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Principal Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Prime Robotics

Principal Hardware Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$127.10K - $167.80K/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

$127.10K - $167.80K/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 ...

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

$130.70K - $172.50K/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: • ...

Nokia

Principal Hardware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Responsibilities As a Hardware Engineer in the IP Routing group, you will be responsible for the design of new routing systems hardware for the Service Router product line and maintaining the ...

Nokia

Principal Hardware Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

As a Hardware Engineer in the IP Routing group, you will be responsible for the design of new routing systems hardware for the Service Router product line and maintaining the hardware and systems ...

Marvell

Principal Hardware Engineer, Optics

Santa Clara, CA

$145K - $191.40K/yr

What You Can Expect We are seeking a motivated and talented Electrical Hardware Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a foundational understanding of electrical hardware ...

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Principal Hardware Engineer information

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$74K

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$212.5K

How much do principal hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 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

Sr Principal Hardware Engineer

Cariad, Inc.

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 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 Sr Principal Hardware Engineer is responsible for shaping and strengthening the electronics development for CARIAD and VW Group. They will define, develop and deliver production hardware in an embedded environment for High performance computing platform for VW Group in order to create in-house development expertise for connected infotainment and ADAS/AD system. The Sr Principal Hardware Engineer will be a member of CARIAD's senior technical team and will interface with multiple stakeholders of VW Group's technical team members. This position investigates and develops new computer HW architectures for HPC connected systems and finds technology competence and provides expertise support to Global brands for HCP development for up-coming VW group vehicle platforms. The person will help build and mentor a highly competent technical team (Best of the Best) for SoC, HCP and Software development for strategic growth of CARIAD mission of in-house competence for semiconductor and HCP development to compete with Automotive technology companies.
Role Responsibilities:
HCP Hardware Development -
  • Leads the development, launch and production of ADAS/AD and ICP HCPs, overseeing all steps of the process and working closely with product/design/contract manufacturers.
  • Contribute to specification and design of compute boards for automotive systems.
  • Oversees development of formal system architecture & behavior specifications including functional requirements, design intent, behavioral intent and system partitioning for the hardware platforms.
  • Work with internal customers to understand and specify application requirements and deliverables, including safety and security
  • Work with component suppliers to select and support hardware solutions.
  • Supports in investigating scalable architecture alternatives and development paths for ADAS/AD and ICP Hardware platforms.
  • Leads to establish scalability, cost, size, weight, power, performance, safety, and schedule requirements for next generation hardware platforms.
  • Leads to establish Cyber Security and Functional Safety requirements while developing EE hardware platform.
  • Leads to HW implementation of Cyber Security and Functional Safety requirements while developing EE hardware platform.
  • Leads to create Quality Benchmarks and Standards; provides technical perspective and expertise in terms of quality standards for internal technical teams, critical suppliers and partners.
  • Oversees to revamp and invent tools, infrastructure and methodologies for measurements that can support HCP product development.
  • Support in recruiting and building a high-performing team of electrical and mechanical engineers to deliver high performance, high volume, low cost, automotive systems.
  • Provide technical guidance to team, foster a culture of collaboration and innovative ideas to solve problems.
  • Mentor, motivate and guide the career development of young engineers.
Operational Management -
  • Own the relationship with contract manufacturer and lead strategic discussions and negotiations.
  • Locates, acquires, and retains extraordinary talent for the ramp-up phase of the Engineering Team and for future
  • Monitor compliance with relevant regulations, statutes, Board Directives, process standards (including in respect of Golden Rules and Product Compliance), procedural/operating instructions and occupational safety regulations using appropriate management controls (dual-control principle).
  • Identify and mitigate project technology risks and execution risks
  • Spearheads new in-house development projects for various technical hardware domains

General Skills:
  • Communication skills - interpersonal, presentation and written
  • Attention to details
  • Being adaptable and open to learning new tools, methodologies, and technologies
  • Analytical and conceptual thinking
  • Experience in developing strategies for R&D
  • Integration - joining people, processes, or systems
  • Strategic/visionary minded
  • Strong problem-solving skills and motivation to work in a dynamic and fast paced environment
  • Ability to work cross-functionally and multi-tasking

Required Skills:
  • Excellent strategic thinking, negotiation, and communication skills.
  • Deep knowledge of HPC HW architecture and hardware development processes.
  • Deep understanding of Hardware platform development and corresponding software. Experienced with introduction into mass production of the same.
  • Deep understanding of typical vehicle EE architectures and automotive development processes.
  • Deep understanding in defining and designing hardware for embedded high performance computer systems including definition of system topologies, components and its interfaces.
  • Deep understanding of functional safety (ISO26262) concept and implementation of same in HW design.
  • Knowledge of connected HPC hardware components and its peripherals
  • Knowledge of connected vehicle infotainment and communication systems.
  • Knowledge of embedded system software/hardware architecture, real-time operating systems.
  • Experienced to establish a professional network within the ecosystem of automotive suppliers, and technology companies such as: Computer system technology companies; Semiconductor vendors; Start-up companies.

Desired Skills:
  • Infotainment and Driver Assistance Systems
  • Consumer electronics HW design architecture
  • Rapid SW environment for prototyping and validation
  • Connected navigation and driver assistance system technologies
  • User-interface architecture for mobile and automotive systems
  • Ability to communicate on/to top-management level
  • Semiconductor technology and corresponding IP blocks.
  • Programming languages C, C++, Java, HTML5, and script languages

Years of Relevant Experience:
  • 13+ years of HPC hardware development experience in embedded environment

Required Education:
  • Bachelors in Engineering

Desired Education:
  • Master's Degree in Engineering

Work Flexibility:
  • Travel to worldwide locations required

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 $209,090 - $303,335.
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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