senior Manager, Hardware Engineering

Serve Robotics

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$214K - $255K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

At Serve Robotics, we're reimagining how things move in cities. Our personable sidewalk robot is our vision for the future. It's designed to take deliveries away from congested streets, make deliveries available to more people, and benefit local businesses.
The Serve fleet has been delighting merchants, customers, and pedestrians along the way in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago while doing commercial deliveries. We're looking for talented individuals who will grow robotic deliveries from surprising novelty to efficient ubiquity.
Who We Are
We are tech industry veterans in software, hardware, and design who are pooling our skills to build the future we want to live in. We are solving real-world problems leveraging robotics, machine learning and computer vision, among other disciplines, with a mindful eye towards the end-to-end user experience. Our team is agile, diverse, and driven. We believe that the best way to solve complicated dynamic problems is collaboratively and respectfully.
The Senior Manager, Hardware Engineering leads a team of hardware engineers responsible for designing, developing, validating, and delivering electrical and electronic systems that power Serve's autonomous robotic platform. This role provides both people leadership and technical guidance, ensuring high-quality engineering execution while developing team capability, driving cross-functional collaboration, and delivering hardware programs that support Serve's product roadmap.
The Senior Manager partners closely with Mechanical Engineering, Embedded Software, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, Product, and Operations to execute complex hardware development efforts from concept through production.
Responsibilities
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of hardware engineers by providing regular feedback, career development, performance management, and technical mentorship.
  • Manage team priorities, project assignments, and resource allocation to deliver hardware programs aligned with product and business objectives.
  • Provide technical leadership for the design, development, integration, and validation of complex electrical and electronic systems for autonomous robotic platforms.
  • Partner with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure successful integration of hardware, firmware, software, mechanical, and systems components.
  • Lead engineering planning, technical reviews, and project execution to deliver programs on schedule while maintaining quality, reliability, and performance expectations.
  • Identify technical and program risks, establish mitigation plans, and remove obstacles that impact engineering execution.
  • Drive engineering best practices across design reviews, validation processes, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support manufacturing readiness by ensuring hardware designs meet cost, quality, reliability, and production requirements.
  • Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering leadership to define project priorities, timelines, and engineering deliverables.
  • Participate in hiring, onboarding, workforce planning, and organizational development activities to build a high-performing engineering team.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 8+ years of experience developing complex electromechanical, robotics, automotive, aerospace, or similar hardware systems.
  • 3+ years of engineering management or technical leadership experience leading engineering teams.
  • Experience delivering hardware products from concept through production.
  • Strong technical background in hardware design, PCB development, embedded electronics, sensors, power systems, motor control, and system integration.
  • Experience leading cross-functional engineering projects involving hardware, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering.
  • Strong project planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and build high-performing teams.

What Makes You Stand Out
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Experience developing autonomous systems, robotics, drones, automotive, or other safety-critical electromechanical products.
  • Experience supporting products through manufacturing scale-up and production.
  • Experience working with international engineering teams or manufacturing partners.
  • Experience in a high-growth technology or startup environment.

Additional Information
This role may require periodic travel to engineering sites, manufacturing facilities, suppliers, and field operations to support hardware development, testing, and production activities. Occasional work outside standard business hours may be required to support critical project milestones or product releases.

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