Surface hardness is a critical property in steel alloy components, impacting their wear resistance, fatigue life, and overall mechanical performance. Shot peening, a widely used surface enhancement technique, introduces beneficial compressive residual stresses and grain refinement, thereby enhancing hardness and extending component service life. However, achieving optimal surface hardness requires careful control of shot peening parameters. This study presents a comprehensive investigation on the optimization of shot peening parameters for surface hardness improvement in steel alloy components. The research objective is to identify the ideal combination of shot size, velocity, peening intensity, coverage, and peening angle to maximize surface hardness while ensuring material integrity. A design of experiments (DOE) approach is employed to systematically vary these parameters and evaluate their impact on surface hardness. Microstructural analysis and hardness evaluations are performed on shot peened steel alloy specimens to understand the relationship between peening parameters and material properties. The study reveals the influence of shot size and velocity on microstructure refinement, while peening intensity and coverage significantly affect compressive residual stress levels and grain structure. The results demonstrate that optimized shot peening parameters lead to a substantial improvement in surface hardness. The identified parameter combinations offer a balance between hardness enhancement and potential surface damage. Furthermore, Microstructural examinations provide insights into the mechanisms responsible for hardness improvement, such as dislocation motion and grain boundary strengthening. The practical implications of this research extend to various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and machinery, where steel alloy components encounter harsh operating conditions. The implementation of optimized shot peening parameters promises enhanced wear resistance, reduced fatigue susceptibility, and extended component lifespan. The optimization of shot peening parameters for surface hardness improvement in steel alloy components is a valuable strategy to maximize the benefits of shot peening. This study contributes to the understanding of the shot peening process and offers practical guidelines for achieving superior surface hardness in steel alloy components, thereby enhancing their performance and reliability in critical applications.