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Hardware Validation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$104K - $128K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering field. * Minimum of 5 years of experience in hardware validation, verification, or electronics development.

Senior Hardware Validation Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$129K - $173K/yr

We are now looking for a Senior Validation Engineer in the DGX Server Product Engineering Team. In ... Solve complex system level hardware and software issues on GPU accelerated computing platforms.

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering field. * Minimum of 5 years of experience in hardware validation, verification, or electronics development.

Senior Hardware Validation Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$129K - $173K/yr

We are now looking for a Senior Validation Engineer in the DGX Server Product Engineering Team. In ... Solve complex system level hardware and software issues on GPU accelerated computing platforms.

$150 - $278/hr

Hardware Validation Engineer - Apple Watch Cupertino, California, United States Hardware In this role, you will join the Watch system validation team, ensuring that all new and existing hardware ...

Your Impact As a Manager on the Product Integrity team, you'll lead the engineers who prove Axon's hardware is ready for the field. The Manager, Hardware Validation owns the hardware validation plan ...

We are looking for a Silicon Validation Engineer with experience in hardware validation and board bring-up. The ideal candidate should have hands‑on experience in lab environments, debugging ...

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Hardware Validation Engineer information

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How much do hardware validation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware validation engineer in the United States is $52.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.42 and $63.22 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.

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What cities are hiring for Hardware Validation Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Hardware Validation Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Hardware Validation Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hardware Validation Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Hardware Validation Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,152 per year, or $52 per hour.

Staff Hardware Validation Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Palo Alto, CA • On-site, Remote

$146K - $276K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Ford Motor Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 527 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 45 rated automakers


Job description

In this position... In this high-impact role, you will define the validation strategy and technical roadmaps for complex mechatronic hardware across multiple vehicle product lines. You will not only oversee the "bring-up" of sophisticated test environments but also influence the foundational design for testability (DFT) and reliability across the enterprise

You will bridge the gap between mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering, ensuring that our hardware architectures are robust, scalable, and validated to the highest rigorous standards. What you'll do... Lead the development of validation requirements and DVP&R strategies that span multiple product lines, ensuring consistency and technical excellence across different mechanical-electrical modules

Define and approve complex test specifications, including high-fidelity pass/fail criteria, to ensure long-term reliability in diverse global environments. Lead architectural design of scalable test platforms that can be leveraged across multiple hardware variants to increase testing efficiency. Spearhead bring-up of high-complexity test stations.

Act as the primary technical escalations point for the most challenging hardware/software integration issues. Partner with hardware design teams at the architecture phase to influence PCB and mechanical designs, ensuring systems are designed for test (DFT) and manufacturing (DFM), optimized for validation and end-of-line production testing. Performing failure mode analysis with advanced detailed analysis tools to drive root cause diagnosis.

Direct the technical requirements for external Tier 1 suppliers and independent test labs to ensure outsourced validation meets Ford's stringent internal benchmarks. Managing vendors to implement validation tools, plans and infrastructure Business travel (up to 20% domestic and international travel) to support product development is required You'll have... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience

5+ years of experience in hardware validation, mechatronic system design, or product development. 5+ years of experience in test equipment architecture, including the design of custom electrical/mechanical test rigs and automated stations. Proven track record of defining test limits and pass/fail criteria for high-reliability hardware.

Experience leading technical projects that span multiple product families or global platforms. Even better, you may have... Master's degree or PhD in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Expert-level proficiency in automated test frameworks (Python, LabVIEW, or C++) and hardware communication protocols (Automotive Ethernet, CAN-FD, PCIe). Deep understanding of ISO 26262 (Functional Safety), ISO 16750 (Environmental Testing), and EMC/EMI compliance standards. Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and correlating physical test data with virtual simulations.

Exceptional communication skills with the ability to distill complex technical risks for executive leadership. You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply. As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice.

You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home. Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills. Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above

No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including: Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases Tuition assistance Established and active employee resource groups Paid time off for individual and team community service A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time. This position is a leadership level 6 and ranges from $146,520-276,600. For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL6 Visa sponsorship is available for this position

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660. This position is hybrid.

Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid #LI-SE1 #UEV


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