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Principal Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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.

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:
Principal Engineer Hardware

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we'll support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought-leader. At Northrop Grumman, you'll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems has an opening for a Principal Hardware Engineer (Level 3) to join our Manufacturing Engineering team. This position will be located at our Mission Systems Sector in San Diego, CA.

The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's San Diego Operations Test Engineering Department. The department supports the Communication Systems (CS) Business Unit and Secure Processing and Networking (SPAN) Business Unit within the Networked Information Solutions (NIS) Division of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. This position is fulltime onsite and is located at the Rancho Carmel campus in San Diego and will also support our Spectrum campus in San Diego if needed. This role reports to the Test Engineering Manager in San Diego. Our expertise is in delivering complex communications solutions to enable modern battlefields and support communications missions.

What You'll Get to Do:

  • Design, develop, and implement testing methods and equipment
  • Troubleshoot and support RF and digital hardware
  • Support First Time Through Test Yield (FTTTY) and hardware deliveries
  • Analyze test data and identify early trends
  • Compile data and define changes required in testing equipment, testing procedures, manufacturing processes, or new testing requirements
  • Collaborate with design engineering to develop and implement hardware improvements and solutions
  • Support technicians through troubleshoot and training
  • Monitor product yields and aggressively work to maintain program yield targets
  • Support program meetings in developing root cause and corrective actions
  • Attend program meetings to report yield issues, yield detractor investigation finding, and corrective actions
  • Interface with manufacturing management, test technicians, production engineers, design engineers, system engineers, program management and program support teams

Basic Qualifications Hardware Engineer (Level 3)

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field plus 5 or more years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field plus 3 years of experience.

  • Experience reading and interpreting specifications, schematics and block diagrams

  • Experience with RF test equipment such as an oscilloscope, power meter, spectrum analyzer, and signal generators

  • Experience with RF/Digital hardware and software

  • Basic Understanding of VHDL Concepts & Programming

  • Hands-on troubleshooting of electrical/electro-mechanical hardware

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs

  • US Citizenship


Preferred Qualifications:

  • U.S. Secret Security Clearance

  • Experience with FPGAs, VHDL programming, advanced troubleshooting techniques

  • Education Background in Electrical or Software Engineering

  • Familiarity with Manufacturing Operations

  • Familiarity with the Agile process

  • LABVIEW or TestStand Experience

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939