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Lead Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Lead Hardware Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$151K - $227K/yr

As a leader of a portion of the Avionics Hardware team, you will manage a team of electrical engineers in development of custom electronics for Relativity's rocket, Terran R. You will support the ...

Relativity Space

Lead Hardware Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$151K - $227K/yr

As a leader of a portion of the Avionics Hardware team, you will manage a team of electrical engineers in development of custom electronics for Relativity's rocket, Terran R. You will support the ...

Relativity Space

Lead Hardware Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$151K - $227K/yr

As a leader of a portion of the Avionics Hardware team, you will manage a team of electrical engineers in development of custom electronics for Relativity's rocket, Terran R. You will support the ...

Relativity Space

Lead Hardware Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA

$151K - $227K/yr

As a leader of a portion of the Avionics Hardware team, you will manage a team of electrical engineers in development of custom electronics for Relativity's rocket, Terran R. You will support the ...

Relativity Space

Lead Hardware Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$151K - $227K/yr

As a leader of a portion of the Avionics Hardware team, you will manage a team of electrical engineers in development of custom electronics for Relativity's rocket, Terran R. You will support the ...

Bilfinger

Lead Hardware Engineer

Groningen, MN

$100K - $131K/yr

Als Lead Hardware Engineer werk je zelfstandig aan complexe elektrotechnische installaties in de natte infra en binnen de industrie. Je gaat ontwerpen en leidinggeven aan een team van Engineers. De ...

Relativity Space

Lead Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA

$151K - $227K/yr

As a leader of a portion of the Avionics Hardware team, you will manage a team of electrical engineers in development of custom electronics for Relativity's rocket, Terran R. You will support the ...

VotingWorks

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 ...

Softpath

Lead Hardware engineer

Boston, MA

$111K - $146K/yr

Lead HW HDE Location : Boston USA JD: * Understands requirements for EOL/EVT/DVT testing and can assess right test fixtures needed * Ability to plan and setup labs * Works with SW leads to create ...

Softpath

Lead Hardware engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

Hi, Role: Lead HW HDE Location : Boston ,MA USA JD: * Understands requirements for EOL/EVT/DVT testing and can assess right test fixtures needed * Ability to plan and setup labs * Works with SW leads ...

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Showing results 21-40

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Lead Hardware Engineer information

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$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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?

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 is a lead hardware engineer?

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 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 circuit design, CAD tools, and industry standards. Their role involves technical leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable hardware solutions.
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Lead Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Hardware Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Lead Hardware Engineer - Onsite position

Curtiss-Wright

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Lead Hardware Engineer - Onsite Position
Curtiss-Wright is growing and has multiple openings for experienced Lead Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group.
This role involves leading the design and development of complex electrical boards, including single board computers (SBC), FPGA, switch, and input/output cards in 3U and 6U VPX form factors, as well as custom form-factor systems incorporating software, firmware, and hardware security elements. The ideal candidate brings extensive expertise in electronic components, integrated circuitry, mechanical systems, and DSP systems, with a proven ability to provide technical leadership and deliver complex hardware solutions through design, testing, qualification, and production phases.
Location: Ashburn, VA
Salary Range: $108,900 - $150,000 per year plus bonus
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Virginia. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.
We Take Care of Our People
Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture *
Your Challenge
  • Lead collaboration with engineering, project management, test, and operations teams in small, highly integrated, multidisciplinary teams to meet demanding customer requirements.
  • Lead the design and development of 3U and 6U VPX SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards supporting high-speed data processing applications.
  • Lead the design and development of custom form-factor systems incorporating SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards, power supplies, and thermal management elements, including Liquid-Flow-Through (LFT) methods.
  • Provide technical leadership in translating customer requirements into system architectures, functional designs, and hardware solutions.
  • Evaluate technical feasibility and recommend design approaches balancing performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability.
  • Act as a technical lead for hardware development activities, supporting project execution, design reviews, and technical decision-making.
  • Lead hardware testing, qualification, and troubleshooting activities to ensure compliance with requirements and customer expectations.
  • Establish and promote engineering best practices to improve product performance, reliability, and time-to-market (TTM).
  • Develop, review, and maintain technical procedures, design documentation, and engineering manuals.
  • Mentor engineers and provide technical direction to support team development and successful project execution.

What you Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required; Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in DoD embedded systems and hardware design, including SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O card development.
  • Extensive experience designing mixed-signal, high-speed digital, analog, and low-power, high-current circuits in high-reliability environments.
  • Strong experience designing high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs, including complex multi-layer designs, multi-lamination processes, blind/buried vias, and uVia structures.
  • Hands-on experience with Siemens Expedition DX Designer (SCH) and Siemens Expedition PCB tools.
  • Ability to lead technical efforts, prioritize competing tasks, drive execution, and deliver results in high-pressure, schedule-driven environments.
  • Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership, mentoring engineers, and guiding complex hardware designs from concept through production.
  • Strong understanding of hardware architecture, design trade-offs, verification, qualification, and production support.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • US Citizenship required; active DoD security clearance preferred

Who We Are
Our Values
Environmental, Social and Governance
Curtiss-Wright's Defense Solution division is a trusted, proven leader, delivering superior products and services that meet the defense and aerospace industries' toughest challenges with best-in-class value. Our solutions address air, ground, and naval defense applications, and are focused on growth segments with a high demand for advanced technology, enhanced safety, security, and performance. As a leading Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions supplier for battlefield platforms and communication systems, we are uniquely positioned to benefit from the DoD's commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield.
To learn more visit: Home | Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions (curtisswrightds.com)
#LI-YH1
No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.
Compliance Statement
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.
Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.
For US Applicants: EEO is The Law - click here for more information.
If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

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About Curtiss-Wright

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Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

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