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Hardware Security Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

FPGA Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$114K - $146K/yr

Apply Now RTL, C/C++, Python, VHDL, Verilog, Tcl, cryptography, hardware, embedded software, System Integration, Hardware Security, Xilinx, Simulation, IP core, Versal, Stratix, concept to deployment ...

Active Top Secret security clearance (strongly preferred) * Experience with COMSEC or cryptographic hardware design * Familiarity with TEMPEST, NSA, or NIST security standards * Hands-on experience ...

FPGA Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$128K - $164K/yr

Description Apply Now RTL, C/C++, Python, VHDL, Verilog, Tcl, cryptography, hardware, embedded software, System Integration, Hardware Security, Xilinx, Simulation, IP core, Versal, Stratix, concept ...

Desktop Technician

Denver, CO

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

Desired Skills: 1) Understanding of core technologies in the area of IT (Networking, telephony, operating systems, hardware, security, support, etc.). Additional Information All your information will ...

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Hardware Security information

See Colorado salary details

$12

$25

$50

How much do hardware security jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware security in Colorado is $25.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hardware security?

Hardware security refers to the protection of physical devices and components, such as computers, servers, and embedded systems, from attacks and unauthorized access. This field involves securing hardware against threats like tampering, cloning, side-channel attacks, and hardware Trojans. Hardware security specialists use techniques such as secure hardware design, cryptographic modules, and physical security measures to ensure device integrity and data protection. It is essential for industries where sensitive information is stored or processed, including finance, healthcare, and defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in hardware security, and why are they important?

To thrive in Hardware Security, you need expertise in embedded systems, cryptography, and vulnerability assessment, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like FPGA development environments, hardware description languages (HDL), side-channel analysis tools, and certifications such as CISSP or CEH are highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication help professionals identify risks and convey complex security concepts. These skills and qualifications are vital for effectively protecting hardware devices against evolving security threats and ensuring the integrity of critical systems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in hardware security roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in hardware security often encounter challenges such as staying ahead of rapidly evolving attack techniques and ensuring the secure design of complex hardware systems. Keeping up with emerging threats requires continuous learning and close collaboration with cross-functional teams like firmware, software, and product design. Addressing these challenges involves implementing robust security protocols, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and participating in industry forums to share best practices. Teamwork and ongoing education are essential for success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between Hardware Security vs Network Security?

AspectHardware SecurityNetwork Security
FocusProtecting physical devices and hardware components from tampering and attacksProtecting data and systems over networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats
CredentialsSecurity certifications like CISSP, CompTIA Security+, hardware-specific knowledgeCertifications like CISSP, CEH, network security certifications
Work EnvironmentData centers, hardware manufacturing facilities, secure labsOffice networks, cloud environments, remote locations
Industry UsageElectronics manufacturing, data centers, government agenciesIT companies, financial institutions, service providers

Hardware Security focuses on safeguarding physical devices and components, ensuring they are resistant to tampering and physical attacks. Network Security, on the other hand, aims to protect data and systems over communication networks from cyber threats. While both roles require security certifications and work within the broader cybersecurity industry, their primary concerns and environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Security jobs in Colorado?

For Hardware Security jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hardware Security jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Hardware Security jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Hardware Security job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,789 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Hardware Design Engineer (x86/Xeon)

@Orchard

Colorado Springs, CO

$140K - $180K/yr

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Hardware Design Engineer (x86 / Xeon Bring-Up)

Colorado Springs, CO (100% On-Site, 5 days/week)

Contract

US Citizenship Required

@Orchard LLC has an immediate need to fulfill a long-term contract role as an Embedded Hardware Engineer with Ethernet Switch experience. The role is in support of a client that builds secure, resilient, micro-edge infrastructure engineered to survive and protect critical communications and data in demanding environments. By fusing high-performance x86 processing, advanced hardware security, and edge software architectures, we deliver high-assurance platforms for national security, defense, and critical infrastructure.

Role Overview

Our Engineering team is seeking a self-motivated Contract Hardware Design Engineer with deep expertise in x86 architecture to drive the bring-up, debugging, and ongoing hardware validation of complex, multicore Intel Xeon processor boards.

In this hands-on role, you will lead early-stage board bring-up, configure and debug AMI BIOS boot flows, and collaborate closely with software engineers to write targeted test utilities and assess system-level application needs. Working within a lean, agile team at our Colorado Springs facility, you will take ownership of board-level verification, signal integrity/bus testing, and overall hardware maintenance across our high-performance compute platforms.

Key Responsibilities

  • Multicore Xeon Board Bring-Up: Lead the physical and functional bring-up of custom x86 boards featuring Intel Xeon processors, from first power-on through full operational stability.
  • AMI BIOS Integration & Debugging: Configure, debug, and troubleshoot AMI BIOS during initial boot phases; isolate issues spanning hardware interfaces, memory initialization, PCIe training, and boot sequence execution.
  • Microprocessor & Boot Sequence Validation: Leverage deep knowledge of modern x86 power-on sequences, reset logic, clock distribution, and memory controller behavior to identify and resolve complex system bring-up blocks.
  • Software Collaboration & Test Program Development: Work alongside software and embedded systems engineers to define, create, and execute custom test programs to stress board peripherals, validate interfaces, and ensure hardware aligns with end-application requirements.
  • Hardware Maintenance & Debugging: Use lab tools (logic analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes, JTAG debuggers, in-circuit emulators) to conduct board-level rework, signal integrity checks, and root-cause failure analysis.
  • Independent Execution: Take full accountability for assigned bring-up tasks with light guidance, serving as a reliable technical point-of-contact within a close-knit engineering unit.

Requirements & Qualifications

Mandatory Prerequisites

  • Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen (due to compliance and program security mandates).
  • Processor Architecture: Proven hands-on experience bringing up and debugging high-density multicore Intel Xeon (or modern x86) enterprise compute boards.
  • BIOS / Firmware Expertise: Practical experience working directly with AMI BIOS, including early execution phases (PEI/DXE), UEFI setup, and debugging hardware-to-firmware handoffs.
  • System Boot Sequences: Thorough understanding of x86 hardware startup sequences, power sequencing, low-level bus topologies (PCIe, UPI/QPI, I2C/SMBus, LPC/eSPI), and DDR memory training.
  • Hardware Debugging & Maintenance: Demonstrated ability to isolate hardware defects, perform board modification/rework, and apply lab instruments (scopes, logic analyzers, bus sniffers) to resolve hardware bugs.
  • Software / Test Development: Ability to write low-level scripts or functional test applications in C, Python, or assembly to validate hardware subsystems and interface components.
  • Team Dynamics: Self-directed, highly motivated engineering professional who thrives in a fast-moving, small-team environment under minimal supervision.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience developing high-reliability, ruggedized, or defense-grade hardware systems.
  • Background working with Baseboard Management Controllers (BMCs) and IPMI interfaces.
  • Knowledge of thermal, power-delivery, and high-speed PCB design layout considerations for x86 processor architectures.

Compensation: The anticipated base salary range is $140,000 - $180,000. The full compensation package is determined by experience and qualifications. Our client offers a competitive benefits package to all staff members.

Established in 2010, @Orchard LLC has an exceptional reputation, providing staffing solutions to time-sensitive talent scarcity issues to deliver better talent management ROI.  Our specialty lies in the critical area of program talent acquisition and resource management, not in one narrow skill set, but across many areas of technical and functional delivery. To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at www.atOrchard.com.