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Principal Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$145 - $165/hr

Principal Hardware Engineer**Our TTC facility in Newtown, PA is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer to lead mixed-signal PWB design, including analog, digital, power, and FPGA/microcontroller systems.

Principal Hardware Engineer

Melbourne, FL

$114K - $150K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer This Principal Hardware Engineer role sits within a highly technical engineering organization dedicated to designing and developing next-generation embedded computing ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Newtown, PA · On-site

$155K - $185K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Our TTC facility in Newtown, PA is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer to lead mixed-signal PWB design, including analog, digital, power, and FPGA/microcontroller systems.

Principal Hardware Engineer

Newtown, PA · On-site

$155K - $185K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Our TTC facility in Newtown, PA is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer to lead mixed-signal PWB design, including analog, digital, power, and FPGA/microcontroller systems.

Prin. Systems Hardware Engineer

Moundsview, MN · On-site

$131K - $172K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Careers that Change Lives Medtronic aims to contribute to human welfare by application of biomedical engineering in the research, design, manufacture, and sale of ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $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 ...

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 ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $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 ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $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 ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $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 ...

$180 - $240/hr

Principal Hardware Engineer, Gateways & Customer Hardware (Starlink) Bastrop, TX SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more ...

We need a Principal Hardware Engineer to bring senior technical judgment across Archimedes hardware. You are a highly experienced builder who has seen systems go the full way. From a working ...

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Principal Hardware Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 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 is a principal hardware engineer?

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.

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 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.

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.

How much does a principal hardware engineer make?

A principal hardware engineer typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have advanced skills in circuit design, FPGA, or embedded systems and may hold certifications or advanced degrees that influence compensation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Hardware Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Principal Hardware Engineer jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Hardware Engineer jobs?

The top employers for Principal Hardware Engineer jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Hardware Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Hardware Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Principal Hardware Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Hardware Engineer

On-site


Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$145 - $165/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

## Principal Hardware EngineerApplylocations: US-PA-Newtown (TTC)time type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR12880**Principal Hardware Engineer**Our TTC facility in Newtown, PA is seeking a Senior Hardware Engineer to lead mixed-signal PWB design, including analog, digital, power, and FPGA/microcontroller systems.The Principal Hardware Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for the design, development and evaluation of complex electronic, mechanical, optical and integrated hardware systems. This role leads advanced engineering initiatives, establishes design and performance standards, resolves high-impact technical challenges, and guides cross-functional teams in developing reliable, cost-effective, and manufacturable hardware solutions aligned with long-term business and product objectives.**Location:** Newtown, PA**Salary Range:** 145,000.00 - 165,000.00 annual per year plus bonusPlease note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Pennsylvania. 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 the design, development and optimization of advanced hardware systems, equipment, components and processes to meet functional, performance and manufacturability requirements (20%).* Analyze specifications, materials, and system requirements to determine feasible design approaches and define technical solutions for complex engineering challenges (20%).* Direct validation testing, evaluate results, and establish standards and qualification criteria for new or modified hardware systems and processes (20%).* Develop and maintain detailed engineering documentation, procedures and manuals while ensuring alignment across research, design, operations and customer-facing teams (20%).* Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve design issues, assess technical and economic feasibility and lead engineering teams or project groups through execution (20%).**What You Bring:*** Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical or related Engineering discipline.* 15–20+ years of progressive hardware engineering experience with increasing technical leadership responsibility.* Expert-level understanding of electronic components, integrated circuitry, mechanical systems, optical systems or DSP technologies.* Demonstrated success leading complex hardware design initiatives from concept through validation and release.* Strong capability in feasibility analysis, material and component evaluation, system modeling and design optimization.* Extensive experience developing test plans, directing validation activities and establishing performance standards.* Proven ability to resolve high-impact technical issues and guide multidisciplinary engineering teams.* Strong documentation, specification development and cross-functional communication skills.* Recognized technical mentor and contributor to enterprise-level hardware strategy and innovation.**About Us:**Our ValuesEnvironmental, Social and Governance**Join the WRIGHT Team!**TTC, a Curtiss-Wright company, are a recognized leader in comprehensive and integrated data acquisition through telemetry systems that include data analysis units, sensors, transmitters, receivers, and ground station analysis tools to measure, record, transmit, and analyze aircraft and munitions parameters during test flights. TTC have a broad exposure on more than 140 programs, including high-performance military aircraft such as the F-35 and F-18, major defense flight test centers, spacecraft, missile programs, and commercial and business jets. Key products include data acquisition units, recorders, network products, RF networks, airborne transmitters and receivers, and telemetry expansion cards.To Learn more, please visit us at Curtiss Wright | TTC#LI-TS1*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. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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