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Hardware Loop Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Genesis10

Hardware-In-Test-Loop (HITL) Engineer

Erie, PA · On-site

$85 - $90/hr

Genesis10 is currently seeking a Hardware-In-Test-Loop (HITL) Engineer for a contract position with a Global Transportation Technology Company located in Erie, PA. This is a 12+ month contract ...

Quest Global

Hardware In Test Loop Engineer

Erie, PA · On-site

Alongside designing Hardware-In-Loop systems, the engineer is tasked with testing and validating inverter controller software, ensuring that all deliverables meet robust performance standards and ...

Quest Global

Hardware In Test Loop Engineer

Erie, PA · On-site

Alongside designing Hardware-In-Loop systems, the engineer is tasked with testing and validating inverter controller software, ensuring that all deliverables meet robust performance standards and ...

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How much do hardware loop jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware loop in the United States is $24.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 embedded systems, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD tools (like Altium Designer or OrCAD), PCB layout software, and industry certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can be essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These technical and interpersonal abilities are vital for designing reliable hardware solutions and collaborating efficiently with cross-functional teams.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in hardware loop testing roles?

Professionals in hardware loop testing often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting integration issues between hardware and software, managing tight testing schedules, and ensuring test environments accurately replicate real-world conditions. Collaboration with cross-functional teams like firmware, software, and hardware design is essential to resolve complex bugs efficiently. Staying updated with evolving testing tools and methodologies is also important to maintain high standards of quality and reliability in hardware products.

What is the difference between Hardware Loop vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectHardware LoopHardware Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically certifications in hardware testing or embedded systemsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related fields
Work EnvironmentTesting labs, manufacturing facilities, or development teamsDesign, development, and testing environments in tech companies
Employer & Industry UsageElectronics manufacturing, embedded systems, hardware testing firmsTech companies, electronics firms, hardware development companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to hardware testing and developmentDesigning and developing hardware components

Hardware Loop professionals focus on testing and validating hardware systems, often working in labs or manufacturing settings. Hardware Engineers design and develop hardware components, working across the entire product lifecycle. While both roles involve hardware, Hardware Loop specialists emphasize testing processes, whereas Hardware Engineers focus on design and development.

What are hardware loops in computing?

Hardware loops are specialized features in some processors that allow repetitive operations, such as loops in code, to be executed directly by hardware rather than software. This can greatly improve performance and efficiency, particularly in tasks that require a high number of iterations, like signal processing or multimedia applications. By reducing the overhead associated with traditional loop control in software, hardware loops can help optimize execution speed and reduce power consumption.
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Hardware Loop jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Loop job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,154 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Hardware in the Loop Engineer

Hardware in the Loop Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 58 rated research

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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