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Lead Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Hardware Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and fielding of advanced integrated networking and computing systems for tactical ...

Hardware Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Hardware Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and fielding of advanced integrated networking and computing systems for tactical ...

As a Lead Hardware Engineer, you will: • Responsible to execute full Hardware development life cycle including requirements management, design, development, verification & validation, qualification ...

Job Overview We are seeking an Electrical Hardware Engineer to join our hardware team and work closely with the Lead Hardware Engineer, Digital & Embedded Systems to develop, bring up, debug, and ...

Job Overview We are seeking an Electrical Hardware Engineer to join our hardware team and work closely with the Lead Hardware Engineer, Digital & Embedded Systems to develop, bring up, debug, and ...

Hardware Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Lead hardware design verification planning and execution, perform verification activities, prepare ... Develop and/or codevelop engineering test fixtures to effectively evaluate product functionality ...

Hardware Engineer

Elkhorn, NE

$117K - $154K/yr

Duties & Responsibilities Lead hardware development projects from concept through production ... Engineering or related field 6+ years professional experience in hardware development for embedded ...

Hardware Engineer Staff

Liverpool, NY · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

As part of this effort, we need a Deputy Lead Hardware Engineer (LHE) or Deputy Integrated Product Team Lead (IPT) to help shape the technical direction and ensure successful execution. THE WORK ...

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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 7, 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, Electrical Engineering - Hardware - Tactical Data Links

L3HHCM20

San Diego, CA

$127K - $236K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Lead, Hardware Engineering, Tactical Data Links
Job Code: 37913
Job Location: Carlsbad, California or San Diego, California; 100% on site
Schedule: 9/80 (employee's work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off)

Job Description:

We are looking for a Hardware Engineering Lead to execute new development programs and support sustaining efforts for existing TDL product lines within the Spectrum Superiority (SPS) sector. The selected candidate will provide technical direction and oversight to other hardware engineers within the group and work closely with cross functional team members (Systems, Software, Program Management, etc). Additionally, the candidate may work closely with the customer to ensure deliveries on time and meet all hardware requirements.  

Essential Functions:

   Act as lead hardware engineer on various new development efforts and sustaining  efforts on existing products to ensure the designs and product performance meet specifications
   Apply configuration management principles to design documentation and maintain technical data packages
   Lead engineering program technical, schedule, and cost performance for projects with Hardware Engineering scope to include proposal reviews and cost approvals, 
engineering program reviews, and oversight of key technical decisions
   Participate in and/or lead failure investigations, where appropriate, related to design, production build processes, and customer returns
   Contribute to new business pursuits by growing cross-functional relationships in new business development and across business areas
   Participate in and/or lead failure investigations, where appropriate, related to design, production build processes, and customer returns
   Partner and work very closely with the Engineering Leadership team, Business Development and Program Management to ensure strategy alignment, execution of projects and cross-team collaboration to achieve sector objectives
   Work closely with Operations to transition new hardware designs to production / manufacturing using established company processes
   Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with customers and teammates

    Ability to travel for position: 5-10%

Required Qualifications (one of the following with 7 years of design (electronic radio products)):

   Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years prior related experience.
   Graduate Degree with a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience.
   In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
   7 years of experience in the design of high-reliability electronic radio products and related subassemblies including PCB and FPGA development

Preferred Additional Skills:

   Deep experience in Electrical Engineering and prior work experience within the Defense industry
   Experience and demonstrated competence in technical leadership (project engineer or other technical lead role) for large complex programs and IRAD efforts
   Strong understanding of the both PCB hardware and FPGA design development flows
   Experience in system level development, requirements definition, analysis, integration and risk mitigation for large communications systems
   Strong team player with experience leading highly technical teams
   Track record of being highly collaborative with a proven ability to quickly establish trust and credibility among peers and customers
   Ability to communicate confidently and concisely to both engineers and executive management
   Active U.S. security clearance

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, is $127,500 - 236,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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