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Lead Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Hardware Leaning Project Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$153K - $284K/yr

Act as lead hardware engineer on various programs holding the responsibility for ensuring the designs and product performance meet customer specifications * Apply configuration management principles ...

Eaton

Lead Embedded Hardware Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$97K - $143K/yr

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

Lindsay Corporation

Hardware Engineer

Elkhorn, NE · On-site

$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 ...

Lockheed Martin

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 ...

Flex

Hardware Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI

$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 ...

DISHER

Hardware Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

$113K - $150K/yr

Lead the design, development and validation of electronic hardware systems, including circuit ... Apply electrical engineering principles such as circuit analysis, modeling, thermal management, and ...

nEye.ai

Electrical Hardware Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

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 ...

DISHER

Hardware Engineer

Zeeland, MI · On-site

Lead the design, development and validation of electronic hardware systems, including circuit ... Apply electrical engineering principles such as circuit analysis, modeling, thermal management, and ...

Lindsay

Hardware Engineer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$118K - $155K/yr

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

DISHER

Hardware Engineer

Zeeland, MI

$113K - $150K/yr

Lead the design, development and validation of electronic hardware systems, including circuit ... Apply electrical engineering principles such as circuit analysis, modeling, thermal management, and ...

nEye.ai

Electrical Hardware Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$150K - $200K/yr

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 ...

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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 Jun 30, 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
AI Transformation Lead, Hardware Engineering

AI Transformation Lead, Hardware Engineering

Meta

Sunnyvale, CA

$208K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 202 rated software companies

Job description

Meta is seeking a principal-level AI Transformation Lead to define and drive the integration of artificial intelligence across hardware engineering programs within Reality Labs. In this role, you will establish the strategic vision for how AI-powered tools, workflows, and methodologies can fundamentally reshape how hardware systems are designed, validated, and brought to mass production for wearable devices, AR/VR headsets, and next-generation consumer electronics. You will operate at the intersection of hardware systems engineering and applied AI, partnering with engineering, research, and product leadership to identify high-leverage transformation opportunities and translate them into durable, scalable programs that accelerate hardware development cycles and improve engineering outcomes across the organization.
AI Transformation Lead, Hardware Engineering Responsibilities:
  • Define and own the multi-year AI transformation roadmap for hardware engineering, identifying opportunities to embed AI-driven tools and methodologies across design, simulation, verification, and manufacturing workflows
  • Lead cross-functional programs that deploy machine learning and generative AI capabilities into hardware engineering workflows, including design space exploration, failure mode analysis, and predictive validation
  • Establish frameworks for evaluating and prioritizing AI transformation initiatives based on engineering impact, feasibility, and alignment with hardware product roadmaps for wearables and AR/VR devices
  • Collaborate with research and applied AI teams to translate state-of-the-art AI capabilities into practical hardware engineering applications, bridging the gap between research prototypes and production-ready tooling
  • Communicate AI transformation strategy, progress, and trade-offs to hardware engineering leadership and executive stakeholders through structured written and verbal briefings
  • Define success metrics and evaluation criteria for AI-augmented hardware engineering programs, and drive accountability across partner teams to deliver measurable improvements
  • Identify organizational capability gaps and develop enablement strategies to build AI fluency across hardware engineering teams, including tooling adoption, workflow integration, and change management
  • Engage with external technology partners, vendors, and the broader hardware AI ecosystem to inform Meta's transformation strategy and identify emerging capabilities relevant to consumer electronics development
  • Provide technical and strategic guidance to engineering leaders and program teams navigating ambiguous, first-of-a-kind AI integration challenges in hardware development contexts

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 12+ years of experience in hardware systems engineering, systems architecture, or technical program management for consumer electronics, wearable devices, wearables hardware, or related hardware product domains
  • Experience leading large-scale technical transformation programs that span multiple engineering disciplines and organizational boundaries within a hardware development environment
  • Experience applying AI, machine learning, or data-driven methodologies to hardware engineering workflows such as design automation, simulation, test and validation, or manufacturing process optimization
  • Experience defining strategic roadmaps and driving organizational alignment across hardware engineering, research, and product leadership at the executive level
  • Experience communicating complex technical strategy and cross-functional program trade-offs in writing to both engineering and non-technical executive audiences

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience deploying generative AI or large language model-based tools within engineering design or verification workflows for consumer hardware products
  • Experience building or scaling AI-enabled design space exploration, predictive failure analysis, or simulation acceleration capabilities in a hardware engineering context
  • Familiarity with hardware development processes for wearable devices, including subsystem integration, bring-up, and mass production readiness
  • Track record of establishing new engineering practices or centers of excellence that measurably improved development velocity or product quality across a hardware organization

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$208,000/year to $289,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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