ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hardware Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optiver

Software Engineer - Hardware Research

Austin, TX · On-site

$203K/yr

Optiver's hardware research, development, and manufacturing team in Austin designs some of the world's most competitive trading systems. Within this group, our hardware research team explores how ...

Optiver

Software Engineer - Hardware Research

Austin, TX · On-site

$203K/yr

Optiver's hardware research, development, and manufacturing team in Austin designs some of the world's most competitive trading systems. Within this group, our hardware research team explores how ...

Protingent

Hardware R&D Validation Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$45 - $70/hr

Hardware R&D Validation Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract opportunity for a Hardware R&D Validation Engineer with our client located in Bellevue, Washington ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$86K - $164K/yr

POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for motivated and talented mid-level Hardware Engineer to join our Applied Signals & Systems Integration (ASSI) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL ...

Futurex

Hardware Design Engineer

Bulverde, TX · On-site

The ideal candidate will perform moderately complex work involving research and development, as ... Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, and electronic/computer hardware. * Experience with in ...

Futurex

Hardware Design Engineer

Bulverde, TX · On-site

The ideal candidate will perform moderately complex work involving research and development, as ... Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, and electronic/computer hardware. * Experience with in ...

Futurex

Hardware Design Engineer

Bulverde, TX · On-site

The ideal candidate will perform moderately complex work involving research and development, as ... Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, and electronic/computer hardware. * Experience with in ...

Apply Early

RED

Hardware Test Engineer

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

At least 2 years of experience working in a hardware R&D environment or equivalent * Ability to read, interpret and create schematic drawings and technical documents * Schematic design using Orcad

RED

Hardware Test Engineer

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

At least 2 years of experience working in a hardware R&D environment or equivalent * Ability to read, interpret and create schematic drawings and technical documents * Schematic design using Orcad

Baxter

Senior Manager, Hardware R&D

Raleigh, NC

$152K - $209K/yr

Your Role at Baxter Baxter is hiring a Senior R&D Manager to become part of our Care and ... Own hardware build and manufacturing processes and maintain relationships with manufacturing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHardware Research Jobs

Hardware Research information

See salary details

$12

$24

$48

How much do hardware research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware research 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 in Hardware Research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Hardware Research, you need a solid background in electrical or computer engineering, strong analytical skills, and typically a relevant degree (such as a BS or MS in Engineering or Physics). Familiarity with CAD tools, simulation software (like SPICE or MATLAB), and laboratory testing equipment is essential, and certifications in hardware design or embedded systems can be advantageous. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for developing innovative hardware solutions, ensuring accurate prototyping, and driving technological advancement within research teams.

What is hardware research?

Hardware research involves the study, design, and development of physical computing components such as processors, memory devices, circuit boards, and embedded systems. Researchers in this field explore new materials, architectures, and technologies to improve performance, energy efficiency, and reliability. Their work can lead to innovations in computers, mobile devices, IoT gadgets, and other electronic equipment. Hardware research often bridges multiple disciplines, including electrical engineering, computer science, and materials science.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in hardware research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in hardware research often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technology, tight project deadlines, and balancing innovation with cost-effectiveness. Staying updated with the latest advancements and industry standards is crucial, as is effective collaboration with cross-functional teams like software engineers and product designers. Regular communication, continuous learning, and proactive problem-solving are key strategies to navigate these challenges and drive successful hardware innovations.

What is the difference between Hardware Research vs Hardware Design?

AspectHardware ResearchHardware Design
CredentialsDegree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; often requires research experienceDegree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; focus on design certifications may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic institutionsDesign departments, product development teams, manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research institutions, universitiesHardware manufacturing companies, consumer electronics, embedded systems
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, innovation focusUnderstanding design processes, product development

Hardware Research involves exploring new technologies, conducting experiments, and advancing hardware capabilities. Hardware Design focuses on creating detailed specifications, schematics, and prototypes for hardware products. While both roles require technical expertise in electrical engineering, research emphasizes innovation and experimentation, whereas design emphasizes practical implementation and product development.

More about Hardware Research jobs
What states have the most Hardware Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Hardware Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hardware Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Research jobs are:
Hardware Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,154 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Software Engineer - Hardware Research

Optiver

Austin, TX • On-site

$203K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Optiver's hardware research, development, and manufacturing team in Austin designs some of the world's most competitive trading systems. Within this group, our hardware research team explores how every device in our environment behaves under real-world conditions from low-level network cards to custom hardware.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for a software engineer with a research mindset to join this team. In this role you will investigate the behavior and performance of all devices we use or interact with in our trading environment. We're looking for someone who can apply strong software engineering principles to the systems we build to do this.

You'll collaborate closely with teams across the organization, applying your knowledge to improve our systems and trading strategies.

What you'll do:

As Software Engineer in Hardware Research, your key responsibilities include:

  • Design and develop software to help investigate the performance and behavior of trading hardware and communication devices
  • Conduct hands-on research with a wide range of hardware components and network protocols
  • Collaborate with hardware, trading, and infrastructure teams to share findings and improve systems
  • Interact directly with low-level devices, drivers, and embedded systems using C/C++

What you'll get:

  • The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
  • A highly competitive compensation package
  • Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
  • 401(k) match up to 50%
  • Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
  • 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
  • Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are:

  • Strong foundation in computer science fundamentals and programming
  • Proficiency in Python, including familiarity with libraries and APIs
  • Comfortable conducting research and data analysis in Python using Jupyter Notebooks
  • Experience writing software in C/C++
  • Creative problem-solving skills at the system level
  • Solid understanding of the OSI model and networking fundamentals

Nice to have:

  • Experience with low-level hardware/software interactions
  • Familiarity with devices and drivers in Linux
  • Experience with low-level communication APIs and frameworks such as EFVI, RoCE, DPDK, and Onload
  • Hands-on experience with high-precision timestamping of electrical signals and network packets
  • Experience working with high-performance trading network hardware (both packet- and circuit-switched)
  • Knowledge of communication protocols, especially Ethernet
  • Exposure to network equipment operating systems like Cisco IOS, Arista EOS, MOS or similar

Who we are:

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilising the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritise safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.

Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics

Apply