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Lead Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Lead Hardware Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB As the Lead Hardware Engineer for our ladar product line, you will be responsible for the domain-specific detailed technical execution, hardware architecture, and engineering execution ...

Anduril Industries

Lead Hardware Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$128K - $169K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB As the Lead Hardware Engineer for our ladar product line, you will be responsible for the domain-specific detailed technical execution, hardware architecture, and engineering execution ...

Anduril Industries

Lead Hardware Engineer

Boulder, CO

$128K - $169K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB As the Lead Hardware Engineer for our ladar product line, you will be responsible for the domain-specific detailed technical execution, hardware architecture, and engineering execution ...

COLSA Corporation

Lead Hardware Engineer - sUAS

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$115K - $151K/yr

COLSA Corporation is seeking a Lead Hardware Engineer with sUAS experience to support our Uncrewed Systems team while leading and overseeing the design engineering team. The ideal Hardware Engineer ...

Reach

Lead Hardware Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$175K - $240K/yr

As a Hardware Lead Engineer, you will technically drive a significant section of Reach's hardware engineering team and develop robust hardware systems that are integral to Reach's wireless power ...

Reach

Lead Hardware Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$175K - $240K/yr

As a Hardware Lead Engineer, you will technically drive a significant section of Reach's hardware engineering team and develop robust hardware systems that are integral to Reach's wireless power ...

Colsa

Lead Hardware Engineer - sUAS

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

COLSA Corporation is seeking a Lead Hardware Engineer with sUAS experience to support our Uncrewed Systems team while leading and overseeing the design engineering team. The ideal Hardware Engineer ...

ZENITH INFOTEK LLC

Lead Hardware Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$65 - $70/hr

Hardware Engineer Longmont, CO The candidate should have HW development testing, where the design is being validated. Performs design and development engineering assignments related to hardware ...

Dapster, Inc

Lead Hardware Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

So, we likely won't review/respond quickly, but we WILL look here first when we crank up the hiring machine again.] Dapster is looking for a Lead Hardware Engineer to join our small-but-powerful team.

II-VI Incorporated

Lead Hardware Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Limited, must be able to test developed hardware in engineering lab, in conjunction with other team members. No heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity required. Safety Requirements All ...

Coherent Corp.

Lead Hardware Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Limited, must be able to test developed hardware in engineering lab, in conjunction with other team members. No heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity required. Safety Requirements All ...

ZENITH INFOTEK LLC

Lead Hardware Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$65 - $70/hr

Hardware Engineer Longmont, CO The candidate should have HW development testing, where the design is being validated. Performs design and development engineering assignments related to hardware ...

ZENITH INFOTEK LLC

Lead Hardware Engineer

Longmont, CO

$65 - $70/hr

Training & development Hardware Engineer Longmont, CO The candidate should have HW development testing, where the design is being validated. Performs design and development engineering assignments ...

Reach

Lead Hardware Engineer

Redwood City, CA

$125K - $165K/yr

As a Hardware Lead Engineer, you will technically drive a significant section of Reach's hardware engineering team and develop robust hardware systems that are integral to Reach's wireless power ...

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Lead Hardware Engineer information

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$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead hardware engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lead Hardware Engineer, you need deep expertise in hardware design, circuit analysis, and system integration, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD tools like Altium Designer or OrCAD, as well as familiarity with industry standards and relevant certifications (e.g., IPC, IEEE), is crucial. Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills help coordinate teams and drive project success. These skills ensure efficient design processes, high-quality products, and effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges a Lead Hardware Engineer faces when managing cross-functional teams?

As a Lead Hardware Engineer, one frequent challenge is coordinating between diverse teams such as firmware, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to ensure that hardware designs align with overall product requirements and timelines. Balancing priorities and managing communication across departments often requires strong organizational and leadership skills. Additionally, adapting to evolving project specifications while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines is a key part of the role. Successful lead engineers foster collaboration by facilitating regular meetings and clear documentation, ensuring all stakeholders remain aligned throughout the development cycle.

