Hardware Engineer Jobs in San Diego, CA
Hardware Engineer jobs in San Diego are in strong demand, concentrated in Sorrento Valley, Kearny Mesa, and the Torrey Pines corridor across defense electronics, semiconductors, wireless communications, and medical devices. Employers hiring right now include Qualcomm, Northrop Grumman, and Apple. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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SUMMARY
Do you have a passion for invention and self-challenge? Do you thrive on pushing the limits of what’s considered feasible? Do you want to have an impact on every single Apple product? Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) space vehicles transmit the power of a lightbulb, they are 13,000 miles away and are moving four kilometers per second. The received signals are commonly one hundred times weaker than cosmic microwave background radiation left over from the Big Bang and arrive next to interfering signals ten billion times stronger, just few MHz away. Our GNSS team is part of Apple's Cellular team. We are a vertically coordinated engineering team spanning RF, mixed signal analog design, systems engineering, RTL design, design verification, firmware and software engineering, test, and validation. Our focus is on highly energy efficient and robust GNSS receiver design which continually outperform the previous iterations! By collaborating with other product development groups across Apple, you’ll push the industry boundaries of what GNSS can do and improve the product experience for our customers across the world, something we are passionate about. We’d like you to consider being a part of our team!
DESCRIPTION
In this technical role, you will define GNSS signal processing hardware architectures, developing system specification and modeling in MATLAB/C++/SystemC for RTL implementations. Your work will enable outstanding GNSS performance, balancing ultra-low power efficiency where possible with unparalleled performance and robustness when required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree.
- Strong background in wireless communications space with focus on algorithmic development or digital hardware system design, e.g. GNSS, Connectivity, Cellular.
- Familiarity with digital communication, signal processing, spread spectrum system, or systems theory.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MSEE or beyond is preferred.
- 2+ years of proven experiences in GNSS baseband signal processing is preferred.
- Proficiency with wireless communications system modeling and estimation theory.
- Solid programming skills in MATLAB/C++/SystemC.
- Good understanding of VLSI implementation, architecture and power optimization.
- Healthy combination of innovation attitude and understanding of practical constraints of product development.
- Excellent communication skills, both written & verbal especially in a multi-functional environment.
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $142,300 and $263,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote 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.
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
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Find Hardware Engineer JobsHardware Engineer Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring
- Qualcomm150

- Northrop Grumman95

- Apple54

- Amazon41

- General Atomics27

Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware54
- Telecommunications27
- Technology & Software27
- Media & Entertainment14
Hardware Engineer Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a hardware engineer job in San Diego?
San Diego's hardware engineering market is driven by defense contractors, semiconductor firms, and medical device manufacturers, with most openings concentrated in Sorrento Valley, Kearny Mesa, and the UTC area. Candidates with experience in RF systems, FPGA design, or embedded hardware stand out in this market. Familiarity with defense security clearance requirements gives applicants a significant edge with many San Diego employers.
Which companies hire hardware engineers in San Diego?
Employers hiring hardware engineers in San Diego right now include Qualcomm, Northrop Grumman, and Apple, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Diego's hardware hiring is especially concentrated among defense primes, fabless semiconductor companies, and medical device firms with R&D operations in the northern coastal corridor.
Are there remote hardware engineer jobs in San Diego?
Yes, but opportunities are limited since hardware engineering typically requires hands-on lab work, prototype testing, or access to specialized equipment. About 25% of hardware engineer openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most flexible arrangements found in roles focused on circuit design, simulation, or hardware verification rather than physical bring-up and integration.
How can I get a hardware engineer job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is through internships or co-op programs with defense contractors and semiconductor companies, many of which recruit directly from UC San Diego and San Diego State University. Entry-level roles in hardware test engineering, PCB layout support, or lab technician positions at mid-size defense firms frequently serve as stepping stones into full hardware design roles locally.
Which industries hire the most hardware engineers in San Diego?
San Diego hardware engineer roles concentrate in Electronics & Hardware, Telecommunications, and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Diego's status as a major Navy and Marine Corps hub, combined with its dense cluster of wireless technology and life sciences companies, makes these sectors the consistent drivers of local hardware engineering demand.
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