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Senior Hardware Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We're looking for a senior-level Hardware Design Engineer to take the lead on complex ASIC and FPGA development projects. This role blends architecture design, hands-on implementation, and technical ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

TP-Link Systems Inc. is seeking experienced board-level Senior Hardware Design Engineers to join our home networking engineering team. These roles will serve as senior hardware technical owners for ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

TP-Link Systems Inc. is seeking experienced board-level Senior Hardware Design Engineers to join our home networking engineering team. These roles will serve as senior hardware technical owners for ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

TP-Link Systems Inc. is seeking experienced board-level Senior Hardware Design Engineers to join our home networking engineering team. These roles will serve as senior hardware technical owners for ...

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Senior Hardware Design Engineer information

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$92.5K

$139K

$185.5K

How much do senior hardware design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior hardware design engineer in the United States is $139,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,500.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Hardware Design Engineer vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Hardware Design EngineerHardware Design Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related field; 5+ years experienceBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; 1-3 years experience
ResponsibilitiesLeading complex hardware projects, mentoring junior engineers, system architectureDesigning and testing hardware components, supporting project development
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D departments, collaborative projectsDesign labs, development teams, manufacturing support

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Hardware Design Engineers lead projects and mentor others, while Hardware Design Engineers focus on designing hardware components. Both roles require similar technical skills but differ in scope and leadership expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Hardware Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Hardware Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and experience with industry standards, usually supported by a relevant degree and several years of design experience. Proficiency with schematic capture tools (e.g., Altium Designer, Cadence, or OrCAD), PCB layout software, and simulation systems is essential, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective cross-functional communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure reliable product development, successful project execution, and seamless collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

What are Senior Hardware Design Engineers?

Senior Hardware Design Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and test electronic hardware components and systems. They typically lead hardware development projects, create detailed schematics and layouts, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful integration of hardware with software. In addition to technical design work, they often mentor junior engineers, oversee prototyping, and troubleshoot complex hardware issues. Their expertise is vital for developing advanced electronics found in products such as computers, mobile devices, automotive systems, and industrial equipment.

How do Senior Hardware Design Engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Senior Hardware Design Engineers regularly work alongside software engineers, product managers, and manufacturing teams to ensure the seamless integration of hardware with other systems. This often involves participating in design reviews, troubleshooting interdisciplinary issues, and aligning hardware specifications with overall project goals. Effective communication and documentation are crucial, as is the ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers within the team.
More about Senior Hardware Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Hardware Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Hardware Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Hardware Design Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Hardware Design Engineer jobs? The top employers for Senior Hardware Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Hardware Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Hardware Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Hardware Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Hardware Design Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Senior Hardware Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,020 per year, or $66.8 per hour.
Senior Hardware Design Engineer - Space

Senior Hardware Design Engineer - Space

Viasat, Inc.

Tempe, AZ โ€ข On-site

$193K - $290K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Viasat rating

3.4

Company rating: 3.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 76 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

About us
One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.
What you'll do
As a Senior Hardware Design Engineer, you bring deep expertise in digital processing systems, programmable logic (FPGA), and embedded software integration. You are motivated by solving complex architectural challenges and leading technically demanding efforts in space-based and mission-critical communication systems.
You will serve as the lead engineer, owning the end-to-end coordination of hardware, programmable logic, and software integration while acting as the primary technical interface to external payload hardware subcontractors. In this role, you will help to shape digital architectures and guide development from early concept through integration, verification, and delivery.
The day-to-day
You will be responsible for leading and directly contributing to the technical execution of complex digital designs. In this role, you will:
  • Lead hardware, programmable logic, and embedded software technical efforts across internal teams and external subcontractors
  • Serve as the responsible engineer and technical focal point for subcontracted hardware, reviewing and challenging designs, analyses, and deliverables
  • Drive system-level architectural decisions involving digital signal processing, FPGA partitioning, and HW/SW interfaces
  • Coordinate programmable logic (FPGA), DSP, and embedded software development to ensure robust integration and performance
  • Define and manage hardware, PL, and software interfaces and verification strategies
  • Support proposal development, BOEs, and technical customer engagements related to digital payload architectures
  • Deliver high-quality technical briefings at design reviews (PDR, CDR) and internal milestone reviews
  • Support payload integration and test activities by ensuring testability, diagnostics, and integration readiness
  • Advocate for sound engineering practices, disciplined design methodologies, and risk reduction
  • Mentor and technically guide junior and mid-level engineers across hardware and firmware disciplines

What you'll need
  • Experience leading complex digital hardware designs involving programmable logic (FPGA) and embedded systems
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams spanning hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software
  • Proficiency using lab equipment such as logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, DMMs, and power supplies
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
  • S. citizenship required (U.S. government position)
  • Ability to travel up to 10%

What will help you on the job
  • Experience designing space-grade or high-reliability (Hi-Rel) digital hardware and payload systems
  • 15+ years of experience in digital module design, programmable logic, DSP, and embedded systems Hands-on experience withXilinx and Microchip (Actel) RTAX / RTSX / ProASIC FPGAfamilies
  • Experience with channelizers, digital communication payloads, or signal processing architectures
  • Experience integrating subcontracted hardware into larger system architectures
  • Proficiency with FPGA and simulation toolchains (Xilinx / Microchip tools, Synplify, ModelSim, etc.)
  • Strong troubleshooting, debug, and root-cause analysis skills across HW/SW boundaries
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (MSEE)
  • Ability to obtain Active Secret Clearance or higher

Salary range
$155,500.00 - $246,000.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $193,500.00- $290,500.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement
Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

ViaSat logo

About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986