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Hardware Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nightwing

Hardware Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

Experience in data center environments, engineering hardware and network designs for large-scale applications, automating issue detection, and operating cloud-based platforms are key requirements.

Nwis

Hardware Engineer

Sterling, VA

$122K - $161K/yr

Experience in data center environments, engineering hardware and network designs for large-scale applications, automating issue detection, and operating cloud-based platforms are key requirements.

koch

Hardware Installer

Strafford, MO · On-site

$16.50/hr

Hardware Installer Shift: Tuesday-Friday 5:30am-3:30pm Pay: $16.50/hr Job purpose A Hardware ... Adhere to all safety guidelines and procedures while operating tools and equipment, ensuring a safe ...

Cortavo

Hardware Technician

Atlanta, GA

Hardware Provisioning * Install, configure, and maintain hardware and software for clients ... Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and operating systems such as Windows and macOS. * Strong ...

Tycho AI, Inc

Hardware Engineer - PCB

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$135K - $178K/yr

AI Tycho.AI builds autonomy solutions for unmanned systems operating in GPS- and comms-denied ... About the Role We are seeking a Hardware Engineer with strong PCB design experience to help develop ...

M S International Inc.

Hardware Technician

Edison, NJ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Operating system and application upgrades, hardware upgrades or repairs, and installing new systems. * Technical resource for help desk and PC support and troubleshooting of complex system problems.

M S International Inc.

Hardware Technician

Pooler, GA · On-site

$21.75 - $24.75/hr

Operating system and application upgrades, hardware upgrades or repairs, and installing new systems. * Technical resource for help desk and PC support and troubleshooting of complex system problems.

Omnyon

Hardware Technician

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$60K - $100K/yr

Hardware Technician The Hardware Technician provides Tier 2 and 3 on-site and remote supports for ... operating procedures for the Connectivity Operations Team, including the use of ticketing systems ...

Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware Sales Associate

Phoenix, AZ

$15 - $17/hr

At Ace Hardware, we're independently owned and operated so helping our community is our number one priority. Make an impact in the community by helping your neighbors with their projects while ...

Ace Hardware

Hardware Sales Associate

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

At Ace Hardware, we're independently owned and operated so helping our community is our number one priority. Make an impact in the community by helping your neighbors with their projects while ...

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Hardware Operator information

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$12

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$48

How much do hardware operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware operator 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 is a Hardware Operator?

A Hardware Operator is a professional responsible for managing and monitoring the operation of computer hardware systems, peripheral equipment, and related devices. Their duties include setting up equipment, running processes, troubleshooting hardware issues, and ensuring that systems run smoothly and efficiently. Hardware Operators often work in data centers, manufacturing plants, or IT departments, where they ensure the continuous and reliable operation of critical hardware infrastructure.

What is the difference between Hardware Operator vs Equipment Technician?

AspectHardware OperatorEquipment Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsMaintenance workshops, industrial facilities, manufacturing sites
Job FocusOperating and monitoring machineryMaintaining, repairing, troubleshooting equipment
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, production plantsIndustrial, manufacturing, and maintenance companies

While both roles work within industrial environments, Hardware Operators primarily focus on operating machinery, whereas Equipment Technicians handle maintenance and repairs. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hardware Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with industrial control systems, diagnostic tools, and safety protocols is essential for daily tasks. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills that help prevent errors and ensure smooth operations. These competencies are vital for minimizing equipment downtime, maintaining productivity, and ensuring workplace safety.

What are some common challenges Hardware Operators face, and how can they effectively address them?

Hardware Operators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, managing time-sensitive tasks, and adapting to rapidly changing technology. To address these challenges, it's important to develop strong problem-solving skills, stay current with equipment manuals and updates, and communicate proactively with technical support teams. Collaborating closely with engineers and IT staff can also help resolve issues quickly and minimize downtime, ensuring smooth operations.
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What job categories do people searching Hardware Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Operator jobs are:
Hardware Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,154 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Hardware Engineer

Nightwing

Sterling, VA • On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Job Title: Hardware Engineer
Location: Sterling, VA
Clearance: TS/SCI Poly
**This position is CONTINGENT upon contract award**
The Hardware Engineer (HWE) collaboratively works closely with the Sponsor, OM, and PO Teams to identify, understand, and anticipate Mission Partner and system requirements. The HWE analyzes network, compute, and storage processing hardware characteristics and recommends equipment procurement, removals, and modifications. The HWE reviews system inventory, in-bound shipments, and ongoing demand to ensure that proper hardware stock and sparing levels are maintained to support build and repair activities. The HWE works with the ITAM/Lab Manager to optimize the flow of parts through their lifecycle; tracking inventory location, movement, age, and turns. The HWE performs daily system data center rounds to monitor the data center infrastructure, coordinate response to operational incidents, and partner with other providers to rapidly resolve issues that impact service availability. The HWE supports system infrastructure build-outs (cage builds, overhead installations, rack and stack), cable termination and testing, maintenance work, monitoring and responding to mechanical, electrical, fire protection, telecom, and security systems. Daily tasks include, but are not limited to:
  • Conduct sites surveys; assesses and documents current site network configuration and user requirements.
  • Analyze existing requirements and prepare specifications for hardware acquisitions.
  • Review system compute, storage, and networking systems in terms mission capability, end of life, and redundancy
  • Prepares reports and studies concerning hardware that provide to cost savings, technical efficiencies, and system reliability recommendations.
  • Prepares functional requirements and specifications for hardware acquisitions.
  • Produces Test Plans by preparing engineering plans and site installation Technical Design Packages.
  • Manage or assist in Infrastructure projects (Internal/Sponsor) to include Cage and Cabinet Build-Outs, Overhead Installations, Rack and Stack
  • Develops and prepares site and hardware installation schedules, supplying subsequent test reports.
  • Prepares drawings documenting configuration changes.
  • Assist in asset and consumable inventory management

Required Skills:
  • Essential skills include experience in configuring, deploying, and managing hardware infrastructure, along with expert knowledge of hardware itself.
  • Experience with workflow orchestration/automation tools, virtualizing platforms, and configuration/infrastructure management tools are also necessary.
  • Experience in data center environments, engineering hardware and network designs for large-scale applications, automating issue detection, and operating cloud-based platforms are key requirements.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, the ability to troubleshoot complex issues, and collaboration skills are also important.
  • Understanding hardware, lifecycle management and optimization is also required.

Desired Skills:
  • Experience with specific hardware and cloud vendors (e.g., HP/Dell, AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Experience with server visualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Red Hat Virtualization, Oracle VM), performance analysis tools, managing budgets, and collaborating with hardware manufacturers are also beneficial.

Desired Certs:
  • CompTIA Hardware Certification (e.g., A+, Network+, Server+).
  • Cisco Certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCDP).
  • Microsoft Certifications (e.g., MCSA, MCSE).
  • Specialized certifications related to specific hardware technologies (e.g., embedded systems, networking).

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

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