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Hardware Validation Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Design Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$125K - $270K/yr

Conduct design verification, validation, and hardware troubleshooting during lab tests. * Collaborate with systems engineers to define and implement electrical interfaces, requirements, and ICDs ...

Showing results 41-60

Hardware Validation Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$25

$58

$88

How much do hardware validation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware validation engineer in Washington is $58.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.66 and $71.59 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Hardware Validation Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Hardware Validation Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hardware Validation Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,493 per year, or $58.9 per hour.

Hardware Test & Integration Engineer

Quartermaster AI Inc

Arlington, VA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

About Us:

Quartermaster is building the world's most comprehensive maritime intelligence platform. Our SmartMast system transforms commercial and civilian vessels into a persistent, distributed sensing network combining HD video, AI, radar, RF sensing, and AIS to deliver real-time maritime domain awareness at global scale. With 600+ sensors deployed across 25+ countries and more than 400,000 vessels identified outside of AIS, we are setting a new standard for what ocean surveillance and safety can look like.

We are a mission-driven, high-velocity team building dual-use technology for defense agencies, coast guards, and commercial maritime operators. If you want your code to run on vessels crossing every ocean on earth, this is the place.

Job Description: We're hiring Hardware Test & Integration Engineers to keep our test infrastructure running and growing as fast as our sensor roadmap does. You'll help maintain and expand our hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test bench at our Virginia HQ, integrating hardware, configuring software, and writing the occasional automated test script (this is a hands‑on integration role, not a software development role).

You’ll use that infrastructure to evaluate new sensor types and produce clear test results that inform product decisions. You'll take the same rigor out into the field, testing hardware on vessels predominantly in the DC/MD/VA area but at other US sites as needed. Throughout, you'll work cross‑functionally with engineering to keep test data and test work secure, efficient, and productive.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, build, operate, and maintain test infrastructure at our DC-area office and future remote/vessel deployment sites

  • Develop, refine, and execute manual and automated test procedures to evaluate current and candidate pieces of hardware

  • Work cross‑functionally across engineering and product teams at Quartermaster to prioritize and accelerate the evaluation of new sensor models and modalities to accelerate and inform the engineering organization's development road

  • Use and contribute to shared physical and digital test infrastructure across multiple sites and disciplines - coordinating scheduling, logistics, and configuration with the teams that depend on them

  • Keep test data, equipment, and procedures organized, secure, and well-documented so results are trustworthy, traceable, and reusable across teams

  • Execute field validation testing aboard vessels in the broader DC area and at other US sites as needed, adapting bench procedures to real‑world maritime deployment conditions

Qualifications (Required):
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, Robotics/Mechatronics, Test Engineering, or a related hands‑on technical field — or equivalent experience

  • Hardware and testing expertise: 4-12 years of experience building and maintaining test benches, including proficiency with hand/power tools, 3D printing, integration of mixed custom and COTS hardware, and execution of manual/automated testing procedures.

  • Demonstrated experience building or maintaining test benches or infrastructure — integrating COTS instrumentation, computers, sensors, and ensuring network access for remote engineers.

  • Cross-team collaboration: A proven ability to work effectively across multi-disciplinary engineering and product teams while maintaining strong documentation and traceability habits.

  • Operational initiative: Desire to conduct field testing in maritime environments and travel as needed to meet project goals. Ability to independently drive projects forward through ambiguity, resource limitations, and tight deadlines.

  • US citizenship and valid driver's license required; current security clearance or ability to obtain one is preferred.

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