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Principal Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Curtiss-Wright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144.10K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Curtiss-Wright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144.10K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Curtisswright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144.10K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Curtiss-Wright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144.10K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Nokia

Principal Hardware Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site

As a Principal Hardware Engineer at Nokia, you will take a leadership role in defining, designing, developing, and optimizing ethernet switching and routing products for service provider, data center ...

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Principal Hardware Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal hardware engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Hardware Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Hardware Engineer, you need deep expertise in hardware design, electronics engineering, and system architecture, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with tools such as CAD software (e.g., Altium Designer, Cadence), simulation systems, and relevant certifications like PE or IEEE membership is important. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you guide teams and collaborate across departments. These competencies ensure effective development of innovative hardware solutions and successful project delivery in complex technical environments.

How does a Principal Hardware Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

Principal Hardware Engineers play a pivotal role in product development by working closely with teams such as firmware, mechanical engineering, and project management. They often lead technical discussions, provide design guidance, and ensure that hardware solutions align with overall system requirements. This collaboration involves regular meetings, design reviews, and troubleshooting sessions to address integration challenges and optimize product performance. Their leadership helps ensure that hardware development stays on track and meets both technical and business goals.

What are Principal Hardware Engineers?

Principal Hardware Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for leading the design, development, and testing of hardware components and systems. They oversee technical projects, provide guidance to engineering teams, and ensure that hardware solutions meet performance, cost, and reliability goals. Typically, they collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to high-level architectural decisions. Their expertise is essential in bringing complex hardware products from concept to production.

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

AspectPrincipal Hardware EngineerHardware Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering, extensive experienceBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, project oversight, cross-team collaborationDesign, develop, and test hardware components
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware manufacturers, R&D divisionsConsumer electronics, embedded systems, hardware startups

The main difference is that a Principal Hardware Engineer typically holds a senior, leadership position with strategic responsibilities, while a Hardware Design Engineer focuses on designing and developing hardware components. The Principal role involves overseeing projects and guiding teams, whereas the Design Engineer concentrates on technical execution.

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Principal Hardware Engineer jobs near you

Principal Hardware Engineer, Validation

Cariad, Inc.

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$145.70K - $192.30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We're looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we'll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.
Role Summary:
The Principal Hardware Engineer, Validation will be critical in ensuring the quality and integrity of our hardware platform designs. This role will lead design verification efforts, overseeing testing and validation processes to ensure compliance with specifications, requirements, and industry standards. The Principal Hardware Engineer, Validation will identify and resolve design flaws, optimize performance, conduct enhanced stress screening (ESS), and improve product reliability. Familiarity with automotive and environmental testing standards is essential.
Role Responsibilities:
Testing, Validation, and Compliance
  • Ensure comprehensive test coverage that aligns with project objectives.
  • Develop and implement test procedures, methodologies, and automation frameworks to enhance testing efficiency and comply with industry standards.
  • Ensure adherence to automotive standards such as ISO 16750 and IATF 16949, and environmental standards like MIL-STD-810, IEC 60068, and ISO 7637.
  • Lead Enhanced Stress Screening (ESS), HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing), and other reliability testing to identify potential early-life failures.
  • Analyze test results, lead root cause investigations, identify anomalies, and collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
  • Drive continuous improvement in testing methodologies, tools, and best practices.
  • Define comprehensive test strategies tailored to project objectives, considering performance, reliability, environmental factors (vibration, temperature, humidity), safety, and compliance.
  • Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Prepare detailed test reports and documentation, ensuring traceability and alignment with project objectives. Work with a requirement management system to track and validate test coverage against specified requirements.

Product Development
  • Lead the design verification process for hardware platform development projects.
  • Define test strategies, create test plans, and execute test cases.
  • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in design verification and hardware testing for product development.

Team Collaboration
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, software developers, and quality assurance specialists.
  • Act as a subject matter expert in design verification and hardware testing, providing guidance and support across the product development lifecycle.
  • Foster a collaborative working environment by engaging with teams to address challenges and resolve issues.
  • Demonstrate proven experience in leading root cause analysis and investigations, identifying and resolving complex design and hardware issues.
  • Collaborate with Brand representatives, external labs, and JDM partners to define and execute testing strategies.

General Skills:
  • Analytical and conceptual thinking.
  • Excellent communication skills - interpersonal, presentation, and written.
  • Experience with integration - bringing together people, processes, and systems.
  • Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
  • Strategic and visionary mindset.
  • Resource management expertise.
  • Proven technical leadership skills.

Required Skills:
  • Proven experience in design verification and hardware testing.
  • Expertise in developing and executing test plans, creating test cases, and analyzing test results.
  • Proficiency in scripting and automation languages with familiarity in test automation frameworks.
  • Experienced in collaborating with cross-functional teams, including software engineering, hardware engineering, and mechanical engineering teams.
  • Expertise in identifying and resolving hardware product design flaws.
  • Experience across multiple engineering validation stages and phases.
  • Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
  • Proven experience in the design process within the automotive industry.

Years of Relevant Experience:
  • 12+ years of relevant experience in design verification and validation in a hardware development environment

Required Education:
  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics or related technical field

Compensation
Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. In the city of Mountain View, California, the salary range for this position is $194,670 - $282,735.
CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.
CARIAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.
Employment with CARIAD Inc. is subject to export control and sanctions compliance. Some positions may involve access to technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. legal restrictions on release to certain foreign persons based on citizenship or permanent residence. To ensure compliance, applicants will be required to provide information for screening. Employment may be contingent on the outcome, including verification of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, or confirmation that a license, exemption, or exception applies. CARIAD retains the discretion to decline to obtain a required license in any case. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to participate in this process.

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