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Hardware Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Collaborates with other systems engineers to ensure these are well documented and have visibility to other stakeholders. * Collaborate with mechanical engineers to optimize custom hardware such as ...

Collaborates with other systems engineers to ensure these are well documented and have visibility to other stakeholders. * Collaborate with mechanical engineers to optimize custom hardware such as ...

Collaborates with other systems engineers to ensure these are well documented and have visibility to other stakeholders. * Collaborate with mechanical engineers to optimize custom hardware such as ...

Hardware Systems Integration Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

... engineering 3+ years of relevant industry experience focusing on hardware system design Strong working experience in electrical design, including component selection, circuit design, schematic ...

Hardware Systems Integration Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$152K - $201K/yr

... engineering required. 2+ years of relevant industry experience focusing on hardware system design. Excellent EE fundamentals and analog design knowledge focusing on DC/DC, power and signal integrity ...

Hardware System Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

Hardware System Engineer Location: San Jose, CA - onsite Your impact: * Lead system design for ... Bring up systems and implement engineering validation in the lab. * Drive products from concept ...

Showing results 41-60

Hardware Systems Engineer information

See California salary details

$50.3K

$144.3K

$193.9K

How much do hardware systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware systems engineer in California is $144,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,900.00 and $160,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Hardware Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, circuit design, and hardware integration, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD tools (like Altium or OrCAD), simulation software, and familiarity with industry standards and certifications such as IPC or IEEE is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set exceptional engineers apart. These skills ensure reliable hardware solutions, efficient development processes, and successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by hardware systems engineers during cross-functional projects?

Hardware Systems Engineers often work closely with software teams, product managers, and manufacturing to deliver integrated solutions. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment across these diverse teams, especially when requirements or timelines shift. Additionally, balancing system performance, cost, and manufacturability can be complex, requiring careful coordination and frequent design iterations. Proactively engaging with stakeholders and maintaining thorough documentation can help mitigate these challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.
What job categories do people searching Hardware Systems Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Systems Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Hardware Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Hardware Systems Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Hardware Systems Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,315 per year, or $69.4 per hour.

Lead Hardware Systems Engineer

Mill

San Bruno, CA • On-site

$195K - $255K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

About this Role:

As a Lead Systems Engineer at Mill, you will be responsible for helping ideate, test and define the next generation of Mill's commercial food recycler technology.  We are a small team and you will work cross-functionally with Electrical/Mechanical Engineers, Algorithms and Product Teams to deliver world class industrial products designed to keep food waste out of landfills. This is a hands-on role and best suited for someone who has a history of working on interdisciplinary projects involving thermal, fluids or chemical processes from concept through production.

Responsibilities:

  • Owns system performance: Tech lead for test engineers on the experimental optimization and characterization of system parameters such as temperatures, flow rates, and heat transfer to improve energy efficiency and throughput. Collaborates on analysis and helps derive conclusions and next steps from experimental data. 
  • Work collaboratively with algorithms and firmware teams to develop control schemes for the system processes to optimize energy consumption and drying time while ensuring reliable function
  • Identify opportunities to improve the system design to deliver improved performance or reliability.
  • Oversee and direct external simulations work such as CFD, thermal and multiphysics models to help improve system design and performance. 
  • Determine the system requirements for various components such as fans, condensers, heaters, flow meters and sensors.  Collaborates with other systems engineers to ensure these are well documented and have visibility to other stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with mechanical engineers to optimize custom hardware such as mixing paddles, air deflectors and cutting/shredding technology core to the drying and grinding chamber.
  • Collaborate with operations and global supply chain managers on sourcing components that will meet our specifications at production volumes.
  • Collaborate with mechanical engineers to facilitate the transition of prototype parts and bench top proof of concept to high volume manufacturing methods. 

Qualifications:

  • 5+ years experience working hands on as a systems or in a lead role with significant thermal and fluid handling aspects. Ideal past experience would include taking new processes from concept through to production.
  • An ability to work cross functionally, and interface with a wide range of disciplines to enable cross functional collaboration. Strong communications skills through written, verbal and graphical presentation techniques.
  • Ability to leverage python to analyze time series data is preferred, but other means (R, Ai ect) are also acceptable.
  • Past experience managing cross functional engineering projects spanning a number of technical disciplines including electrical, mechanical, thermal, and controls. 
  • Hands-on experience with electromechanical integration and part selection such as blowers, valves, fans and sensors
  • BS and or MS degree in related engineering field preferably with focus on Process, Thermal, mechanical or Chemical Engineering. Masters or higher is preferred. 
  • Some prior startup experience is highly preferred.
  • Strong communications skills through written, verbal and graphical presentation techniques
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across the entire company as needed

The estimated base salary range for this position is $195k to $255k, which does not include the value of benefits or a potential equity grant. A wide range of factors are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets, market conditions, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and business and organizational needs.