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Hardware In The Loop Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos Defense is seeking a talented Hardware in the Loop Test Engineer to support Hypersonics programs. The selected candidate will support integration, verification, validation, and field-testing ...

Leidos Defense is seeking a talented Hardware in the Loop Test Engineer to support Hypersonics programs. The selected candidate will support integration, verification, validation, and field-testing ...

The achievers and courageous challenge-crushers we seek, have the following characteristics and skills: What You will Do: The HITL Design & Maintenance Engineer plays a crucial role in supporting the ...

The achievers and courageous challenge-crushers we seek, have the following characteristics and skills: What You will Do: The HITL Design & Maintenance Engineer plays a crucial role in supporting the ...

Lead Waabi's HIL program, owning the strategy, architecture, roadmap, and execution across Hardware ... Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or ...

Develop the software and firmware that powers Waabi's HIL benches -- test runners, simulation ... for hardware, autonomy and systems engineering teams. Qualifications: * Bachelor of Science in ...

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Hardware In The Loop Engineer information

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$51K

$146.2K

$196.5K

How much do hardware in the loop engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware in the loop engineer in the United States is $146,230.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,500.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hardware In The Loop Engineer vs Test Engineer?

AspectHardware In The Loop EngineerTest Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Software EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDeveloping and testing simulation environments, working with embedded systems and real-time hardwareDesigning, executing, and analyzing tests on products or systems, often in lab or field settings
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, robotics, and embedded systems industriesAutomotive, electronics, manufacturing, and software development sectors

Hardware In The Loop Engineers focus on creating simulation environments to test hardware and software integration in real-time, often working with embedded systems. Test Engineers primarily design and execute tests to ensure product quality. While both roles require engineering backgrounds, HIL Engineers specialize in simulation and hardware integration, whereas Test Engineers focus on testing procedures and analysis.

What states have the most Hardware In The Loop Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hardware In The Loop Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Hardware In The Loop Engineer jobs?

For Hardware In The Loop Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hardware In The Loop Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,230 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Hardware in the Loop Engineer

Laurel, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

$122K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
Do you love to work on hardware in the loop testing?
Do you like contributing to projects where you get hands on with hardware to conduct analysis and solve critical challenges?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking an engineer or scientist that is capable of leading both the design and construction of a new hardware in the loop (HWIL or HIL) system as well as adding capability and expanding existing HWILs to test weapon systems critical to our nation's defense. If you have previous experience working with a hardware in the loop system and a passion to lead a team of smart engineers, you'll be a great fit for this position. You'll be joining a team that designs, builds and runs hardware in the loop (HWIL) testing around a weapon systems flight computers and other components, including datalinks, GPS receivers, and IMUs.
As a Hardware in the Loop Engineer...
  • Your primary responsibility will be leading a team of engineers to design, build, and run real-time, open-loop and closed-loop, hardware in the loop capabilities around unique weapons systems.
  • You will work with the government to design tests based on their needs and will lead execution of test and analysis activities.
  • Work with software and hardware designers to develop and implement the HWIL capability, taking care to understand requirements the specific HWIL objectives levy on the architecture.
  • Work with embedded hardware systems, understanding the electrical interfaces, physical interfaces, and communications protocols
  • Present status and results to project, program, and external sponsors
  • Mentor staff on HWIL designs, break up tasks as needed in chunks to fit the levels of individual staff members.
  • You will document code, implement CI/CD practices, setup network systems together, and communicate your needs across the team.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a BS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or similar field.
  • Have 5+ years of experience working with hardware in the loop test beds.
  • Are skilled in software programming, understanding electrical signals and how embedded systems communicate.
  • Capable of leading a team of 2-6 (or more) engineers to design and build out a Hardware in the Loop testbed.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have significant experience designing and building hardware in the loop test beds.
  • Have experience designing high fidelity (6-dof) software simulations for flying platforms (missiles, planes, projectiles).
  • Have experience with object-oriented programming languages (Java, C, C++) and scripting languages (Python or MATLAB).
  • Are familiar with one or more of: CUDA, FPGA, software defined radio (SDR) or RFSoC, networking protocols, RF systems.
  • Have experience with test equipment including spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes
  • Have experience with both Windows and Linux operating systems

#LI-AG1
About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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