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Hardware Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Hardware Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$145K - $192K/yr

Develop and maintain scripting and automation frameworks for hardware testing, diagnostics, and continuous reliability improvements. * Lead deep troubleshooting and debugging across: * PCIe (link ...

Senior Hardware Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $173K/yr

Develop and maintain scripting and automation frameworks for hardware testing, diagnostics, and continuous reliability improvements. * Lead deep troubleshooting and debugging across: * PCIe (link ...

Senior Hardware Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $173K/yr

Develop and maintain scripting and automation frameworks for hardware testing, diagnostics, and continuous reliability improvements. * Lead deep troubleshooting and debugging across: * PCIe (link ...

Staff Design Reliability Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $151K/yr

Be a testing expert: Possess deep technical expertise in hardware testing methodologies, including stress testing, accelerated life testing, environmental testing, and user-focused testing. Research ...

Support system-level testing and integration Hardware Design Support * Assist with schematic capture and PCB design using Altium Designer * Contribute to the design and implementation of mixed-signal ...

Electrical Hardware Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Support system-level testing and integration Hardware Design Support * Assist with schematic capture and PCB design using Altium Designer * Contribute to the design and implementation of mixed-signal ...

Support system-level testing and integration Hardware Design Support * Assist with schematic capture and PCB design using Altium Designer * Contribute to the design and implementation of mixed-signal ...

PC or server hardware repair testing and troubleshooting * Documentation in MS Office and working with LINUX These are full time, temp to hire openings. Schedule: Hours are M-F from 8am - 5pm. The ...

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Hardware Testing information

See California salary details

$12

$24

$47

How much do hardware testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware testing in California is $24.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hardware testing?

Hardware testing is the process of evaluating and verifying the functionality, performance, and reliability of physical devices and components, such as circuit boards, processors, and electronic assemblies. It involves running tests to ensure that the hardware meets design specifications and operates correctly under various conditions. Hardware testers may use specialized equipment and software to identify defects, measure performance, and confirm compatibility with other systems. This process is critical for ensuring that products are safe, reliable, and ready for market release.

What is a hardware tester?

A hardware tester is a professional who evaluates electronic devices and components to ensure they function correctly and meet quality standards. They use specialized tools and testing procedures to identify defects, often working in controlled environments and requiring knowledge of circuitry and testing software.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior hardware engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in FPGA, ASIC design, or embedded systems, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, working in high-tech industries, or in companies with competitive pay structures, and may include bonuses and stock options.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in hardware testing roles?

Hardware testing professionals often encounter challenges related to troubleshooting complex system failures, keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies, and meeting tight project deadlines. They must work closely with design and engineering teams to replicate and diagnose issues, which requires strong communication and analytical skills. Additionally, balancing thorough testing with the need for timely product releases can be demanding, making effective time management and prioritization essential in this role.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

In hardware testing, high-paying roles such as senior hardware test engineers or consultants can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with specialized skills, certifications, and extensive experience. These roles often involve complex testing environments, troubleshooting, and working on critical hardware projects, sometimes on a contract basis or as independent consultants.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In hardware testing, high-paying roles such as senior test engineers or specialized hardware analysts can earn around $10,000 per month, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and expertise in tools like oscilloscopes and testing software. These positions often require strong technical skills and industry knowledge but may not always require a formal degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hardware Testing Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Testing Engineer, you need a solid background in electronics, circuit analysis, and test design, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with testing tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, automated test equipment, and industry certifications like ISTQB are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in diagnosing issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure accurate product validation, reduce errors, and facilitate efficient product development cycles.

What is the difference between Hardware Testing vs Hardware Design?

AspectHardware TestingHardware Design
Primary FocusVerifying and validating hardware functionality and reliabilityCreating and developing hardware components and schematics
Required SkillsTesting procedures, troubleshooting, knowledge of testing toolsCircuit design, CAD tools, technical specifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, testing labs, manufacturing facilitiesDesign studios, engineering offices, R&D labs
CertificationsHardware testing certifications, electronics certificationsElectrical engineering degrees, design certifications

Hardware Testing and Hardware Design are distinct roles within the hardware development process. Testing focuses on verifying hardware functionality, while design involves creating hardware solutions. Both roles require technical skills but serve different stages of product development.

