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If you’ve Googled “Hardware Engineer job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of cookie-cutter templates. They all look the same: a wall of bullet points, generic wording, and nothing that actually helps you stand out to great candidates. The truth is, those descriptions may check HR’s boxes, but they don’t inspire the kind of top engineers you actually want to hire.
A great job post should do more than list responsibilities and requirements—it should show candidates why your company matters, what impact they’ll have, and what makes your opportunity worth applying for.
Before we dive in, I recommend you check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it explains why most job posts fail and gives you a proven framework you can apply to any role.
In this guide, we’ll focus specifically on Hardware Engineers: what they actually do, how to write a compelling description, sample templates you can copy, and what to avoid if you want to attract high-quality candidates.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What a Hardware Engineer Actually Does - Their Roles
In plain English: a hardware engineer designs, develops, and tests the physical components that power our digital world—everything from microchips and processors to circuit boards and memory devices. They’re the people who make sure the software you write or the apps you use actually run on reliable, high-performing hardware.
But here’s what often gets missed in generic job posts: hardware engineers don’t just “design parts.” They solve complex problems under tight constraints, balance performance with cost, and ensure that the products your customers use every day are efficient, safe, and scalable.
That’s why qualities like attention to detail, problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability matter just as much as technical expertise. A good job description should highlight both the technical responsibilities and the human side of the role—because the best engineers want to know not only what they’ll build, but also why it matters.
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Two Great Hardware Engineer Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Hardware Engineer
Job Title: Senior Hardware Engineer — Keystone Labs
Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid: 3 days onsite)
Compensation: $95,000–$135,000 base + performance bonus
Type: Full-time
A quick word from the hiring manager
Watch a 90-second intro from our Head of Hardware, Maya Singh (Loom/YouTube link).
Who We Are
Keystone Labs builds rugged industrial IoT hardware—gateways, wireless sensor nodes, and edge-AI modules used in factories and energy sites. Our devices run 24/7 in harsh conditions and ship to customers across North America and Sub-Saharan Africa. We design for reliability, serviceability, and scale, and we partner closely with field teams to turn real-world constraints into elegant hardware.
The Role
We’re looking for a Senior Hardware Engineer to lead design from schematic to certification. You’ll own critical board designs (mixed-signal, power, and high-speed interfaces), mentor juniors, and collaborate with firmware, mechanical, and manufacturing to ship rock-solid products at scale.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Architect, design, and validate mixed-signal boards (MCUs/MPUs, sensors, PMICs, wireless modules).
- Own DFM/DFT and bring-up: prototypes → EVT/DVT/PVT → mass production.
- Perform simulations (SI/PI/thermal), write test plans, and drive root-cause analysis.
- Prepare compliance artifacts and guide FCC/CE/UL certifications.
- Work with CM partners (domestic & Shenzhen) to optimize yield and cost.
- Maintain clear documentation (schematics, BOMs, layout notes, test reports).
What We’re Looking For
- BSEE/MSEE (or equivalent) with 5+ years shipping production hardware.
- Proficiency in Altium (preferred) or Cadence/OrCAD; solid layout constraints.
- Comfortable with STM32/ESP32 ecosystems, high-speed buses (USB, Ethernet), and power architectures.
- Hands-on with lab gear (scope, LA, spectrum analyzer) and JTAG/SWD.
- Bonus: RF/wireless, LTE/Cat-M/NB-IoT, FPGA experience, or automotive/industrial EMC.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + 401(k) with match
- Flexible PTO + 12 paid holidays
- Annual learning stipend ($1,500) + conference budget
- Onsite lab with pro-grade instrumentation; dedicated hardware R&D time
- Relocation assistance (case-by-case)
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll own full lifecycle: architecture → certification → scale.
- Your work ships to real industrial environments, not just dev kits.
- Tight, senior team with fast decisions and low red tape.
- Path to Tech Lead within 12–18 months for strong performers.
📥 How to Apply
We review every application and reply within 10 business days. Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link] — you’ll complete a short, role-specific evaluation so we can understand your strengths beyond the résumé.
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train Hardware Engineer
Job Title: Junior Hardware Engineer — Keystone Labs
Location: Austin, TX (Onsite preferred; hybrid possible after onboarding)
Compensation: $65,000–$85,000 base + annual bonus
Type: Full-time
A quick word from the hiring manager
Watch a 60-second welcome from our CEO, Daniel Osei (Loom/YouTube link).
