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Microsoft Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Hardware Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$129K - $173K/yr

... developers rapidly integrate strong hardware authentication into any application ... Through close collaborations with technical partners like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, as well as ...

Hardware PM

Irvine, CA · On-site

$132K - $175K/yr

The candidate will benefit from having a broad engineering background, preferably for use in ... Must be able to generate and track program schedules using Microsoft Project * Must be well ...

Overview Microsoft Silicon, Cloud Hardware, and Infrastructure Engineering (SCHIE) is the team behind Microsoft's expanding Cloud Infrastructure and responsible for powering Microsoft's "Intelligent ...

The Cloud Server Infrastructure team within Microsoft Azure builds and operates the hardware and ... We are looking for a highly motivated Software Development Engineer to build and operate large ...

Senior Hardware Lab Lead

San Diego, CA

$117K - $156K/yr

We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to ... Experience with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) * Exemplary oral communication and ...

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Microsoft Hardware Engineer information

See California salary details

$50.3K

$144.3K

$193.9K

How much do microsoft hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for microsoft hardware engineer in California is $144,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,900.00 and $160,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Microsoft hardware engineer collaborate with software teams during product development?

As a Microsoft Hardware Engineer, you'll work closely with software development teams to ensure seamless integration between hardware components and software functionalities. This collaboration often involves joint design reviews, debugging sessions, and iterative testing to optimize system performance and user experience. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both hardware and software constraints are key to resolving compatibility issues and delivering high-quality products. This cross-functional teamwork provides valuable exposure to multiple disciplines and can enhance your problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Microsoft Hardware Engineer vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectMicrosoft Hardware EngineerHardware Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Computer Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentTech company, collaborative, product-focusedDesign firms, manufacturing, R&D labs
Employer & IndustryMicrosoft, consumer electronics, software/hardware integrationElectronics companies, hardware manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Microsoft Hardware Engineers focus on developing and testing hardware products specifically for Microsoft devices, often working within a tech giant environment. Hardware Design Engineers design and develop new hardware components or systems, working across various companies and industries. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications but differ mainly in employer and product focus.

What does a Microsoft hardware engineer do?

A Microsoft Hardware Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and improving the physical components of Microsoft’s devices, such as Surface computers, Xbox consoles, and accessories. They work closely with other engineers, designers, and product teams to ensure hardware meets performance, reliability, and quality standards. Their work includes PCB design, component selection, prototyping, and collaborating on firmware integration. These engineers play a key role in bringing innovative hardware products to market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microsoft hardware engineer?

To thrive as a Microsoft Hardware Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or computer engineering, experience in hardware design, and a relevant degree such as a BS or MS in engineering. Familiarity with CAD tools, PCB design software, and hardware testing equipment, as well as knowledge of industry standards and certifications, is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities are vital soft skills. These skills ensure reliable hardware development, seamless collaboration, and innovation in creating cutting-edge Microsoft devices.
What are popular job titles related to Microsoft Hardware Engineer jobs in California? For Microsoft Hardware Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Microsoft Hardware Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Microsoft Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Microsoft Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Microsoft Hardware Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Microsoft Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,315 per year, or $69.4 per hour.

