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Hardware System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bolt Graphics

Lead Hardware System Architect

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

You will serve as the ultimate technical escalation point for our global JDM/ODM engineering ... hardware on schedule. What you'll do: 1. Physical System Architecture & High-Performance Graphics ...

Infotech Spectrum

System Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Sunnyvale, CA (Need Locals) Duration : 6+ Months • Experience developing and programming of control systems for complex hardware systems • Experience in programming real-time motion control ...

Apple

Hardware System EE Architect

Sunnyvale, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

You will work with a diverse, cross-functional team of mechanical, software and controls engineers to architect complex systems. Description As a Home Hardware System EE Architect, you will be ...

DUIT

Video System Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

Providing hardware engineering expertise to analyze complex hardware systems, hardware design, architecture, network design, and other technical hardware issues. * Providing hardware maintenance ...

System One

System Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · Remote

Define system architecture, including hardware, software, and interface requirements * Develop ... Work closely with engineering teams, project stakeholders, and leadership * Provide guidance and ...

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Hardware System Engineer information

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$51K

$146.2K

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How much do hardware system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hardware System Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 are Hardware System Engineers?

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.
More about Hardware System Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Hardware System Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware System Engineer jobs are:

Lead Hardware System Architect

Bolt Graphics

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Bolt Graphics is a semiconductor startup based in Sunnyvale, CA building the fastest and most efficient graphics processors. We pride ourselves on our first principles approach to solving problems. We are energized by our mission to reduce the barrier of entry for content creation and consumption. Our goal is to enable everyone to easily create, simulate and consume immersive experiences as vividly as they can imagine them.
Our Values
  • Be Fearless: Unmute yourself. Test boundaries and get proven right.
  • Remain Adaptable: Stay comfortable in a continuously changing world. If you're wrong, concede and move on.
  • Educate Your Ego: Selflessly collaborate towards our shared purpose.

About the role:
As the Lead Hardware System Architect, you will own the end-to-end hardware development lifecycle for our next-generation graphics compute platforms, high-performance GPU servers, and ultra-high-speed PCIe graphics form factors. You will act as the technical bridge between advanced graphics silicon packaging and system-level deployment, driving physical architecture, functional partitioning, and high-speed fabric optimization for massive graphics workloads and real-time rendering infrastructure.
In this role, you will not just oversee board layouts; you will define the physical topologies that enable cutting-edge graphics compute scaling. You will serve as the ultimate technical escalation point for our global JDM/ODM engineering partners, steering them through complex bring-up, signal integrity boundaries, and root-cause failure analysis to deliver flawless graphics hardware on schedule.
What you'll do:
1. Physical System Architecture & High-Performance Graphics Design
  • Architect the Platform: Drive system-level architectural trade-offs, balancing high-performance GPU silicon package constraints, high-speed routing density, thermal mechanics, and ultra-high-density power delivery networks (PDNs).
  • Own High-Speed Topologies: Design and optimize complex PCB topologies utilizing PCIe Gen 5/Gen 6 (CEM specifications) and proprietary/consortium scale-up interconnect fabrics designed for parallel compute and graphics scaling (e.g., NVLink, Infinity Fabric, UA Link).
  • Systemic Co-Design: Collaborate with Silicon, Signal/Power Integrity (SI/PI), and Thermal/Mechanical teams to define robust board stack-ups, low-loss material selection, and multi-phase power zones handling massive transient loads from modern graphics processors.
  • Management Integration: Ensure seamless integration of out-of-band telemetry and management infrastructure, designing physical routing for Baseboard Management Controllers (BMCs), SPI, and I2C/SMBus topologies.

2. Technical JDM/ODM & Supplier Governance
  • Lead Technical Enablement: Serve as the primary technical authority interfacing with international JDM/ODM layout and hardware engineering teams.
  • Triage & Failure Analysis: Lead complex hardware debug, component-level troubleshooting, and failure analysis (FA) during early-phase platform bring-up and validation of graphics compute hardware.
  • DFX & Execution Governance: Enforce rigorous design reviews and strict compliance with DFX (Manufacturing, Assembly, Test, and Automation) standards to ensure high-yield transitions from EVT/DVT to High-Volume Manufacturing (HVM).

Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience: 8+ years of hardware design experience, with a proven track record of shipping high-performance graphics hardware, GPU motherboards, or high-density parallel compute accelerator boards.
  • Fabric & Bus Expertise: Deep, hands-on experience designing with PCIe Gen 5/6 and high-speed serdes (112G/224G PAM4 architectures). Familiarity with CXL or scalable interconnect fabrics is highly desired.
  • Advanced Power & SI/PI: Strong understanding of high-frequency PCB layout constraints, via optimization, and power delivery networks capable of handling extreme di/dt step loads inherent to dynamic graphics workloads.
  • Hardware Tooling: Proficiency with advanced EDA tools (e.g., Cadence Allegro, OrCAD) and familiarity with simulation tools for validating physical design assumptions.
  • Global Vendor Triage: Experience directing overseas ODM engineering teams through architectural definition, layout execution, and laboratory hardware triage.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience with Open Compute Project (OCP) standards or industry-standard multi-GPU form factors.
  • Familiarity with liquid cooling or advanced phase-change thermal infrastructure and its unique spatial and material constraints on physical board design.
  • Hands-on lab experience utilizing high-speed validation equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, VNAs, BERTs) for signal and power verification on graphics hardware.

Compensation Range: $200,000-$250,000 per year (California). This range represents the anticipated base pay for this role; the final offer may vary based on qualifications, experience, and location.
Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision - 100% covered premiums
  • Equity - Stock Options
  • 401(k) match
  • WFH Equipment Reimbursement

Bolt is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment in which we recognize and value each other's differences as well as fostering a culture that promotes its core values: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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