Who We Are
Keystone Labs builds industrial IoT devices that keep factories and energy sites running smarter—think sensor nodes, rugged gateways, and edge compute modules. We design hardware that stands up to heat, dust, vibration, and time. Our customers rely on us because we ship reliable, field-tested hardware—and we’re growing.
The Role
This is a growth role. You’ll work alongside senior engineers to prototype, test, and debug boards, learn our toolchain, and contribute to shipping product. If you’ve built side projects (Arduino/Raspberry Pi, custom PCBs) or led lab teams, you’ll fit right in.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Assist with schematic capture, footprint creation, and board bring-up.
- Run bench tests, log results, and help with failure analysis.
- Write simple test scripts (Python preferred) for validation.
- Keep documentation tidy: BOM updates, ECOs, test reports.
- Learn DFM/DFT basics and work with our manufacturing partners.
What We’re Looking For
- BSEE (or equivalent experience) and hands-on electronics exposure.
- Comfortable reading schematics and using scopes/multimeters.
- Curiosity, follow-through, and a builder mindset (show us projects!).
- Nice-to-have: KiCad/Altium familiarity, soldering/rework, firmware basics (C/C++).
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + 401(k) with match
- 15 days PTO + 12 paid holidays
- Mentorship program + $1,000 learning stipend
- Quarterly hardware hack days (build something weird!)
- Commuter benefits
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll get real mentorship and ship hardware in your first quarter.
- Clear growth path to Hardware Engineer within 12 months.
- Your prototypes become devices in the field, not shelf demos.
- Small team = ownership, visibility, and rapid learning.
📥 How to Apply
We respect your time and keep you informed at every step. Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link] — you’ll complete a short, practical evaluation so your skills shine through, even without years of experience.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Breakdown of Why These Hardware Engineer Job Posts Work
Both templates above (senior + junior) follow the new way of writing job posts — designed to connect, inspire, and attract the right candidates. Here’s why they stand out:
- Clear, Specific Titles
Instead of a vague “Hardware Engineer,” the posts specify senior or junior roles, include the company name (Keystone Labs), and sometimes even the focus area (IoT, industrial systems). This increases relevance and signals exactly who the job is for. - Video Element for Human Touch
Including a Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager or CEO makes the job feel personal and approachable. Candidates see the people behind the brand — a massive trust booster. - Authentic “Who We Are” Section
Instead of a lifeless company blurb, the About Us sections clearly state what Keystone Labs builds, where its products are used, and why the work matters. This creates context + purpose. - Warm, Mission-Driven Role Intro
Each job starts by framing impact: Senior engineers own the lifecycle of mission-critical devices; Junior engineers learn and ship real hardware fast. That helps candidates imagine their contribution. - Responsibilities That Show Impact
Tasks aren’t generic (“design circuits”). They show outcomes and environments (“own DFM/DFT from EVT → mass production” or “your prototypes become devices in the field”). This makes the work feel real. - Transparent Requirements
Senior role: clearly states CAD tools, bus interfaces, and lab skills.
Junior role: highlights “nice-to-haves” and side projects — encouraging passionate, less-experienced applicants to apply. - Perks & Benefits are Separated Out
Listing medical, PTO, stipends, hack days, etc. in their own section makes the post easy to scan and shows real value. - Why This Role Is a Great Fit (The Pitch)
Each role explains why it’s worth the candidate’s time: ownership, visibility, growth path, real-world impact. This “sales” element is what most job descriptions miss. - Respectful Hiring Process
The posts commit to reviewing every application and giving updates within a set timeframe. That level of respect stands out in a world where candidates often never hear back. - WorkScreen Integration
Instead of a cold “apply here,” the application process is framed around fairness and performance-based evaluation. Candidates understand how they’ll be assessed and trust that it’s not just résumé screening.
Bad Hardware Engineer Job Post Example (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Hardware Engineer
Company: Global Tech Solutions
Location: Dallas, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking to hire a hardware engineer to design and test computer hardware components. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring that systems meet company requirements and perform reliably.
Key Responsibilities
- Design hardware components and systems.
- Test and debug hardware.
- Maintain documentation and reports.
- Collaborate with other departments as required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in hardware engineering.
- Knowledge of CAD software.