Sr. Hardware Engineer

General Micro Systems, Inc.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$112K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Hours: Monday to Friday 8AM to 5PM
Summary
A self-motivated senior engineer that is a direct contributor with demonstrated success in developing hardware products from design phase through field sustaining phase. Responsibilities encompass circuit design and analysis using design tools, directing PCB layout, prototype verification using lab instrumentation and PC-based development tools, supporting manufacturing introduction and sustaining. Must be able to work in a team environment with manufacturing and various engineering disciplines including System, Software, and Mechanical by performing the following duties.
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Create hardware design solutions such as digital circuit design, firmware applications, microprocessor-based board level design, printed circuit board layout, motherboard design, digital signal processing, and/or real time embedded multiprocessor design.
  • Researching, developing, designing, and testing of electrical components, equipment, and systems, applying principles and techniques of electrical engineering
  • Oversee engineering life cycle of hardware products including architecture, design, and implementation
  • Confer with product marketing on writing of functional specifications
  • Design product solutions and features using hardware description languages, CAD tools, and other tools as necessary
  • Manage all schematic entries
  • Responsible for printed circuit board designs, and printed circuit board designs on a project-by-project basis
  • Maintain relationships with vendors and specify necessary parts
  • Make modifications to product lines as necessary
  • Work closely with quality assurance in identifying bugs and building fixes
  • Measure project percentage completion at critical stages and implement corrective action as necessary
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Display a depth of knowledge across multiple technical areas including current knowledge of existing and emerging technologies
  • Must be detail oriented and balance multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
  • Must possess the ability to successfully plan, prioritize and organize work activities and adhere to strict deadlines, follow instructions, procedures, and policies; identify and solve problems
  • Must be conscientious about assignments and complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner
  • Require minimal supervision to successfully complete tasks and assignments
  • Must demonstrate initiative and ownership of assignments/projects
  • Must report to work at scheduled time and maintain satisfactory attendance with limited unscheduled absences
  • Must exhibit professional appearance and behavior and maintain satisfactory performance consistent with expectations of the position and GMS policies
  • Requires excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing with executives, colleagues and individuals, internal or external
  • Must possess strong interpersonal skills, able to effectively interact with all levels of employees and management
  • Must remain poised, professional and diplomatic under pressure
  • Strong computer skills with a working knowledge of programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point
  • Must possess the ability and desire to encourage and facilitate a positive and productive work environment for all employees
  • Limited travel required

Education and Experience
  • Master's degree in engineering preferred or minimum BSEE with 8+ years of design experience
  • Experience with full life cycle development from proof of concept through manufacturing, including digital and analog hardware design, implementation, test and documentation is required
  • Experience in FPGA Design
  • Intel architecture-based computer design, including Core i7 and/or Xeon technologies
  • High speed digital design, including PCI Express Gen 2/3, USB 3, DDR3/DDR4
  • Experience managing the printed circuit board design process, in particular for high-speed digital interfaces
  • Switching regulator design
  • Thermal management of electronics in a conduction cooled environment
  • FPGA design, including VHDL and Xilinx FPGA
  • Project Management, including schedule and budget

Why join the General Micro Systems team?
Since its inception in 1979, General Micro Systems has been a leader in the embedded computing market, becoming the oldest supplier of embedded computers in the world. We are proud to be able to outpace the market with innovations and products that continue to leave their mark on the industry. GMS strives to provide customers with the solutions they need - at the lowest possible price without compromising quality or customer service The expertise of our GMS team and our commitment to utilizing modern technologies in product development have resulted in media recognition for our innovations and more 'Product of the Year' awards than all our competitors combined.
We pride ourselves on a work environment where employees respect and support each other, and employee growth and development are supported by management.
What we offer:
Well Being:
Benefits offered:
Growth:
Paid Time Off provided annually:
  • 1 - 3 weeks of accrued vacation based on length of employment
  • 56 hours of sick leave
  • Up to 3 Floating Holidays for personal observances
  • 10 Company observed Holidays

Anthem HMO and PPO
Medical Plan options
To further your development in your position, GMS provides 50% tuition reimbursement* following the successful completion of approved courses. (* requirements apply)
Anthem HMO and PPO
Dental Plans options
Anthem Vision Plan
Company paid employee.
Life Insurance
GMS seeks to provide our employees with growth and advancement, and we encourage promotion from within
Supplemental Benefits -
optional Life Insurance,
Short- and Long-Term Disability
Monday - Friday
standard work week
401K plan
Must be a US Citizen, Permanent US Resident, or currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis without current or future employment sponsorship.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
General Micro Systems, Inc. (GMS) is an equal opportunity employer and drug-free workplace.
Post-offer applicants must pass a drug screen test. If required, you must pass a background check and/or have the ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.
General Micro Systems, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. GMS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at GMS are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union, or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. GMS will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. GMS encourages applicants of all ages.

General Micro Systems logo

About General Micro Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Rancho Cucamonga, CA, US

Year founded

1979