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Principal Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Hardware Engineer

Newtown, PA · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer The Principal Hardware Engineer serves as a senior technical leader responsible for the design, architecture, development, and full lifecycle ownership of advanced high ...

Oclaro

Principal Hardware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

As a Principal Hardware Engineer , you will be recognized as a subject-matter expert (SME) in hardware design, opto-electronic packaging, and materials science. You will mentor and guide technical ...

Curtisswright

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer - Remote Curtiss Wright is expanding and has multiple openings for experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning ...

RAMON.SPACE

Principal Hardware Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

SATCOM Hardware Engineer x2 · United Kingdom · Full time · SpaceTech The company equips satellites with storage, processing, and connectivity capabilities to enable the next generation of space ...

Everpure

Principal Hardware Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$145K - $191K/yr

Define hardware validation methodologies, collaborate across organizational boundaries, and build engineering networks that continuously elevate quality benchmarks across all product development ...

Everpure

Principal Hardware Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$217K - $359K/yr

Define hardware validation methodologies, collaborate across organizational boundaries, and build engineering networks that continuously elevate quality benchmarks across all product development ...

D.O.M. magazine

$86K - $136K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Mechanical - *16275 Company: Northrop Grumman Category: Maintenance Job Type: Permanent City: Roy State: Utah Country: United States RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation ...

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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 Sep 15, 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.
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For Principal Hardware Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Hardware Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Hardware Engineer - Remote

Sudbury, MA • On-site

Curtiss-Wright
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Curtiss-Wrightexternal

$144K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the design and development of complex electrical boards, including SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards in VPX form factors.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate requirements into practical system and functional designs, and support testing and documentation activities.

  • Assess technical and economic feasibility of new designs and provide technical leadership to improve product performance and reliability.

Curtiss-Wright rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Principal Hardware Engineer - Remote
Curtiss Wright is expanding and has multiple openings for experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex electrical boards, including single board computers (SBC), FPGA, switch, and input/output cards in 3U and 6U VPX form factors; and custom form-factor systems incorporating software, firmware, and hardware security elements. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in electronic components, integrated circuitry, mechanical systems, and DSP systems, and has a proven track record of solving complex technical challenges across design, testing, and production phases.
Location: Massachusetts, USA (Remote)
Salary Range: $144,100.00 - $190,000.00 per year plus bonus
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in New Hamshire. 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
  • Collaborate with engineering, project management, test, and operations teams in small, highly integrated, multidisciplinary teams to meet demanding, schedule-driven customer requirements.
  • Lead the design and development of 3U and 6U VPX SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards supporting data rates up to 400 GHz.
  • Lead the design and development of custom form-factor systems that include SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards, and power supplies and thermal management elements including Liquid-Flow-Through (LFT) methods.
  • Support business development, program managers, and customer teams in translating requirements into practical system and functional designs.
  • Assess technical and economic feasibility of new designs and act as a team/project lead.
  • Provide technical leadership, introduce best practices, and improve product performance, reliability, and time-to-market (TTM).
  • Direct and conduct tests to establish standards for new or modified equipment, systems, or processes.
  • Develop and maintain technical procedures, documentation, and manuals.

What you Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required; Master's preferred.
  • Minimum 15 years of experience in DoD embedded systems and hardware design (SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards up to 100 GHz); 20+ years preferred.
  • Extensive experience designing mixed-signal, high-speed digital, analog, and low-power, high-current circuits in high-reliability environments.
  • Proficient indesigning high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs with 26+ layers, Mult lamination, blind/buried vias, and uVia structures.
  • Hands-on experience with Siemens Expedition DX Designer (SCH) and Siemens Expedition PCB tools.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, drive results, and work under high-pressure, schedule-driven environments.
  • Strong leadership and mentoring skills, capable of architecting and completing complex designs with schedule-based teams.
  • Excellent communication skills; proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • US Citizenship required; active DoD security clearance preferred.

Who We Are
Our Values
Environmental, Social and Governance
Curtiss-Wright's Defense Solution division is a trusted, proven leader, delivering superior products and services that meet the defense and aerospace industries' toughest challenges with best-in-class value. Our solutions address air, ground, and naval defense applications, and are focused on growth segments with a high demand for advanced technology, enhanced safety, security, and performance. As a leading Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions supplier for battlefield platforms and communication systems, we are uniquely positioned to benefit from the DoD's commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield.
To learn more visit: Home | Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions (curtisswrightds.com)
#LI-YH1 #LI-REMOTE
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.
For US Applicants: EEO is The Law - click here for more information.
If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

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About Curtiss-Wright

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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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