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Hardware System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hardware System Validation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

Join the system validation team at Apple's Hardware Engineering, where we validate system-level performance of Apple SoCs and other key modules (cameras, displays, and other state-of-the-art sensors ...

Hardware System Validation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

Join the system validation team at Apple's Hardware Engineering, where we validate system-level performance of Apple SoCs and other key modules (cameras, displays, and other state-of-the-art sensors ...

Join the system validation team at Apple's Hardware Engineering, where we validate system-level performance of Apple SoCs and other key modules (cameras, displays, and other state-of-the-art sensors ...

Join the system validation team at Apple's Hardware Engineering, where we validate system-level performance of Apple SoCs and other key modules (cameras, displays, and other state-of-the-art sensors ...

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Hardware System Engineer information

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$51K

$146.2K

$196.5K

How much do hardware system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware system 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 system engineer?

Hardware System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test computer hardware systems and components, such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, and networks. They work on integrating hardware with software and ensure that systems meet technical specifications and performance requirements. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting, optimizing hardware for efficiency, and collaborating with other engineering teams to create reliable products for various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware system engineer?

To thrive as a Hardware System Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and system integration, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD tools, PCB design software, and industry-standard testing equipment is typically required, along with certifications like CompTIA or Cisco for certain roles. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure reliable hardware development, seamless collaboration, and successful project delivery in technology-driven environments.

What are some common challenges faced by hardware system engineers when integrating new components into existing systems?

Hardware System Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new components and legacy systems, managing thermal and power constraints, and addressing unforeseen performance bottlenecks. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including software engineers and product designers—is crucial to resolve integration issues early. Staying updated with evolving hardware standards and thorough testing are essential to minimize downtime and maintain system reliability.

What is the difference between Hardware System Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectHardware System EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNABachelor's in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related; certifications like Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and integrating hardware components in labs or manufacturing settingsConfiguring, managing, and troubleshooting network infrastructure in office or data center environments
Industry UsageElectronics, manufacturing, telecommunications, aerospaceIT services, telecommunications, enterprise networks, data centers

While both roles require networking certifications and involve technical hardware knowledge, Hardware System Engineers focus on designing and testing physical hardware components, whereas Network Engineers specialize in configuring and maintaining network systems. Both roles are essential in technology infrastructure but serve different aspects of system development and management.

More about Hardware System Engineer jobs

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

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

Infographic showing various Hardware System Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,230 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Data Center Hardware Engineering - Hardware System Integration Engineer

Apple Inc.

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$250/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Data Center Hardware Engineering - Hardware System Integration Engineer

At Apple, we push the boundaries of what's possible — and nowhere is that more evident than in the infrastructure that powers our most ambitious technologies. The Data Center Hardware Engineering Team designs and delivers the high-performance compute solutions that underpin Apple's services and products at scale. From custom silicon to full-system integration, our work ensures that Apple's global infrastructure is fast, efficient, and built to last. Every system we ship reflects our relentless commitment to engineering excellence and our belief that great hardware is the foundation of great experiences. The Hardware System Integration team sits at the heart of this mission, owning the design and realization of customized compute platforms from concept to mass production. We're looking for a Hardware System Integration Engineer who thrives in a highly collaborative environment, enjoys working across disciplines, and is energized by the challenge of bringing cutting‑edge hardware to life.

Description

As a Hardware System Integration Engineer, you will own the end‑to‑end hardware engineering lifecycle for high‑performance compute designs — from initial specification and schematic capture through board bring‑up, validation, and factory build support. You will serve as a critical cross‑functional partner to mechanical, power, software, firmware, silicon, and reliability teams, ensuring design requirements are met with precision and at scale. This role demands both deep technical expertise and strong communication skills to drive alignment across a broad set of stakeholders.

Responsibilities
  • Lead hardware system design and schematic capture for high‑performance compute platforms, including board layout guidance and design constraint management
  • Perform signal integrity simulation, board bring‑up, and hands‑on debug from system‑level down to the transistor level
  • Develop and maintain functional specifications, validation procedures, and integration documentation for complex system designs
  • Execute validation of high‑speed digital interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, USB, DDR, and others) including compliance testing and protocol analysis
  • Partner cross‑functionally with mechanical, firmware, software, silicon, and reliability teams to balance design tradeoffs and meet program requirements
  • Support factory builds and sustaining engineering activities through mass production
  • Drive issues to root cause through systematic debugging using EE lab equipment (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, spectrum analyzer, DMM)
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent work experience
  • 7+ years of relevant industry work experience in hardware or systems engineering
  • Working knowledge of common low‑speed and high‑speed digital interfaces: I2C/SMBus, SPI, JTAG, USB, PCIe, Ethernet (SGMII, RMII, QSFP), and DDR memory
  • Broad circuit design experience across multiple domains: power, digital, analog, high‑speed communications, and/or programmable logic
  • Experience with PCB bring‑up and characterization using standard EE lab equipment (soldering, DMM, oscilloscope, logic analyzer, spectrum analyzer)
  • Demonstrated ability to debug complex hardware issues from the system level down to the circuit/transistor level
  • Outstanding written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with experience producing functional specs, integration procedures, and technical documentation
Preferred Qualifications
  • High‑speed PCB design experience with 10+ layer boards, including PCB material selection and stackup definition
  • Proficiency with schematic entry and high‑speed PCB layout constraint management using Cadence tools or equivalent
  • Hands‑on PCIe, 100‑GbE, USB3/USB4, or similar high‑speed serial protocol experience, including compliance testing and protocol analyzer debug
  • Familiarity with computer architecture concepts and hardware design tradeoffs
  • Experience developing automation or data manipulation scripts
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
  • 10+ years of relevant industry work experience in hardware or systems engineering

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong. Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace. Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976