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Senior Hardware Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$94K - $130K/yr

Senior Hardware Engineer - Onsite position Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Senior Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves designing and developing complex ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$94K - $130K/yr

Senior Hardware Engineer - Onsite position Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Senior Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves designing and developing complex ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$94K - $130K/yr

Senior Hardware Engineer - Onsite position Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Senior Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves designing and developing complex ...

Senior Hardware Architect Salary: Competitive base + bonus + equity Location: Washington D.C ... Partner with engineering teams across electrical, mechanical, and embedded software disciplines

Hardware Engineer II

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Working alongside senior engineers, you will ensure the highest levels of system availability ... Bring up new hardware, execute system‑level tests, and use debugging tools like oscilloscopes and ...

New

Hardware Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$89K - $175K/yr

Performing end to end system hardware architectural design for specific functions based on customer ... Senior Level - Bachelor's degree in an engineering or related field, and 12 years of relevant ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Hardware Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$95.1K

$149.4K

$216.9K

How much do senior hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior hardware engineer in Washington is $149,398.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,200.00 and $167,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a senior hardware engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a product development cycle?

As a Senior Hardware Engineer, you'll frequently collaborate with software engineers, mechanical designers, project managers, and manufacturing teams throughout the product development process. This collaboration involves regular design reviews, troubleshooting sessions, and integration testing to ensure all components work together seamlessly. Clear communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as you'll often act as a technical liaison between departments to address challenges and meet project milestones. Working closely with diverse teams not only enhances the final product but also provides opportunities for professional growth and learning from other disciplines.

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

AspectSenior Hardware EngineerHardware Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like Cisco or IPCBachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D teamsDesign studios, prototyping labs, development teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware manufacturers, R&D firmsConsumer electronics, embedded systems, hardware startups
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for seniority, responsibilities, and experience levelCompared for design focus, technical skills, and project involvement

The main difference is that a Senior Hardware Engineer oversees complex projects, manages teams, and ensures hardware integration, while a Hardware Design Engineer primarily focuses on designing and developing hardware components. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities within the hardware development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior hardware engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Hardware Engineer, you need strong expertise in electronic circuit design, hardware architecture, and system integration, typically supported by a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Proficiency with CAD tools like Altium Designer or Cadence, as well as experience with simulation, testing equipment, and relevant certifications such as IPC or FCC, is highly valued. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and project management skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure reliable hardware development, effective cross-functional collaboration, and the successful delivery of complex engineering projects.

What is a senior hardware engineer?

Senior Hardware Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and test computer hardware components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, and networks. They lead hardware development projects, oversee junior engineers, and collaborate with software teams to ensure seamless integration. Their responsibilities often include evaluating new technologies, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring products meet quality and performance standards. Senior Hardware Engineers typically have several years of experience and a strong background in electrical or computer engineering.
What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Hardware Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Senior Hardware Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Hardware Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,398 per year, or $71.8 per hour.

Senior Hardware Engineer

Curtiss-Wright

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$94K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Senior Hardware Engineer - Onsite position
Curtiss-Wright is seeking an experienced Senior Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group.
This role involves designing and developing complex electrical boards, including single board computers (SBC), FPGA, switch, and input/output cards in 3U and 6U VPX form factors, as well as custom form-factor systems incorporating software, firmware, and hardware security elements. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in electronic components, integrated circuitry, mechanical systems, and DSP systems, with demonstrated experience solving complex technical challenges across hardware design, testing, and production phases.
Location: Ashburn, VA, Boston, MA, Salem, NH
Salary Range: $94,900 - $130,000 per year plus bonus
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Virginia. 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.
  • Design and develop 3U and 6U VPX SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards supporting high speed data processing applications.
  • Design and develop custom form-factor systems incorporating SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O cards, power supplies, and thermal management elements, including Liquid-Flow-Through (LFT) methods.
  • Support the translation of system requirements into practical hardware designs and contribute to design decisions related to performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability.
  • Perform hardware design analysis, troubleshooting, and technical evaluations throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Support hardware verification, qualification, and production activities by developing and executing test plans and resolving technical issues.
  • Apply engineering best practices to improve product performance, reliability, and time-to-market (TTM).
  • Develop and maintain technical procedures, design documentation, and engineering manuals.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

What you Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required; Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in DoD embedded systems and hardware design, including SBC, FPGA, switch, and I/O card development up.
  • Experience designing mixed-signal, high-speed digital, analog, and low-power, high-current circuits in high-reliability environments.
  • Experience with high-density interconnect (HDI) PCB designs, including multi-layer boards, blind/buried vias, and uVia structures preferred.
  • Experience with Siemens Expedition DX Designer (SCH) and Siemens Expedition PCB tools preferred.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and deliver results in a schedule-driven engineering environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to support complex hardware development efforts.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (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
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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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