How to hire a principal hardware engineer

How to hire a principal hardware engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step principal hardware engineer hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The principal hardware engineer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A principal hardware engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, principal hardware engineers 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.

   This list shows salaries for various types of principal hardware engineers.

   Type of Principal Hardware Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Principal Hardware Engineer	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.	$47-84
   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
   Engineer	Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects... Show more	$31-62

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • RF
   • Architecture
   • C++
   • FPGA
   • GPS
   • Design Reviews
   • PCB
   • DSP
   • Windows
   • Linux
   • Verification Testing
   • Hardware Development
   • CAD
   • Ethernet

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Design activity lead to performing PCB layout using an outside vendor and then debugging the initial prototypes.
   • Supervise and manage compliance testing and debugging of emissions.
   • Generate synthesis reports and automate simulation using Perl scripts.
   • Train senior and principal engineers in signal integrity, microwave, and RF design methodology.
   • Interface with analogue and digital sensors using ADC and serial communications (RS232, SPI, I2C, RS485 )
   • Work as liaison for EMC at NTS.

   More principal hardware engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your principal hardware engineer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A principal hardware engineer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, principal hardware engineers' average salary in kentucky is 59% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level principal hardware engineers 44% less than senior-level principal hardware engineers.
   • Certifications. A principal hardware engineer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a principal hardware engineer's salary.

   Average principal hardware engineer salary

   $131,734yearly

   $63.33 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level principal hardware engineer salary

   $98,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average principal hardware engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$191,952	$92
   2	California	$164,778	$79
   3	Texas	$129,883	$62
   4	Arizona	$129,410	$62
   5	Massachusetts	$128,806	$62
   6	Maryland	$116,467	$56
   7	Alabama	$114,471	$55
   8	Colorado	$112,549	$54
   9	New York	$111,408	$54
   10	New Hampshire	$105,487	$51
   11	Florida	$104,023	$50
   12	Michigan	$96,865	$47
   13	Indiana	$95,545	$46
   14	Wisconsin	$95,230	$46

   Average principal hardware engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Microsoft	$170,498	$81.97	427
   2	Palo Alto Networks	$166,112	$79.86	157
   3	CyberCoders	$151,799	$72.98	1
   4	Roblox	$149,025	$71.65	56
   5	Micron Technology	$148,818	$71.55	46
   6	Ampere	$147,013	$70.68
   7	Amazon	$146,885	$70.62	735
   8	Stripe	$146,362	$70.37	7
   9	Synaptics	$145,772	$70.08	1
   10	Infinera	$141,711	$68.13
   11	Randstad North America, Inc.	$141,506	$68.03	2
   12	Honeywell	$141,024	$67.80	91
   13	SambaNova Systems	$140,158	$67.38	6
   14	Casa Systems	$138,073	$66.38
   15	Cadence Design Systems	$137,982	$66.34	55
   16	Broadcom	$137,324	$66.02	55
   17	Thales	$136,703	$65.72	6
   18	GL Noble Denton	$134,835	$64.82
   19	TRW Automotive Holdings	$134,793	$64.80
   20	Violin Memory	$134,148	$64.49

4. Writing a principal hardware engineer job description

   A principal hardware engineer 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. To help get you started, here's an example of a principal hardware engineer job description:

   Principal hardware engineer job description example

   EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite communication solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in communications technologies through its Hughes Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services business segments. For more information, visit echostar.com. Follow @EchoStar on Twitter.
   
   Hughes has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Level - Digital Design Engineer to join our Hardware Engineering team. This position will be located at our headquarters in Germantown, MD.
   
   At Hughes we are developing some of the largest and most powerful satellite and terrestrial IP-based communications systems in the world. Our ground segment group in Germantown, Maryland has the need for hardware engineering professionals to help us achieve our vision of providing broadband connectivity everywhere. As a Principal Hardware Engineer, your role is to bring best-in-class solutions to our satellite communications products and high-throughput ground network systems.Responsibilities:
   
   Design and develop innovative hardware solutions for satellite and terrestrial IP-based communications systems in the areas of circuit board, digital communications, and packaging design Participate in a multi-functional engineering team environment to develop and integrate hardware, software, and network technology for products and systems Analyze customer needs and establish product objectives, specifications, and technical solutions to ensure products satisfy customer requirements and deliverables Contribute to all aspects of the product life cycle (concept, development, integration, qualification, acceptance, delivery, and maintenance) Work effectively across multiple corporate functions including business groups, Engineering, manufacturing, and field support
   Requirements:
   Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineering or related technical field8+ years of experience5+ years of experience in any of the following: Digital/Analog circuit design, Digital Signal Processing, or Communications Theory
   Preferred Qualifications:
   Master's degree in Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineering or related technical field Knowledge of System Integrity & Power Integrity analysis Knowledge of Micro-controller coding Knowledge in Electronics PackagingExperience leading others
   
   Will be eligible for discretionary bonus, with funding based on company performance
   
   #LI-EM1
   
   EchoStar is committed to offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Our programs are designed to provide you with the ability to customize your benefits to best meet the needs of you and your family. Our philosophy for these programs is to support and encourage healthy living and wellness. Our benefits package covers it all-from healthcare savings plans to education assistance and more!
   Financial: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match; employee stock purchase plan; profit-sharing; company-paid life insurance, AD&D and disability Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off (PTO), company-paid holidays, health and wellness events, exercise and sports facilities (locations may vary) Employee Incentives: Tuition reimbursement, employee referral program, year round employee events and community programs, discounts on Dish Network and HughesNetHealth: Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Health Savings Account (HSA) with opportunities to earn employer contributions; Health Care, Dependent Care and Transportation Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
   
   EchoStar and its Affiliated Companies are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. U.S. Persons or those able to obtain and maintain U.S. government security clearances may be required for certain positions. EEO is the law.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find principal hardware engineers 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 principal hardware engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level principal hardware engineers 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 principal hardware engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit principal hardware engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting principal hardware engineers 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 principal hardware engineer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the principal hardware engineer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize 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 principal hardware engineer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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