STEM OPT Hardware Engineer Jobs
Hardware Engineer roles in semiconductors, embedded systems, and PCB design are strong matches for STEM OPT. Your STEM degree qualifies you for the 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and you maintain a valid I-983 training plan.
See All Hardware Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 149+ Hardware Engineer jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 149+ Hardware Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Hardware Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsCompany:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Cellular Technologies
General Summary:
The RF Hardware Engineer is responsible for the architecture, design, integration, validation, and optimization of RF hardware systems and subsystems supporting advanced wireless products and platforms. This role requires deep expertise in RF circuit design, RF system integration, PCB/layout considerations, measurement, characterization, and cross‑functional execution across product lifecycles, from concept and feasibility through commercialization.
The position demands technical leadership, independent problem solving, and close collaboration with system, digital, software, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust, high‑performance RF solutions for modern wireless standards and emerging technologies.
Minimum Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
* Define RF hardware architectures and specifications derived from system‑level requirements, owns significant RF subsystems or end‑to‑end hardware blocks
* Design, integrate, and optimize RF hardware circuits and subsystems, makes design tradeoffs impacting performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability
* Lead RF bring‑up, debug, tuning, and validation activities
* Perform RF simulations, modeling, and sensitivity analysis
* Execute and interpret RF measurements:
+ S‑parameters
+ Noise figure
+ Linearity
+ Phase noise
+ EVM
+ Spurious and harmonics
* Resolve complex RF performance and integration issues
* Drive RF design reviews and contribute to cross‑disciplinary technical discussions and work closely with:
+ System engineering
+ Digital and baseband teams
+ Software and algorithm engineers
+ Manufacturing and test
* Contribute to design documentation, technical reviews, and knowledge sharing
Required Fundamental Knowledge
* RF and microwave engineering
* Analog and mixed‑signal circuit design
* Electromagnetics and transmission lines
* Wireless communications and RF system theory
* Semiconductor devices and integrated circuits
* Signal processing fundamentals
Preferred Technical Expertise and Skills
RF Hardware Design and Prototyping
* Hands‑on experience with PA, LNA, mixers, switches, matching networks, filters, and duplexers across sub‑6 GHz and/or mmWave bands.
* Proven ability to translate performance targets into detailed RF circuit implementations, covering schematic design, device selection, biasing, matching, layout considerations, and design tradeoffs impacting gain, noise, linearity, efficiency, and stability.
* Solid understanding of how component‑level design choices affect module‑ and product‑level performance, including EVM, ACLR, noise figure, output power, efficiency, and thermal behavior.
System-Level Analysis & Simulation
* Proven experience with full RF system simulations (end‑to‑end TX/RX chain), including cascaded nonlinear effects, impairments, and KPI evaluation.
* Proficiency using system simulation tools (e.g., SystemVue/MATLAB class environments) to evaluate waveform–PA–DPD interactions and performance envelopes.
Standards & Waveforms
* Working knowledge of OFDM‑based waveforms (e.g., 5G NR) and their spectral/linearity implications on RF systems.
* Familiarity with system performance metrics used in standards and prototyping (ACLR, EVM, PAPR, spectral efficiency).
Cross-Functional & Leadership Skills
* Ability to work across RFIC, system, digital, and standards teams, supporting RAN contributions and prototype demonstrations.
* Technical leadership in problem decomposition, data‑driven decision making, and mentoring in complex RF system studies.
Preferred Qualifications
* Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or a closely related field with 3+ years of professional experience in the RF hardware and RF system field, including RF circuit, module, or system‑level design, integration, validation, and characterization.
OR
- Ph.D. Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline with 1+ years of professional, internship or post‑doctoral experience in RF hardware and RF system design, including hands‑on work in RF circuits, RF front‑end architectures, or wireless system implementations beyond academic research.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able to participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer:
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$99,400.00 - $149,200.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Cellular Technologies
General Summary:
The RF Hardware Engineer is responsible for the architecture, design, integration, validation, and optimization of RF hardware systems and subsystems supporting advanced wireless products and platforms. This role requires deep expertise in RF circuit design, RF system integration, PCB/layout considerations, measurement, characterization, and cross‑functional execution across product lifecycles, from concept and feasibility through commercialization.
The position demands technical leadership, independent problem solving, and close collaboration with system, digital, software, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust, high‑performance RF solutions for modern wireless standards and emerging technologies.
Minimum Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
* Define RF hardware architectures and specifications derived from system‑level requirements, owns significant RF subsystems or end‑to‑end hardware blocks
* Design, integrate, and optimize RF hardware circuits and subsystems, makes design tradeoffs impacting performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability
* Lead RF bring‑up, debug, tuning, and validation activities
* Perform RF simulations, modeling, and sensitivity analysis
* Execute and interpret RF measurements:
+ S‑parameters
+ Noise figure
+ Linearity
+ Phase noise
+ EVM
+ Spurious and harmonics
* Resolve complex RF performance and integration issues
* Drive RF design reviews and contribute to cross‑disciplinary technical discussions and work closely with:
+ System engineering
+ Digital and baseband teams
+ Software and algorithm engineers
+ Manufacturing and test
* Contribute to design documentation, technical reviews, and knowledge sharing
Required Fundamental Knowledge
* RF and microwave engineering
* Analog and mixed‑signal circuit design
* Electromagnetics and transmission lines
* Wireless communications and RF system theory
* Semiconductor devices and integrated circuits
* Signal processing fundamentals
Preferred Technical Expertise and Skills
RF Hardware Design and Prototyping
* Hands‑on experience with PA, LNA, mixers, switches, matching networks, filters, and duplexers across sub‑6 GHz and/or mmWave bands.
