Hardware Engineer Jobs in Ohio
Hardware Engineer jobs in Ohio are in steady demand, with strong concentrations in aerospace and defense, automotive electronics, and industrial automation, and openings at every level from entry-level design roles through senior systems engineers. Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati account for the bulk of hiring, anchored by employers such as Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, and L3Harris, all of which maintain significant engineering operations in the state. Embedded systems design, RF and antenna engineering, and power electronics are among the most sought-after specializations in Ohio listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Join Northrop Grumman – Cincinnati (aka Xetron), part of Mission Systems sector, focused on the development of new capabilities for our military and intelligence customers around the globe. Our Northrop Grumman Cincinnati, Ohio small business culture operates collaboratively within a larger corporation providing the benefits of both. This unique relationship offers employees the ability to know everyone at the site while working on technologies and products that are beyond state-of-the-art. You and your team will wrestle with the next big problems in an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation, sharing your expertise while learning from the expert next to you. Remember when you were excited about getting to work because the challenge of the problem, the importance of the solution and the fun you had with your team? It's that kind of place! But don’t take my word for it. See for yourself! See why we receive comments on our YouTube Videos like “This company is insanely advanced” and “Wow. This is mind blowing.” See some of our recent Awards and Recognition and read about some of the reasons to live in Cincinnati.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Hardware Test Engineer to join the System Integration & Test (SEIT) team in Cincinnati, OH. The role involves conducting comprehensive verification activities throughout the program life cycle, including requirements analysis, test procedure development, test execution, and formal reporting. This position will be 100% on-site.
Please be aware that this position will be contingent upon obtaining funding, customer approval and holding final clearances prior to start date.*
Essential Duties:
- Develop hardware test requirements and detailed integration test plans, procedures, readiness reviews (TRRs), test data, and reports.
- Execute hardware qualification testing in accordance with established requirements, plans, and procedures.
- Conduct hardware tests while managing and prioritizing problem resolution.
- Compile data to determine necessary changes in test equipment, procedures, or to establish new test requirements.
- Lead cross-functional testing (including hardware, software, and systems engineers) in both laboratory and field environments.
- Conduct formal technical reviews, such as Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) with internal stakeholders and external customers.
- Test Equipment Management that includes the design, development, or integration of specialized test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
- Data Analysis of test data, identify anomalies, perform root cause analysis, and generate comprehensive test reports.
- Technical and operational problem solving to troubleshoot complex, multi-domain system failures (hardware/software/mechanical) and conduct root cause analyses.
- Act as the primary technical point of contact during test events, managing customer expectations and reporting results.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university with 2 years of related test experience, or a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university.
- Experience authoring hardware test procedures and ensuring data integrity and cataloging under general supervision.
- Experience with hardware test execution, diagnostics, and formal requirement decomposition with traceability and verification under general supervision.
- Working knowledge of standard test equipment: RF Power Meters, Frequency Generators, Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, Waveform Generators, Synthesizers, Digitizers, and/or Signal Analyzers.
- Proficient in at least one of the following software packages used in hardware testing: LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Python and/or have experience with test interfaces such as: Ehternet TCP/IP, USB, GPIB, RS-232, RS-422, etc.
- Active US Government Secret Level security clearance or ability to obtain one.
- US Citizenship is required
- Ability to work 100% onsite is required
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to apply problem solving skills to provide technical hardware solutions to complex engineering test cases.
- Experience creating automated test scripts that integrate with hardware interfaces.
- Experience working with operational hazards such as overhead lifting, Thermal Chambers, and Vibration Test systems
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple, shifting priorities while maintaining safety standards.
- Demonstrated leadership of System Test efforts in a dynamic work environment.
- Experience with COMSEC material management.
- Experience engaging external customers through meetings, presentations, and technical negotiations.
- Active US Government Top Secret Level security clearance.
See All 20 Hardware Engineer Jobs in Ohio
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Find Hardware Engineer JobsHardware Engineer Jobs by City in Ohio
Where Ohio roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Hardware Engineer Job Market in Ohio
A snapshot from current Ohio openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
What Ohio Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in hardware engineer jobs across Ohio.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or closely related field required
- Proficiency in hardware design tools such as Altium Designer, Cadence, or OrCAD
- Experience with schematic capture, PCB layout, and hardware verification and validation
- Familiarity with embedded systems development and hardware-software integration
- Knowledge of industry standards such as IPC, MIL-SPEC, or DO-254 for aerospace and defense roles
- Strong documentation and communication skills for cross-functional engineering teams
Hardware Engineer Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a hardware engineer in Ohio?
Most hardware engineer roles in Ohio require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Ohio does not impose a state license for most private-sector hardware engineering positions, though engineers who stamp public-infrastructure designs may pursue licensure through the Ohio State Engineers and Surveyors Board. Employers in aerospace, defense, and government contracting often require a security clearance, which candidates initiate through the hiring company.
How much do hardware engineers make in Ohio?
Hardware engineers in Ohio earn a median of about $118,160 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $75,240 for the lowest 10% to over $196,680 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire hardware engineers in Ohio?
Employers hiring hardware engineers in Ohio right now include Amazon, Northrop Grumman, and BTAS, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Ohio's aerospace corridor along the Dayton-Columbus axis and its automotive supplier base in the northeast make the state a consistent source of hardware engineering openings across both defense prime contractors and Tier-1 manufacturers.
Which Ohio cities have the most hardware engineer jobs?
Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus lead Ohio in hardware engineer openings. Columbus draws volume from a broad mix of technology and defense firms, Dayton benefits from its proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the aerospace contractors that cluster around it, and Cincinnati's industrial and advanced manufacturing base keeps a steady pipeline of embedded and systems hardware roles active.
Are there remote hardware engineer jobs in Ohio?
Yes, but they're rare. Hardware engineering is largely a hands-on discipline requiring lab access, prototype builds, and physical testing, which limits full-remote arrangements. About 22% of hardware engineer openings tied to Ohio are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those that do offer flexibility tend to concentrate in firmware-adjacent or architecture-review work rather than bench-level design.
How can I get hired as a hardware engineer in Ohio with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a hardware engineering internship or co-op during your final undergraduate year, since Ohio universities such as Ohio State and the University of Dayton maintain structured co-op pipelines with aerospace and defense employers in the state. Graduates who complete these programs frequently convert to full-time associate or junior hardware engineer roles at the same company. Candidates without a co-op background can target lab technician or electronics test technician roles at Ohio manufacturers as a lateral entry point, and earning a Certified Electronics Technician credential strengthens early applications.
Where can I find and apply to hardware engineer jobs in Ohio?
You can find and apply to hardware engineer jobs in Ohio on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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