How to hire a computer hardware developer

How to hire a computer hardware developer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step computer hardware developer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a computer hardware developer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new computer hardware developer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a computer hardware developer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your computer hardware developer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a computer hardware developer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A computer hardware developer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, computer hardware developers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of computer hardware developer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Computer Hardware Developer	Description	Hourly rate
   Computer Hardware Developer	Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. These engineers discover new directions in computer hardware, which generate rapid advances in computer technology.	$35-63
   Design Verification Engineer	A design verification engineer is responsible for running diagnostic tests on project outputs and adjusting methodologies as needed to achieve high-quality deliverables according to clients' specifications and business requirements. Design verification engineers create efficient techniques to improve products and services by utilizing various system tools and applications... Show more	$42-74
   Verification Engineer	A verification engineer is responsible for running quality tests to the production processes to ensure high-quality outputs according to business requirements and client specifications. Verification engineers develop testing methodologies, inspect tools and equipment, and creating instructional manuals... Show more	$36-68

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Firmware
   • Hardware Development
   • Python
   • Design Verification
   • C++
   • Java
   • Cache
   • I2C
   • AC
   • Linux
   • Unix
   • FPGA
   • JavaScript
   • OS

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Work in LabView to control instruments and automate tests.
   • Analyze and manage the project throughout SDLC, written/review specification documents.
   • Experience in optimizing high-speed real-time ASIC design.
   • Modify firmware DSP algorithms to optimize power consumption.
   • Perform signal quality on the L4 cache signals.
   • Design a test system using Java for the traffic-sign detection algorithm.

   More computer hardware developer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your computer hardware developer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A computer hardware developer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, computer hardware developers' average salary in kentucky is 52% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level computer hardware developers earn 44% less than senior-level computer hardware developers.
   • Certifications. A computer hardware developer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a computer hardware developer's salary.

   Average computer hardware developer salary

   $99,546yearly

   $47.86 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level computer hardware developer salary

   $74,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 19, 2026

   Average computer hardware developer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$132,669	$64
   2	California	$131,369	$63
   3	Massachusetts	$106,736	$51
   4	Connecticut	$106,476	$51
   5	North Dakota	$104,914	$50
   6	New Mexico	$104,539	$50
   7	Colorado	$100,467	$48
   8	Texas	$98,258	$47
   9	Oregon	$97,411	$47
   10	Maryland	$97,232	$47
   11	West Virginia	$97,161	$47
   12	Montana	$96,959	$47
   13	New York	$96,568	$46
   14	Utah	$92,462	$44
   15	Delaware	$90,592	$44
   16	Louisiana	$89,814	$43
   17	New Hampshire	$88,745	$43
   18	Georgia	$88,554	$43
   19	Pennsylvania	$88,445	$43
   20	South Carolina	$87,976	$42

   Average computer hardware developer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Apple	$146,445	$70.41	250
   2	Microsoft	$141,986	$68.26	100
   3	Rambus	$126,536	$60.83	12
   4	Oracle	$112,282	$53.98	4,893
   5	Nokia	$111,108	$53.42	46
   6	Sanofi US	$106,757	$51.33	6
   7	Panasonic	$106,215	$51.06	14
   8	Alcatel Networks Inc	$105,096	$50.53	1
   9	IBM	$99,851	$48.01	175
   10	Wolfram	$99,543	$47.86
   11	Lenmar Consulting	$98,653	$47.43
   12	Spectrum Health Companies	$97,871	$47.05
   13	Fermi Research Alliance	$97,515	$46.88
   14	NANA	$96,904	$46.59	10
   15	Sandia National Labs	$96,666	$46.47	9
   16	Siemens Enterprise Communications Inc	$95,956	$46.13
   17	Siemens	$93,686	$45.04	25
   18	Comtech	$92,704	$44.57	47
   19	Connvertex® Technologies	$91,606	$44.04
   20	Kitware	$89,817	$43.18	3

4. Writing a computer hardware developer job description

   A computer hardware developer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a computer hardware developer job description:

   Computer hardware developer job description example

   Culver City,California,United States
   
   Hardware
   
   + Algorithm development in the areas reflectance capture, material estimation and photogrammetry
   
   + Fluent in C/C++, Python (programming and debugging)
   
   + Experience HLSL, GLSL, Metal
   
   + Knowledge of parallel computing, CUDA, OpenCL, GPGPU
   
   + Knowledge of software optimization and embedded programming
   
   + 5-8 years of professional practice
   
   **Description**
   
   3D and 4D geometry and reflectance reconstruction algorithms with optimization workflows Engineering capture systems for face, body, and hands Capturing and processing data from machine vision cameras and pipeline to production including color calibration, camera intrinsics Automation of capture and processing tasks Creating tools and workflow for integration into shader and rendering pipeline
   
   **Education & Experience**
   
   MS in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering
   
   **Additional Requirements**
   
   **Apple Footer**
   
   Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant (Opens in a new window) .
   
   Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation or that of other applicants. United States Department of Labor. Learn more (Opens in a new window) .
   
   Apple is required to comply with a COVID-19 vaccination mandate issued by the New York City Department of Health. We will verify the vaccination status of all New York City team members who are working at an Apple Store, office, or partner store in New York City. New York City Department of Health Learn more (Opens in a new window) .
   
   Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you're applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines (opens in a new window) applicable in your area.
   
   Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program (Opens in a new window) .
   
   Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more (Opens in a new window) .

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find computer hardware developers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any computer hardware developers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level computer hardware developers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your computer hardware developer job on Zippia to find and recruit computer hardware developer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting computer hardware developers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new computer hardware developer

   Once you've selected the best computer hardware developer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a computer hardware developer?