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Junior Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Brahma Consulting Group

Head of Hardware

Palo Alto, CA

$145K - $191K/yr

Additionally, you'll mentor junior hardware engineers, sharing expertise on best practices and guiding their professional growth. For instance, last month, our team improved our ML model's ability to ...

Google Inc.

Hardware Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$150.25 - $189/hr

... junior team members; deeper expertise and applied knowledge within relevant area. * Bachelor ... Optimize complex hardware components for performance, power, and cost by applying engineering best ...

TP-Link Systems Inc.

Senior Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA

$118K - $158K/yr

In addition, seniors will mentor junior engineers and contribute to the product direction of our hardware projects. These positions require deep technical expertise in electronics and a proven track ...

TP-Link Systems Inc.

Senior Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

In addition, seniors will mentor junior engineers and contribute to the product direction of our hardware projects. These positions require deep technical expertise in electronics and a proven track ...

TP-Link Systems Inc.

Senior Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

In addition, seniors will mentor junior engineers and contribute to the product direction of our hardware projects. These positions require deep technical expertise in electronics and a proven track ...

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Hardware Engineer 3

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

Hardware Engineer 3 This role has been designed as ''Onsite' with an expectation that you will ... Mentor and guide junior members, foster a collaborative environment, and encourage curiosity and ...

INSEEGO

Staff Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering best practices. Experience/Requirements : * Strong background in digital and mixed-signal hardware design. * Experience developing processor ...

Inseego Corp.

Staff Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering best practices. Experience/Requirements : * Strong background in digital and mixed-signal hardware design. * Experience developing processor ...

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Junior Hardware Engineer information

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$33.1K

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$108.1K

How much do junior hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior hardware engineer in California is $70,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior hardware engineer?

A Junior Hardware Engineer is an entry-level professional responsible for assisting in the design, development, testing, and troubleshooting of hardware components and systems. They work under the guidance of senior engineers, helping with circuit design, prototyping, and performance analysis. Their role may include collaborating with software teams, documenting technical specifications, and ensuring hardware meets industry standards. Strong analytical skills, basic knowledge of electronic components, and familiarity with design tools such as CAD software are essential for success in this role.

What does a junior hardware engineer do?

As a Junior Hardware Engineer, you will often be involved in tasks such as assembling and testing prototype hardware, debugging circuits, and supporting the senior engineering team in the design and validation of printed circuit boards (PCBs). You may also help document design processes, assist in component sourcing, and participate in cross-departmental meetings to ensure product requirements are met. Your daily responsibilities typically blend hands-on technical work with collaboration alongside firmware, software, and production teams. This dynamic environment offers valuable learning opportunities and a clear path for career progression into senior engineering roles.

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

To thrive as a Junior Hardware Engineer, you typically need a solid background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and troubleshooting, supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with tools like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, PCB design software (such as Altium or Eagle), and an understanding of industry standards (e.g., IPC certification) is common. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel when collaborating with cross-functional teams. Mastering these competencies ensures you can contribute effectively to product development cycles while adapting to the fast-evolving technology landscape.

Are junior hardware engineers in high demand?

Junior hardware engineers are in moderate demand as companies seek entry-level professionals skilled in circuit design, testing, and troubleshooting. Opportunities are often available in industries such as electronics, telecommunications, and consumer devices, especially for those with knowledge of CAD tools and certifications like CompTIA or Cisco. Demand can vary based on industry growth and regional job markets.

Can you be a junior hardware engineer without a degree?

While a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field is often preferred for a junior hardware engineer position, some employers may consider candidates with relevant hands-on experience, certifications, or strong technical skills. Practical knowledge of circuit design, soldering, and hardware testing can sometimes substitute for formal education, but most roles require at least an associate degree or equivalent training.

Is it hard to get a job as a junior hardware engineer?

Securing a junior hardware engineer position typically requires a relevant degree in electrical or computer engineering, along with practical skills in circuit design and familiarity with tools like CAD software. Competition can be moderate, but having hands-on experience through internships or projects can improve chances of employment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Hardware Engineer jobs in California?

For Junior Hardware Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Hardware Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Junior Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Junior Hardware Engineer job openings:

Junior Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Senior Hardware Engineer, Electronics

Orion Sleep

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$130K - $173K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
  • Architect, design, and build our second generation hardware platform from concept to production
  • Own full system design including PCB layout, component selection, power management, and thermal management systems
  • Design and integrate thermoelectric cooling solutions with appropriate thermal control and monitoring
  • Develop cable assemblies and interconnect solutions for product reliability and manufacturability
  • Build robust, production-ready boards that can withstand real-world use and stress conditions
  • Establish hardware validation protocols including environmental stress testing, thermal cycling, and reliability testing
  • Work directly with overseas vendors and CMs for component sourcing, manufacturing, and quality control
  • Mentor and manage junior hardware engineers as the team grows
  • Ensure seamless integration between hardware, firmware, mobile apps, and backend services
  • Drive DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and cost optimization while maintaining quality standards

Requirements
  • 5+ years designing and shipping consumer electronics products
  • Hands-on experience with Realtek and STM32 microcontrollers and their ecosystems
  • Expertise in WiFi/BLE integration and RF debugging
  • Strong background in power electronics design and thermal management systems
  • Specific experience with thermoelectric cooling (Peltier) design and control
  • Proven ability to design robust, reliable boards for high-volume consumer products
  • Experience working with overseas suppliers and CMs across the full product lifecycle
  • Experience mentoring junior engineers and building technical teams
  • Track record of conducting comprehensive stress testing (thermal, vibration, drop, EMC)
  • Strong plus: Firmware development experience (embedded C/C++, RTOS, driver development)
  • Strong plus: Has owned complete hardware products end-to-end from concept through mass production
  • Preferred: Experience taking consumer products through FCC/CE certification

Apply