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Hardware Installer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kratos Defense

Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Navy lab required to support research, design, development, test, and oversee the installation of hardware while supervising its manufacture and installation. Hardware may refer to computer chips ...

Kratos Defense

Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Navy lab required to support research, design, development, test, and oversee the installation of hardware while supervising its manufacture and installation. Hardware may refer to computer chips ...

Aerotek

Hardware Technician

Fremont, CA

$32/hr

Perform rack-level hardware installations, modifications, and upgrades. * Ensure rack build quality meets engineering and manufacturing standards. * Prepare systems for testing and validation.

Aerotek

Hardware Technician

Fremont, CA

$32/hr

Perform rack-level hardware installations, modifications, and upgrades. * Ensure rack build quality meets engineering and manufacturing standards. * Prepare systems for testing and validation.

cookboardman

Installer

Rocklin, CA · On-site

This position will involve the installation of architectural grade doors, frames, and hardware, to include toilet accessories, toilet partitions, lockers, and other Division 10 products. Essential ...

cookboardman

Installer

Rocklin, CA · On-site

This position will involve the installation of architectural grade doors, frames, and hardware, to include toilet accessories, toilet partitions, lockers, and other Division 10 products. Essential ...

Velociti Services

IT Installer

San Pedro, CA · On-site

$34/hr

HMLP hardware installations * Basic Network Programming (Patch panel port configuration) * Signage (digital) installation and maintenance * Camera installation and maintenance * Building IT hardware ...

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All JobsHardware Installer JobsHardware Installer Jobs in California

Hardware Installer information

See California salary details

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How much do hardware installer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware installer in California is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hardware Installer vs Network Technician?

AspectHardware InstallerNetwork Technician
CertificationsCompTIA A+, Manufacturer-specific certificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentOn-site, installation of hardware componentsOn-site or remote, troubleshooting and maintaining networks
Industry UsageElectronics, retail, telecommunicationsIT, telecommunications, enterprise networks
Primary FocusHardware setup and installationNetwork configuration and troubleshooting

While both roles involve technical skills and work in related industries, Hardware Installers focus on physically installing hardware components, whereas Network Technicians specialize in configuring and maintaining network systems. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right role based on skills and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware installer?

To thrive as a Hardware Installer, you need a solid understanding of electronic systems, physical installation techniques, and often a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with installation tools, wiring diagrams, and sometimes certifications like CompTIA A+ are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with clients and team members are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure installations are completed accurately, safely, and in alignment with customer requirements and industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by hardware installers during on-site installations?

Hardware Installers often encounter challenges such as adapting to varied site conditions, troubleshooting unexpected technical issues, and coordinating with other trades or teams to ensure smooth installation. Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills are key, as installers may need to work around schedule changes or incomplete site preparations. Effective communication with clients and team members also helps address issues quickly and ensures installations meet quality and safety standards.

What does a hardware installer do?

A Hardware Installer is responsible for setting up, installing, and maintaining various types of hardware equipment, such as computers, servers, networking devices, or security systems. Their duties include assembling hardware components, connecting devices, configuring systems for optimal performance, and troubleshooting installation issues. Hardware Installers may work in homes, offices, or industrial environments, ensuring that all devices are properly installed and functioning according to manufacturer specifications.
What are popular job titles related to Hardware Installer jobs in California? For Hardware Installer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hardware Installer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Installer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Hardware Installer jobs in CA? For Hardware Installer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Hardware Installer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Installer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,960 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Hardware Engineer

Kratos Defense

San Diego, CA • On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Kratos Defense and Rocket Support Service is seeking an enthusiastic, versatile, and resourceful Hardware Engineer to work in San Diego, CA. You will be a member of a small team at a U.S. Navy lab required to support research, design, development, test, and oversee the installation of hardware while supervising its manufacture and installation.  Hardware may refer to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, networking systems/components and related equipment such as keyboards, modems, and printers. Support identification of hardware problems and problem resolution, preparation of engineering plans and technical documentation and may participate in configuration management activities. You will also be required to interface with customers, other labs, and other program members in other disciplines (i.e., Systems Engineering; Cyber Security; Scheduling; etc.). You must be innovative and willing to tackle challenging situations to meet the customer's specific requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Research, design, develop, test, and oversee the installation of hardware and supervise its manufacture and installation
  • Prepare engineering plans
  • Support contractual obligations
  • Identify various hardware problems and assist in the resolution
  • Willingness to travel, as required
  • Support Engineering and other meetings, as required
  • Meeting coordination, preparation, and participation activities to include development of briefings, agendas, and minutes, preparation and distribution of meeting invites, and other relevant material

Required Experience:

  • Minimum of one year of experience with lab testing to include but not limited to Confidence and include Regression Testing
  • Experience with the administration and operation of hardware and software to include: Redhat operating systems, VMware computer platforms, Windows Server operating systems, Amino Set Top Boxes (STB), ViaSAT crypto
  • Experience with the administration and operation of Windows operating systems, Wireshark, VLC player, Solarwinds, Crystal Computer, Germain Computer, Alcatel Switch, and Crystal switch as they relate to Global Broadcast Service (GBS)
  • Experience with supporting internet protocol network and routing configuration on GBS related hardware and software, to include broadcast, multicast, transmission control protocols, and file transfer protocols
  • Good writing skills and experience with development and updates of test plans, procedures, reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and user guides

Basic Qualifications:

  • U.S Citizen with Minimum SECRET Clearance
  • Bachelor of Science or higher from an accredited college in an applicable discipline such as Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or Computer Engineering
  • Knowledge of various types of hardware (computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, etc.)
  • Hardware installation
  • Problem solving skills
  • Experience leading the design, installation, maintenance, and management of complex network systems
  • Experience in broad and diverse background in business analysis, applications/systems engineering, and information operations and architectures.
  • Must have excellent problem-solving skills
  • Must be organized and self-motivated
  • Must possess strong communication skills
  • Must thrive in fast-paced environment
  • Intermediate knowledge and experience with MS Office suite, specifically MS Word, PowerPoint, Visio, and Excel. Project a plus

Preferred Qualifications:

  • GBS hardware and software
  • Demonstrate experience with GBS fielding and sustainment support. Demonstrate experience with Test and Evaluation (T&E) with GBS and Split Internet Protocol systems
  • Demonstrate experience performing T&E of software on Windows 10, Windows 7, and RedHat Enterprise Linux systems or show certifications in related technology
  • Demonstrate relatable experience working in computer lab environments
  • Demonstrate experience working with Shipboard Networks such as Consolidated Afloat Network and Enterprise Services (CANES) and Integrated Shipboard Network System (ISNS)
  • Demonstrate experience with test and evaluation of internet networking protocols to include but not limited to multicast, unicast, and broadcast data
  • Demonstrate technical writing experience
  • Experience providing test engineering support
  • Desired 2 years of experience testing software at system integration level

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