- Problem-solving skills.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their résumé and cover letter to careers@globaltech.com by September 30, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
- Generic Job Title
“Hardware Engineer” says nothing about seniority, focus, or impact. Is it embedded? IoT? High-speed design? Nobody knows. - Cold, Lifeless Introduction
The “summary” gives no mission, no context, no reason the role matters. It could apply to any company on the planet. - No Culture or Mission
Nothing about what Global Tech actually does, or what it’s like to work there. Candidates have no sense of purpose. - No Salary or Benefits
Leaving out pay, perks, or benefits signals a lack of transparency and makes serious applicants less likely to apply. - Responsibilities are Vague
“Design hardware components” doesn’t show what systems or products they’ll touch. There’s no sense of outcome or impact. - Dismissive Hiring Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels cold and outdated. It tells applicants they’re not respected. - No Personality in the CTA
Ending with a dry email address makes the process feel transactional, not human.
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Bonus Tips to Make Your Hardware Engineer Job Post Stand Out
Most job descriptions stop at responsibilities and requirements, but if you want to attract great hardware engineers (not just anyone with “EE” on their résumé), here are a few advanced touches that can make a big difference:
🔒 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants
Build trust from the first interaction. You can say something like:
“We value the security and privacy of all applicants. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any part of the hiring process.”
This reassures candidates and sets your company apart as professional and trustworthy.
🏖️ 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Engineers know the work can be intense. Highlighting rest opportunities shows you value work-life balance. For example:
“Enjoy 20 days of paid leave annually plus flexible remote days — so you can recharge and return sharper.”
📈 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
The best engineers are lifelong learners. Make it clear you’ll invest in their growth. For instance:
“Every engineer gets a $2,000 annual learning stipend for conferences, online courses, or certifications.”
This not only attracts candidates but also signals your company is forward-looking.
🎥 4. Add a Loom or YouTube Video
Already included in the templates, but worth emphasizing. A 60–90 second video from the CTO or Hiring Manager makes your post instantly warmer and more human. Candidates remember faces more than bullet points.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
⚙️ 5. Mention Tools, Stacks, or Environments Engineers Will Use
Generic posts just say “design hardware.” Strong posts specify:
- CAD tool (Altium, Cadence, KiCad)
- Test equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers)
- Standards/Certifications (FCC, CE, UL, ISO 26262 for automotive)
This weeds out mismatched applicants and excites the right ones.
🛠️ 6. Show Engineering Culture, Not Just Corporate Culture
Go beyond “we value teamwork.” Share details like:
- Weekly lab demos where teams show off prototypes.
- Hack days where engineers explore passion projects.
- Open budget for bench equipment requests.
These signals resonate deeply with hardware engineers who care about the craft.
Should You Use AI to Write a Hardware Engineer Job Description?
With so many “AI job description generators” popping up (even inside ATS tools), it’s tempting to click a button and let AI spit out a role description. But here’s the problem:
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- You’ll get generic filler. Most AI outputs read like every other template online: bland, repetitive, and soulless.
- It attracts the wrong applicants. Without context, AI-generated JDs sound interchangeable, pulling in quantity over quality.
- It hurts your brand. For a technical role like Hardware Engineer, a generic post makes your company look outdated — and top candidates will skip it.
- It misses the “human” details. AI doesn’t know your culture, lab practices, or what makes your hardware projects exciting.
✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI (with Prompts That Work)
AI can be useful if you feed it the right ingredients. Treat it like a writing assistant, not a replacement for your voice.
Here’s how to prompt AI properly:
The Wrong Way:
“Write me a job description for a Hardware Engineer.”
Result: You’ll get a generic wall of text with nothing unique to your company or role.
The Right Way:
Come prepared with context. For example:
“Help me write a job description for a Senior Hardware Engineer at Keystone Labs, where we build industrial IoT devices (gateways, wireless sensor nodes). The role requires Altium proficiency, FCC/CE certification experience, and comfort with STM32 microcontrollers. Our culture values experimentation, hack days, and transparent communication. Benefits include medical, 401k, PTO, and a $1,500 learning stipend. We want to attract engineers who are detail-oriented, collaborative, and excited about building rugged hardware that works in harsh environments. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Use a conversational tone that feels approachable, not corporate.”
Result: AI gives you a polished draft that reflects your culture, your products, and your expectations — something you can refine instead of rewriting from scratch.
💡 Pro Tip
Use AI to:
- Polish your tone (make it warmer, more human).
- Reorganize structure for clarity.
- Generate variations of job titles to test which attracts clicks.
Don’t use AI to:
- Replace your company’s story.
- Guess what skills or tools to list.
