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Hardware Validation Engineer information

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How much do hardware validation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware validation engineer in California is $51.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.89 and $62.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hardware validation engineer do?

A Hardware Validation Engineer is responsible for testing and verifying that electronic hardware components and systems meet design specifications and function correctly. They develop and execute test plans, analyze test results, and troubleshoot hardware issues. Their work ensures that products are reliable, safe, and ready for mass production. Hardware Validation Engineers often collaborate with design, development, and manufacturing teams to identify and resolve problems early in the product lifecycle.

What are some common challenges faced by hardware validation engineers during the product testing phase?

Hardware Validation Engineers often encounter challenges such as identifying elusive or intermittent hardware bugs, ensuring compatibility with various software and peripheral devices, and meeting tight project deadlines. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—including design, firmware, and manufacturing—can require strong communication and problem-solving skills. Additionally, adapting to evolving test protocols and quickly understanding new hardware architectures are essential for success in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Hardware Validation Engineer vs Hardware Test Engineer?

AspectHardware Validation EngineerHardware Test Engineer
Primary FocusVerifying hardware functionality and compliance through validation processesExecuting tests to identify hardware defects and performance issues
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of validation protocols, testing tools, and industry standardsProficiency in testing procedures, diagnostic tools, and hardware troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, validation labs, R&D departmentsTesting labs, manufacturing facilities, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageElectronics, consumer devices, automotive, aerospaceElectronics, consumer electronics, hardware manufacturing

While both roles involve testing hardware components, the Hardware Validation Engineer focuses on comprehensive validation and compliance, ensuring products meet specifications before release. The Hardware Test Engineer primarily conducts tests to detect defects and verify performance during development and production stages.

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

To excel as a Hardware Validation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, hardware testing methodologies, and a relevant degree such as a B.S. in Electrical or Computer Engineering. Familiarity with validation tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Perl), as well as experience with hardware simulation and test automation frameworks, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you identify, troubleshoot, and document issues efficiently. These skills ensure the reliability, performance, and quality of hardware products before they reach end users.
What are popular job titles related to Hardware Validation Engineer jobs in California? For Hardware Validation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hardware Validation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Validation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Hardware Validation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Hardware Validation Engineer job openings:
Hardware Validation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Validation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,736 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Hardware Validation - Electrical Engineer

Skild AI

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$100K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
At Skild AI, we are building the world's first general purpose robotic intelligence that is robust and adapts to unseen scenarios without failing. We believe massive scale through data-driven machine learning is the key to unlocking these capabilities for the widespread deployment of robots within society. Our team consists of individuals with varying levels of experience and backgrounds, from new graduates to domain experts. Relevant industry experience is important, but ultimately less so than your demonstrated abilities and attitude. We are looking for passionate individuals who are eager to explore uncharted waters and contribute to our innovative projects.
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Electrical Hardware Validation Engineer to work closely with our Electrical Engineering team in developing and validating next-generation robotics electronics systems. This role focuses on defining and executing validation strategies for complex PCB designs used in robotics applications, including power systems, DC-DC converters, embedded computing platforms, motor control interfaces, and sensor systems.
In addition to new hardware validation, this role will also support debugging and failure analysis of existing robotic platforms in both lab and operational environments. The ideal candidate enjoys working hands-on with hardware, troubleshooting complex issues, developing test methodologies, and collaborating across engineering disciplines to improve system reliability and future hardware designs.
Responsibilities
  • Develop comprehensive validation and test plans for new PCB designs and embedded electronic systems
  • Define functional, electrical, thermal, and reliability test procedures for robotics hardware
  • Execute board bring-up, debugging, and characterization activities in the lab
  • Validate subsystems including power distribution and protection circuits, DC-DC converters and power sequencing, embedded computing hardware, sensor interfaces and communication buses, and high-speed digital and analog circuits
  • Perform lithium battery safety and validation testing, including charge/discharge characterization, protection circuit verification, thermal behavior evaluation, and failure-mode analysis
  • Develop and execute wire harness reliability and characterization tests, including continuity, insulation resistance, strain relief, vibration and flex-cycle, and connector retention validation
  • Design, build, and maintain hardware test fixtures and validation setups
  • Support debugging and repair of existing robotic systems and deployed hardware
  • Investigate hardware failures, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions
  • Collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, Firmware, and Systems Engineers to improve testability, manufacturability, robustness, and serviceability of designs
  • Collect, analyze, and document test data, failure reports, validation procedures, and engineering findings
  • Communicate technical issues, test results, and root cause findings across cross-functional engineering teams
  • Support automation of repetitive validation and diagnostic tasks using scripting tools where appropriate
  • Support prototype builds, integration activities, and system-level testing
  • Maintain lab equipment, calibration records, and validation documentation
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
  • Internship, academic project, or hands-on experience with PCB debugging or embedded electronics
  • Proficiency with lab equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads, and logic analyzers
  • Familiarity with power electronics, DC-DC converters, embedded systems, sensor and communication interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet), and lithium battery systems
  • Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and root cause analysis skills
  • Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, and interpret datasheets
  • Experience with robotics systems or autonomous platforms
  • Experience with PCB design tools such as Altium, KiCad, or Cadence
  • Experience with lithium battery testing or battery management systems (BMS)
  • Experience developing test automation scripts using Python or similar languages
  • Understanding of Design for Testability (DFT) principles
  • Experience with fixture design, pogo-pin interfaces, or functional test systems
  • Experience testing wire harnesses, connectors, or electromechanical assemblies
  • Exposure to EMI/EMC, thermal, vibration, or environmental testing
  • Familiarity with Linux-based embedded systems

Base Salary Range
$100,000-$300,000 USD

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