How to hire a senior hardware engineer

How to hire a senior hardware engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step senior 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 senior hardware engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new senior hardware engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a senior hardware engineer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The senior 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

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   Hiring the perfect senior hardware engineer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of senior hardware engineer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Senior Hardware Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Senior 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.	$42-72
   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
   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

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • C++
   • RF
   • PCB
   • Analog
   • Test Equipment
   • CAD
   • Linux
   • Cadence
   • Windows
   • Design Reviews
   • Product Development
   • System Design
   • Debugging
   • Verilog

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Generate synthesis reports and automate simulation using Perl scripts.
   • Provide primarily register-transfer level (RTL) design, IP integration, verification, and IP validation for delivery.
   • Create schematics and provide guidance of PCB layout fabrication including signal integrity and power distribution.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to participate in mechanical design and implementation; assist in software debugging and design verification testing.
   • Used PMBus, SMBus, I2C analyzer to communicate with processor.
   • Cut design time because of good VHDL design for re-use techniques 5MP2FH.

   More senior hardware engineer duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, senior hardware engineers' average salary in tennessee is 60% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level senior hardware engineers earn 41% less than senior-level senior hardware engineers.
   • Certifications. A senior hardware engineer 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 senior hardware engineer's salary.

   Average senior hardware engineer salary

   $116,383yearly

   $55.95 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level senior hardware engineer salary

   $89,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 5, 2025

   Average senior hardware engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$179,186	$86
   2	California	$144,387	$69
   3	Oregon	$129,619	$62
   4	Massachusetts	$119,770	$58
   5	Texas	$115,789	$56
   6	Arizona	$114,455	$55
   7	Virginia	$113,089	$54
   8	Colorado	$109,677	$53
   9	Maryland	$109,593	$53
   10	New Jersey	$108,982	$52
   11	Pennsylvania	$108,684	$52
   12	North Carolina	$108,138	$52
   13	Alabama	$106,359	$51
   14	Wisconsin	$106,047	$51
   15	Minnesota	$101,289	$49
   16	Missouri	$98,062	$47
   17	Michigan	$97,219	$47

   Average senior hardware engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Netflix	$174,343	$83.82
   2	Twitter	$174,226	$83.76	3
   3	Google	$172,893	$83.12	88
   4	Roku	$171,538	$82.47
   5	Microsoft	$161,009	$77.41	72
   6	Uber Technologies	$156,622	$75.30
   7	Fungible	$155,079	$74.56
   8	Palo Alto Networks	$153,836	$73.96	33
   9	Apple	$153,150	$73.63	263
   10	Didi Chuxing	$152,208	$73.18
   11	Cruise Automation	$149,682	$71.96
   12	NVIDIA	$149,539	$71.89	186
   13	Sony Interactive Entertainment America	$147,917	$71.11
   14	Zoox	$147,669	$70.99	20
   15	GoPro	$146,779	$70.57
   16	Vicarious	$144,387	$69.42
   17	Fitbit	$142,618	$68.57
   18	Nikola Motor	$141,546	$68.05
   19	Cisco	$141,091	$67.83	51
   20	SiFive	$139,723	$67.17

4. Writing a senior hardware engineer job description

   A senior 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 senior hardware engineer job description:

   Senior hardware engineer job description example

   The primary responsibility of the Senior Hardware Engineer is to research, select, design, connect, secure, test, and maintain hardware devices in a large and complex studio gaming infrastructure. This senior level position will supervise and mentor junior to mid-level engineers.
   
   All duties are to be performed in accordance with departmental and Las Vegas Sands Corp.'s policies, practices, and procedures. All Las Vegas Sands Corp. Team Members are expected to conduct and carry themselves in a professional manner at all times. Team Members are required to observe the Company's standards, work requirements and rules of conduct.
   Essential Duties & Responsibilities
   Research and recommend hardware devices that best fit gaming needs. Partner with information technology to design appropriate infrastructure. Connect and maintain hardware in the gaming environment. Work with development and security teams to build and maintain a secure environment. Work in a large collaborative team to build an infrastructure that supports a best-in-class gaming product. Manage and mentor hardware engineers, including hiring, organizing work and adherence to policies, and monitoring and evaluating performance. Write microservices to gather and monitor hardware data. Perform all job responsibilities at a senior level with limited direct supervision. Perform job duties in a safe manner. Attend work as scheduled on a consistent and regular basis. Perform other related duties as assigned.
   
   Minimum Qualifications
   5 years experience building and maintaining complex hardware infrastructure, preferably in the gaming or live studio industries. Strong network communication skills. Understanding of single board Linux computers. Experience with microcontroller control of lights and motors in a studio environment preferred. Experience with 3D printing and designing printed circuit boards preferred. At least 21 years of age. Proof of authorization to work in the United States. High school diploma or equivalent or equivalent work experience Must be able to obtain and maintain any certification or license, as required by law or policy. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in spoken and written form.
   
   Physical Requirements
   
   Must be able to:
   Physically access assigned workspace areas with or without reasonable accommodation. Work remotely as necessary Work indoors and be exposed to various environmental factors such as, but not limited to, CRT, noise, and dust. Utilize laptop and standard keyboard to perform essential functions of the job.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right senior hardware engineer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit senior hardware engineers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   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 senior hardware engineer

   Once you've selected the best senior hardware engineer 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 senior 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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How much does it cost to hire a senior hardware engineer?