- Create “one-size-fits-all” content.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Copy-Paste Job Description Templates for Quick Use
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: Hardware Engineer – Build the Backbone at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [$X,000 – $Y,000]/year
Meet the Team (Video)
[Insert Loom/YouTube link — short intro from Hiring Manager/CTO]
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we design and ship reliable hardware that powers real products in the real world—think connected devices, embedded systems, and smart infrastructure. Our engineers turn constraints into elegant designs and ship hardware that stands up to time, temperature, and tough environments.
The Role
We’re hiring a Hardware Engineer who can take designs from schematic to production. You’ll collaborate with firmware, mechanical, and manufacturing teams, own board bring-up and validation, and help us scale hardware that customers depend on.
What You’ll Do
- Design and validate digital/analog circuit boards (sensors, power, interfaces).
- Debug issues at the bench and drive root-cause analysis.
- Support certification (e.g., FCC/CE/UL) and reliability testing.
- Partner with manufacturing from EVT/DVT/PVT through release.
- Document schematics, BOMs, test plans, and learnings.
What You’ll Bring
- Degree in EE/CE (or equivalent hands-on experience).
- Proficiency with a PCB CAD tool (e.g., Altium/Cadence/KiCad).
- Comfortable with scopes, logic analyzers, and test fixtures.
- Strong problem-solving, clear communication, and teamwork.
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, vision • 401(k) with match
- days PTO + paid holidays
- Annual learning stipend: $[Amount] for courses/conferences
- Option for hybrid/remote days • Modern lab and test equipment
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Your designs won’t gather dust—you’ll ship devices customers actually use.
- Small, supportive team = ownership, fast feedback, and visible impact.
- Space to experiment, learn, and grow your scope over time.
📥 How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. We review every application and respond within [X] business days.
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Template
Job Title: Hardware Engineer – Power Real Products at [Company Name] 💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State]) 🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] 💰 Salary Range: [$X,000 – $Y,000]/year
Job Brief
[Company Name] is seeking a Hardware Engineer to design, test, and optimize robust electronics for [your product area—e.g., IoT, embedded, consumer/industrial devices]. You’ll work cross-functionally to take boards from schematic to production with a focus on reliability and scalability.
Responsibilities
- Design and validate mixed-signal PCBs (power, sensors, interfaces).
- Perform bring-up, debugging, and reliability/stress testing.
- Create and maintain documentation (schematics, BOMs, test reports).
- Support compliance and certification activities (e.g., FCC/CE/UL).
- Collaborate with firmware, mechanical, and manufacturing through EVT/DVT/PVT.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s in EE/CE or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience with PCB CAD (e.g., Altium/Cadence/KiCad).
- Proficient with lab tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
- Solid grasp of signal integrity, power, and EMI/EMC basics.
- Clear communication and collaborative working style.
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, vision • 401(k) with employer match
- days PTO + paid holidays
- Annual learning stipend of $[Amount]
- Flexible schedule/hybrid options • Well-equipped engineering lab
📥 How to Apply
Submit via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link]. We respect your time and will keep you updated throughout the process.
Let WorkScreen.io Handle the Next Phase
Writing a strong job description is the first step. But once the applications start rolling in, how do you separate the serious candidates from the low-effort ones? That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
- Quickly spot your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- Easily administer one-click skill tests
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- Eliminate low-effort applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
- Save time and reduce hiring risk
By combining automated evaluations with fair, structured assessments, WorkScreen helps you move fast without sacrificing quality.
You’ve already put in the effort to write a compelling Hardware Engineer job post — let WorkScreen.io take it from here and make your hiring process smarter, faster, and more reliable.
FAQ
Strong Hardware Engineers combine technical depth with problem-solving ability. On the technical side, key skills include circuit design (digital & analog), PCB layout, familiarity with CAD tools (Altium, Cadence, KiCad), debugging with lab instruments (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers), and knowledge of compliance standards (FCC, CE, UL). On the human side, look for attention to detail, collaboration, and adaptability — since hardware projects almost always involve cross-functional teams and tight constraints.
The salary range for hardware engineers varies based on location, experience, and industry. In the U.S., the average base salary typically falls between $80,000 and $120,000 per year, with senior engineers or those working in specialized industries (like automotive, aerospace, or medical devices) often earning upwards of $135,000–$150,000. Entry-level roles generally start around $60,000–$70,000.
A Hardware Engineer primarily focuses on the physical design — PCBs, circuits, and components. An Embedded Engineer bridges hardware and software, writing firmware that runs on the devices. Many teams overlap these roles, but making the distinction clear in your job description helps attract the right candidates.
