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Lead Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Lead Hardware Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/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 ...

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.

Bilfinger

Lead Hardware Engineer

Groningen, MN · On-site

$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 ...

Jobtailor

Lead Hardware Engineer

California, MO · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Debug hardware issues, identify root causes, and provide detailed analysis * Apply verification methodologies and standards relevant to the space industry Requirements * Experience designing high ...

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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 Sep 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 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 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 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.

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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 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% 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

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

About the Team: 

The Avionics team is responsible for the full lifecycle of Terran R's nervous system, designing, building, testing, installing, and operating the hardware that connects and controls every major electrical system on the vehicle and ground. The team leverages close partnership between avionics design, manufacturing, and test to enable rapid iteration and feedback loops. Engineers are deeply embedded into other functions within Relativity, working closely with propulsion, GNC, fluids, and stage engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and operation. Now is a unique time to join: you'll get to help shape Terran R's fundamental avionics architecture and be given a high degree of ownership on components that will fly.

About the Role:

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 team through the full product lifecycle include initial design, board bring-up, design verification, qualification, initial flight production, integration, and vehicle operations. You will work with cross-functional partner teams across the company to help the team make the best possible decisions for the overall vehicle. A strong candidate for the role will have a deep technical background in electronics design and will coach individual engineers in technical and non-technical best practices while fostering a culture of collaboration and high-performance.

About You:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in electronics design for harsh environments and mission-critical applications (including, but not limited to, launch vehicles, spacecraft, aircraft, or robotics)
  • Experience leading engineers in best-practices and domain-specific technical principles
  • Experience driving rigorous engineering process and initiatives (requirements capture, design reviews, design verification, etc.)
  • Experience overseeing the strategic planning, design, development, testing, and implementation of advanced avionics systems, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget
  • Experience working with highly cross-functional teams (mechanical, thermal, electrical, software, etc.) to develop integrated electronics solutions

Nice to haves but not required:  

  • Familiarity with embedded software development and integration for avionics systems
  • Experience with design for reliability and manufacturability of avionics hardware and systems
  • Technical expertise in at least one of these areas:
    • Power electronics: motor drives and control, DC-DC converters, load switches, high voltage DC electronics
    • Digital electronics: high speed serial interfaces (SPI, PCIe, Ethernet, etc.); memory interfaces; design for SoCs, microcontrollers, and microprocessors
    • Mixed-signal electronics: ADCs, DACs, signal conditioning, amplifier circuits, filter design, etc.

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