* Proven ability to translate performance targets into detailed RF circuit implementations, covering schematic design, device selection, biasing, matching, layout considerations, and design tradeoffs impacting gain, noise, linearity, efficiency, and stability.
* Solid understanding of how component‑level design choices affect module‑ and product‑level performance, including EVM, ACLR, noise figure, output power, efficiency, and thermal behavior.
System-Level Analysis & Simulation
* Proven experience with full RF system simulations (end‑to‑end TX/RX chain), including cascaded nonlinear effects, impairments, and KPI evaluation.
* Proficiency using system simulation tools (e.g., SystemVue/MATLAB class environments) to evaluate waveform–PA–DPD interactions and performance envelopes.
Standards & Waveforms
* Working knowledge of OFDM‑based waveforms (e.g., 5G NR) and their spectral/linearity implications on RF systems.
* Familiarity with system performance metrics used in standards and prototyping (ACLR, EVM, PAPR, spectral efficiency).
Cross-Functional & Leadership Skills
* Ability to work across RFIC, system, digital, and standards teams, supporting RAN contributions and prototype demonstrations.
* Technical leadership in problem decomposition, data‑driven decision making, and mentoring in complex RF system studies.
Preferred Qualifications
* Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or a closely related field with 3+ years of professional experience in the RF hardware and RF system field, including RF circuit, module, or system‑level design, integration, validation, and characterization.
OR
- Ph.D. Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline with 1+ years of professional, internship or post‑doctoral experience in RF hardware and RF system design, including hands‑on work in RF circuits, RF front‑end architectures, or wireless system implementations beyond academic research.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able to participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer:
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$99,400.00 - $149,200.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
See all 149+ Hardware Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Hardware Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Hardware Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code maps to an approved STEM field in the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Electrical engineering, computer engineering, and materials science all qualify, but interdisciplinary degrees sometimes require a closer review with your DSO.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment during interviews
Ask the recruiter directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer. Hardware teams at defense contractors, semiconductor fabs, and ASIC design firms are typically enrolled, but smaller embedded-systems consultancies often are not.
Align your I-983 to actual hardware deliverables
Your training plan must connect your daily tasks, such as FPGA validation, signal integrity testing, or PCB bring-up, to specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. Vague plans describing 'general engineering tasks' get rejected by DSOs and complicate renewals.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark hardware roles
Look up prevailing wages for hardware engineer positions by SOC code and location using OFLC Wage Search before negotiations. Your employer's LCA wage commitment must meet the DOL prevailing wage, and knowing the floor strengthens your position when discussing compensation.
Target employers with STEM OPT extension history on Migrate Mate
Search for Hardware Engineer openings on Migrate Mate, which filters for E-Verify-enrolled employers with documented STEM OPT hiring history. This cuts the time you'd otherwise spend manually screening postings where OPT authorization is unconfirmed.
Hardware Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Hardware Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does my engineering degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as a hardware engineer?
Your degree qualifies if its CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Electrical engineering, computer engineering, and materials science are all eligible. If your degree is in an adjacent field like applied physics or mechatronics, confirm the exact CIP code with your DSO before relying on it for the extension. Interdisciplinary programs sometimes carry non-STEM CIP codes that disqualify the extension even when the coursework is technical.
What E-Verify requirement applies to hardware engineer employers hiring STEM OPT students?
Any employer hiring you on a STEM OPT extension must be enrolled in E-Verify at the specific worksite where you'll be working, not just at the company's headquarters. If you're placed at a client site or a subsidiary, that location must also be enrolled. You can verify enrollment by asking HR for the company's E-Verify company ID or by confirming with your DSO, who is required to check enrollment before recommending the extension.
What should my I-983 training plan include for a hardware engineering role?
Your I-983 must document specific training goals tied to your STEM degree, the technical skills you'll develop, supervision arrangements, and how the role relates to your academic program. For hardware engineering, this means listing concrete objectives like designing and validating PCB layouts, characterizing analog circuits, or writing firmware for embedded systems. Generic descriptions of 'engineering duties' are insufficient. Your employer's supervisor signs the plan, and your DSO reviews it before the extension is recommended.
How does cap-gap protection work if I'm transitioning from STEM OPT to H-1B as a hardware engineer?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT expires and USCIS selects it in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your OPT work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working in your hardware engineering role during this period without interruption. If your petition isn't selected, your STEM OPT remains valid until its original end date, after which you'd need to depart or change status.
Where can I find hardware engineer jobs that are confirmed to accept STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Hardware Engineer openings filtered by employers enrolled in E-Verify, which is the threshold requirement for STEM OPT hiring. You can search by role, location, and industry to focus on semiconductor companies, defense contractors, and embedded systems firms that have demonstrated experience sponsoring OPT students. Checking E-Verify enrollment status before applying saves time and avoids offers you can't legally accept on a STEM OPT extension.
See which Hardware Engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Hardware Engineer Jobs