What are Lead Hardware Engineers?

Lead Hardware Engineers are responsible for overseeing the design, development, and testing of computer hardware components and systems. They manage engineering teams, coordinate projects, and ensure that hardware products meet technical specifications and quality standards. In addition to technical expertise, they often collaborate with software teams, production departments, and clients to deliver integrated solutions. Their role is crucial in driving innovation and ensuring that hardware products are reliable, efficient, and competitive in the marketplace.

What is the difference between Lead Hardware Engineer vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectLead Hardware EngineerHardware Design Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees hardware projects, manages teams, and ensures integration of hardware systemsDesigns and develops hardware components and circuits
Required SkillsHardware design, project management, leadership, troubleshootingHardware design, circuit analysis, CAD tools, prototyping
Work EnvironmentEngineering teams, project management, cross-disciplinary collaborationDesign labs, prototyping facilities, CAD software environments
Common UsageUsed in industries like electronics, aerospace, automotive for senior rolesUsed in product development, R&D, and engineering teams

The main difference is that a Lead Hardware Engineer manages hardware projects and teams, focusing on leadership and integration, while a Hardware Design Engineer concentrates on designing and developing hardware components. Both roles require technical expertise, but the Lead role involves more oversight and coordination.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Lead hardware engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in circuit design, and expertise in high-demand areas like semiconductor development or embedded systems, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Senior engineers in specialized fields or working for large technology companies often reach this compensation level, which may include bonuses and stock options.

What does a lead hardware engineer do?

A lead hardware engineer oversees the design, development, and testing of electronic hardware components and systems. They coordinate engineering teams, ensure project deadlines are met, and often have expertise in CAD tools, circuit design, and industry standards. Their role involves technical leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable hardware solutions.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

High-level executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions often earn $500,000 or more annually. Certain specialized professions like top-tier surgeons, successful entrepreneurs, and senior investment bankers can also reach or exceed this income level, especially with bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve leadership responsibilities or significant risk.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Lead hardware engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, semiconductor design, or high-end technology development can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives for senior-level roles in competitive markets.
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Lead Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Lead Hardware Engineer

Lead Hardware Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Burr Ridge, IL • On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Title: Lead Hardware Engineer
Location: Near Burr Ridge, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $140K – $155K plus bonus
Benefits: Medical, Dental & Vision, 401K with company match, profit sharing, PTO, company paid holidays

Sterling Engineering is looking for a Lead Hardware Engineer with a leading manufacturer of automotive battery and electrical system test equipment platforms Near Burr Ridge, IL. The Lead Hardware Engineer job responsibilities include all aspects of hardware design and development to ensure performance, reliability, and an overall high-quality product. In this role, the Lead Hardware Engineer will be working and, in some cases, lead design teams.

Job Duties:
  • Electronics hardware design and development delivering high-quality, reliable, on-time products that meet customer needs
  • Create and maintain product technical documentation – specifications, design documents
  • Design and troubleshoot microcontrollers and embedded mixed-signal systems at the component level
  • Perform schematic capture, work with layout resources, and perform board bring-up and development validation on designs
  • Initiate and participate in hardware/platform design reviews
  • Collaborate with mechanical, software, and production teams to support design tasks and projects
  • Partner with customers and technical teams to develop designs and solutions addressing specific needs/problems
  • Intake tasks, create WBS, estimate effort, and perform to estimations
  • Drive continual improvements in hardware engineering processes
  • Maintain and use hardware engineering standards
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent – MBA a plus
  • 7–10+ years’ experience in product design for commercial and/or industrial devices
  • Strong expertise in complex mixed signal, digital, and analog design – development, testing, and debugging
  • Ability to provide technical assessment and leadership to other project team members and departments
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Experience with UL, CB Scheme, etc. a plus

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.