Entry Level Hardware and Systems Engineer

Position Overview

IBM Hardware and Systems engineers design and deliver the compute platforms that power the world’s most advanced AI, cloud, and enterprise technologies. In this role, you will join IBM’s hardware development team to design, prototype, and validate next-generation compute systems by integrating expertise across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and materials engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize mechanical, thermal, and electrical components using CAD and EDA tools.
• Build and test hardware prototypes, perform debugging and failure analysis, and drive reliability and serviceability improvements.
• Model system-level thermal and mechanical performance to enhance cooling, manufacturability, and efficiency.
• Create and utilize automation, firmware, and data analysis tools for hardware validation and testing.
• Apply design-of-experiments (DOE) methods to evaluate and improve processes, materials, and hardware designs.
• Support process and materials development, manufacturing readiness, and equipment IT integration within R&D environments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• B.S. or advanced degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Materials, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering—or a related field.
• Experience with design of experiments (DOE) and/or project management.
• Experience or strong interest in process development, materials development, or equipment IT support.
• Hands-on experience with hardware design, CAD tools (SolidWorks, Allegro, Cadence), or modeling/simulation environments.
• Proficiency in one or more programming or scripting languages (Python, C/C++, Bash).
• Strong analytical and communication skills with a focus on collaboration and data-driven problem solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferred (advanced degrees such as M.S. or Ph.D. are a plus).
• Lab-based development or validation work skills.
• Experience leading project teams or cross-functional technical initiatives.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and/or finite element modeling (FEM) tools.
• Experience with firmware architecture, testing, and automation.
• Background in thermal modeling (6Sigma, FEM), signal processing, or hardware reliability.
• Familiarity with optical systems, including fiber optics, photonics, and transceiver design.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation Range: $96,000.00 - $144,000.00 per year.
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid.
• Additional Benefits: Competitive benefits package based on a full-time schedule; compensation and benefits are adjusted for part-time roles.
• Note: This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.