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Hardware Loop Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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Hardware Loop Engineer information

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$51K

$146.2K

$196.5K

How much do hardware loop engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware 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 a Hardware Loop Engineer?

A Hardware Loop Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and tests hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems. These systems are used to simulate real-world environments for testing embedded hardware and software, especially in industries like automotive, aerospace, and robotics. The role involves integrating hardware components with simulation software to verify system functionality and performance before deploying physical prototypes. Hardware Loop Engineers work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that products meet safety, reliability, and performance standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hardware Loop Engineer?

To thrive as a Hardware Loop Engineer, you need a strong background in electronics engineering, embedded systems, and control systems, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation platforms such as dSPACE or NI, as well as proficiency in programming languages like C/C++ and MATLAB/Simulink, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help engineers collaborate effectively and diagnose complex system interactions. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring robust and accurate testing of hardware components in real-time environments, which is critical for product reliability and safety.

What are the typical collaboration points between a Hardware Loop Engineer and software development teams?

Hardware Loop Engineers frequently work alongside software development teams to ensure that hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test systems accurately simulate real-world hardware for software validation. This collaboration involves aligning on test requirements, integrating software models with physical or simulated hardware, and troubleshooting issues that arise during co-simulation. Effective communication is key, as both hardware and software teams must coordinate their efforts to identify bugs, optimize system performance, and meet project deadlines. These joint efforts help ensure that the final product meets quality and safety standards before deployment.

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

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

Infographic showing various Hardware Loop Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% 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
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratoryexternal

$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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