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Principal Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atom Computing

Principal Hardware Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and deployment of custom electronic assemblies for the control system of our quantum computer. In ...

Atom Computing

Principal Hardware Engineer

Boulder, CO

$170K - $200K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and deployment of custom electronic assemblies for the control system of our quantum computer. In ...

Teradyne

Principal Hardware Engineer

North Reading, MA · On-site

$186K - $298K/yr

Opportunity Overview We are seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer to join our DC Hardware team. In this role, you will design, develop, and validate highcurrent, highpower sourcing and switching ...

Atom Computing

Principal Hardware Engineer

Boulder, CO

$170K - $200K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and deployment of custom electronic assemblies for the control system of our quantum computer. In ...

Nokia

Principal Hardware Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site

$147K - $210K/yr

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 ...

Prime Robotics

Principal Hardware Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

Prime Robotics is looking for an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer who works across three modes depending on where the urgency is: fix, build, and design. Fix: * Our robots are in warehouses ...

Prime Robotics

Principal Hardware Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

Prime Robotics is looking for an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer who works across three modes depending on where the urgency is: fix, build, and design. Fix: * Our robots are in warehouses ...

Nokia

Principal Hardware Engineer

Westford, MA

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 ...

CesiumAstro

Principal Hardware Engineer I

Austin, TX · On-site

We are looking to add a Principal Hardware Engineer I to our team. If you are great at what you do, enjoy working in a startup environment, and are passionate about developing leading-edge ...

CesiumAstro

Principal Hardware Engineer I

Austin, TX · On-site

We are looking to add a Principal Hardware Engineer I to our team. If you are great at what you do, enjoy working in a startup environment, and are passionate about developing leading-edge ...

Saransh Inc

Principal Hardware Engineer - Only W2

Foxboro, MA · On-site

$130K - $172K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Location: Foxboro, MA (Onsite from Day 1) Job Type: W2 Contract PSPICE Yes 1 Hardware Yes 1 *looking for candidate with 6 to 15 years of experience* Top Skills: • ...

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All JobsPrincipal Hardware Engineer Jobs

Principal Hardware Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 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 engineers make $500,000?

Principal Hardware Engineers in high-demand industries such as semiconductor, aerospace, or tech companies can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in FPGA, ASIC design, or system architecture, and often include bonuses and stock options. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Hardware Engineers and senior engineering roles in fields such as software, data science, and specialized engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in technology companies or executive-level positions.

What is the highest salary of a hardware engineer?

The highest salaries for principal hardware engineers can exceed $150,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, advanced skills in FPGA or ASIC design, and leadership roles in large technology companies. Compensation varies based on location, industry, and level of expertise, with some senior engineers earning bonuses and stock options that significantly increase total compensation.

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.

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 does a principal hardware engineer do?

A principal hardware engineer leads the design, development, and testing of complex electronic hardware systems. They oversee engineering teams, ensure product specifications are met, and often work with tools like CAD software and simulation tools. This role typically requires extensive technical expertise and experience in hardware engineering.
More about Principal Hardware Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Hardware Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Hardware Engineer jobs are:
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Principal Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Hardware Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Hardware Engineer

Principal Hardware Engineer

Atom Computing

Boulder, CO • On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.
Atom Computing is seeking a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and deployment of custom electronic assemblies for the control system of our quantum computer. In this role, you will drive hardware strategy across multiple concurrent projects while remaining deeply engaged in the tactical engineering work
This position is located in Boulder, Colorado, and will report to the Control Systems Manager.
Responsibilities
  • Design high level system architectures for instruments, including multiple PCBAs for various functions, collaborating with others on FPGA/processor selection, power and clocking schemes, analog and RF front end designs and DAC and ADC
  • Collaborate with quantum engineers and other groups to understand system needs, discuss solutions and define design requirements
  • Board-level circuit design, schematic capture, and PCB layout in Altium Designer of custom control system hardware.
  • Prepare detailed technical specifications and design documentation and assist with reviewing schematics and layout of custom electronic designs.
  • Actively participate in the bring-up, verification, and testing of control system hardware systems, collaborating closely with FPGA, firmware, and software engineers.
  • Own technical relationships with contract electronics manufacturers and suppliers, driving Design for Manufacturing (DFM) strategies to support production and scaling operations.
  • Mentor other members of the team in hardware design

Experience & Education
  • BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 10+ years of relevant postgraduate professional experience in board-level analog and digital circuit design, preferably with Altium Designer.

Qualifications
  • Self-motivated, collaborative, and driven to work effectively in a fast-growing startup environment.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of experimental physicists, hardware, and software engineers.
  • Willingness to learn physics concepts to put work in context.
  • Experience in a full design cycle, from concept and schematic capture through to layout, fabrication, and initial board bring-up.
  • Working knowledge of PCB design best practices and a keen attention to detail.
  • Mixed signal design experience
  • Demonstrated proficiency with electronic test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, spectrum and logic analyzers, signal generators) for the bring-up and debug of prototype electronics assemblies.
  • Capable in scripting languages (e.g., Python) for basic data acquisition, instrument control, and automating hardware test and characterization.
  • Experience working on boards with complicated ICs (FPGAs, processors, etc) requiring several power supplies, high speed busses, and high speed memory interfaces

Nice to Haves
  • RF front-end and high speed ADC/DAC design experience
  • Familiarity with RF design concepts and/or software defined radio
  • Experience with multi-gigabit serial transceiver lane design, evaluation, equalization
  • Experience designing high speed memory interfaces
  • Experience with high speed digital and analog I/O and connector/cable selection and characterization
  • Experience working in a Linux environment
  • Familiarity with the MicroTCA, PXIe, or similar pluggable instrument standards

$170,000 - $200,000 a year
Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!
The base salary range for this position is between $170,000 - $200,000 annually, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

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