What job categories do people searching Hardware Testing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Testing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Hardware Testing jobs? Cities in California with the most Hardware Testing job openings:

Staff Hardware Systems Engineer

Crusoe

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$145K - $192K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Crusoe is on a mission to accelerate the abundance of energy and intelligence. As the only vertically integrated AI infrastructure company built from the ground up, we own and operate each layer of the stack — from electrons to tokens — to power the world's most ambitious AI workloads. When you join Crusoe, you join a team that is building the future, faster.

We're in the midst of the greatest industrial revolution of our time. The demand for AI compute is boundless, and power is a bottleneck. We're solving that — with an energy-first approach that makes AI infrastructure better for the world and faster for the people innovating with AI.

We're looking for problem-solving, opportunity-finding teammates with a sense of urgency, who believe in the scale of our ambition and thrive on a path not fully paved — people who want to grow their careers alongside a team of experts across energy, manufacturing, data center construction, and cloud services.

If you want to do the most meaningful work of your career, help our customers and partners advance their AI strategies, and be part of a high-performing team that believes in each other, come build with us at Crusoe.

About This Role:

We are seeking a Hardware Production / Sustaining Engineer to strengthen Crusoe’s Hardware Systems Engineering team and close critical skill gaps in debugging, validation, and production support of high-performance compute systems. In this role, you will take ownership of the full hardware lifecycle—from prototype bring-up to large-scale production—while driving automation, deep issue resolution, and reliability across Crusoe Cloud’s GPU- and CPU-based infrastructure.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to support, debug, and improve hardware platforms at scale, with a particular focus on PCIe, InfiniBand, and NVMe/storage, which have been identified as essential areas for deeper expertise. Your work will directly impact Crusoe’s ability to deploy and operate sustainable, AI-first compute systems with world-class performance and reliability.

What You’ll Be Working On:

  • Drive the full hardware development and sustaining lifecycle, including feasibility, bring-up, validation, deployment, and ongoing production support.

  • Develop and maintain scripting and automation frameworks for hardware testing, diagnostics, and continuous reliability improvements.

  • Lead deep troubleshooting and debugging across:

    • PCIe (link training, topology, performance issues)

    • InfiniBand (fabric debugging, throughput, connectivity issues)

    • NVMe/storage (performance bottlenecks, firmware interactions, failure analysis)

  • Conduct rigorous system validation and characterization for GPU, CPU, and high-performance compute platforms.

  • Support E2E integration and solution testing to ensure Crusoe Cloud products meet performance, reliability, and scalability expectations.

  • Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, firmware, software, and manufacturing teams to resolve system-level issues and enable stable production operation.

  • Drive prototyping, qualification, and readiness for high-volume manufacturing with both internal teams and external vendors.

  • Identify opportunities for new hardware technologies, testing methods, and sustainability improvements aligned with Crusoe’s long-term objectives.

  • Provide data-driven insights to influence Crusoe’s hardware roadmap and reliability strategy.

What You’ll Bring to the Team:

  • 8–10+ years of experience in hardware development, validation, sustaining engineering, or production engineering.

  • Strong hands-on expertise in PCIe, InfiniBand, and NVMe/storage debugging and development.

  • Deep proficiency in hardware bring-up, board-level debugging, and system-level validation.

  • Ability to design and implement automation frameworks for hardware testing (Python, Shell, or similar).

  • Technical background in digital and analog design, server architecture, and high-performance compute hardware.

  • Experience working across thermal, mechanical, firmware, and software functions in multidisciplinary environments.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with internal teams and external partners.

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.

Bonus Points:

  • Experience designing or optimizing GPU-to-GPU communication architectures for AI/ML workloads.

  • Direct experience integrating NVLink or other next-generation GPU interconnect technologies.

  • Familiarity with cutting-edge GPU architectures and how to leverage them in AI/HPC environments.

  • Expertise supporting or designing systems across both ARM and x86 server architectures.

  • Background in sustainable or energy-efficient hardware design practices.

  • Advanced certifications or coursework in AI/HPC hardware systems.

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation

  • Restricted Stock Units

  • Paid time off & paid holidays

  • Comprehensive health, dental & vision insurance

  • Employer contributions to HSA account

  • Paid parental leave

  • Paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability

  • Professional development & tuition reimbursement

  • Mental health & wellness support

  • Commuter benefits (parking & transit)

  • Cell phone stipend

  • 401(k) Retirement plan with company match up to 4% of salary

  • Volunteer time off

Compensation:

Compensation will be paid in the range of $208,000 - $253,000 + Bonus. Restricted Stock Units are included in all offers. Compensation to be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Crusoe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, sex/gender, sexual preference/ orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, national origin, or any other status protected by law or regulation.