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Lead Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Hardware Engineer

Willowbrook, IL · Hybrid

$140K - $150K/yr

LEAD HARDWARE ENGINEER Compensation: $140,000-$150,000 The Lead Hardware Engineer position is part of the Midtronics Platform team. This team is responsible for the creation and maintenance of ...

Lead Hardware Engineer

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

LEAD HARDWARE ENGINEER Compensation: $140,000-$150,000 The Lead Hardware Engineer position is part of the Midtronics Platform team. This team is responsible for the creation and maintenance of ...

Lead Hardware Engineer

Willowbrook, IL · Hybrid

$140K - $150K/yr

LEAD HARDWARE ENGINEER Compensation: $140,000-$150,000 The Lead Hardware Engineer position is part of the Midtronics Platform team. This team is responsible for the creation and maintenance of ...

Lead Hardware Engineer

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Engineering Lead Hardware Engineer Location: Buffalo, NY, USA Purpose TheLead Hardware Engineer positionis to drive the success of the Hardware Engineering Team by providing leadership, and ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Lead Hardware Engineer

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

$110K - $147K/yr

MOOG Space and Defense Senior Lead Hardware Engineer Are you an experienced Electrical Engineer with a background in digital, analog and FPGA circuit board designs? If so, Moog has an incredible ...

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.

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 ...

Head of Hardware

$192K - $300K/yr

Our current Head of Hardware, will stay on as Lead Hardware Engineer. You might be our new Head of Hardware if you know how to take us from hundreds of units to thousands and possibly tens of ...

Hardware Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

You will report to the Engineering Team Lead, Hardware, and work onsite at our Milwaukee office. Key Responsibilities You will participate in a wide range of hardware development activities ...

Lead Hardware Electrical Engineer

Fargo, ND · On-site

$157K - $164K/yr

Lead Hardware Electrical Engineer Packet Digital Packet Digital is a fast-growing, collaborative company seeking a Lead Hardware Electrical Engineer to serve as both a technical expert and people ...

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Lead Hardware Engineer information

See salary details

$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 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.

More about Lead Hardware Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Lead Hardware Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Lead Hardware Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Hardware Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Hardware Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.
Lead Hardware Engineer

Lead Hardware Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Burr Ridge, IL

$101K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


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.