Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in California
Electrical Design Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in defense and aerospace, semiconductors, utilities, and advanced manufacturing, with openings at every level from entry-level to senior principal. The largest hiring centers are the Los Angeles metro, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Qualcomm, and Pacific Gas and Electric have long-established engineering workforces. The most in-demand specialties include power systems design, PCB and circuit design, and embedded systems engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 843+ Electrical Design Engineer jobs
Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
The SensArray division is the world leading provider of in situ processing measurement and control solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides measurement and control solutions to both semiconductor fabs and mask shops to ensure that yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing. SensArray business unit is dedicated to support customer R&D phase as well as HVM with in-situ thermal process control. SensArray business unit enables APC (Automated Process Control) to improve process optimization and yield improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Electrical Design & Development
- Design and develop electrical circuits, PCBs, and subsystems meeting performance, reliability, cost, and schedule requirements
- Define electrical architecture, system requirements, specifications, and verification plans
- Perform circuit analysis and simulation (signal integrity, power integrity, timing, thermal, and electrical loads)
- Lead schematic capture and support PCB layout, fabrication, and assembly activities
- Develop power systems, mixed-signal designs, system interconnects, and control electronics
System Integration & Validation
- Drive prototype bring-up, system integration, debugging, and verification testing
- Support FPGA/firmware bring-up and hardware-software integration
- Generate and execute test plans; analyze and document results
- Provide input to prototype test planning and subsystem validation
Manufacturing & Product Lifecycle Support
- Support new product introduction (NPI) and transition to manufacturing
- Develop and maintain design documentation including schematics, BOMs, test procedures, and assembly instructions
- Support factory builds, integration, and qualification activities
- Assist in development of manufacturing procedures and service documentation
Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis
- Analyze, diagnose, and resolve complex electrical and system-level issues
- Perform failure analysis and root-cause investigations on prototypes and production systems
- Own issue resolution across development, manufacturing, and field deployments
Supplier & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure design intent is met
- Define requirements and collaborate on PCB fabrication and component sourcing
- Partner with mechanical, systems, firmware, and program teams to achieve system-level objectives
Typical Responsibilities
- Schematic capture using tools such as OrCAD, Allegro, or Altium
- PCB-level design including analog, digital, power, and mixed-signal systems
- Design of test fixtures and diagnostic hardware
- Electrical troubleshooting using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, DMMs, spectrum/network analyzers, power meters)
- Design and evaluation of cables, harnesses, and system-level interconnects
- Electrical load calculations and system performance analysis
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with FPGA/firmware development or hardware-software integration
- Familiarity with PSpice, ModelSim, Xilinx/Altera FPGA toolchains
- Programming experience in C/C++
- Experience in semiconductor capital equipment or related industry
- Knowledge of SEMI standards and industrial safety requirements
- Experience with cable/harness design and system integration
- Familiarity with PLC systems and industrial interfaces
- Exposure to AI driven (Agents/skill based) Electrical design framework
Additional Skills & Competencies
- Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
- Strong documentation skills using tools such as Visio, AutoCAD, and Microsoft 365
- Self-motivated with a continuous learning mindset
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years
- Technical degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
- Minimum of 3+ years of relevant industry experience
- Strong foundation in PCB and Circuit design
- Experience with PCB design flow from schematic through fabrication and debug
- Hands-on experience in lab-based electrical testing and troubleshooting
- Demonstrated ability to diagnose complex system-level issues
- Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
Compensation
- Base Pay Range: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 Annually
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
The SensArray division is the world leading provider of in situ processing measurement and control solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company provides measurement and control solutions to both semiconductor fabs and mask shops to ensure that yields are consistently high thus enabling cost-effective manufacturing. SensArray business unit is dedicated to support customer R&D phase as well as HVM with in-situ thermal process control. SensArray business unit enables APC (Automated Process Control) to improve process optimization and yield improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Electrical Design & Development
- Design and develop electrical circuits, PCBs, and subsystems meeting performance, reliability, cost, and schedule requirements
- Define electrical architecture, system requirements, specifications, and verification plans
- Perform circuit analysis and simulation (signal integrity, power integrity, timing, thermal, and electrical loads)
- Lead schematic capture and support PCB layout, fabrication, and assembly activities
- Develop power systems, mixed-signal designs, system interconnects, and control electronics
System Integration & Validation
- Drive prototype bring-up, system integration, debugging, and verification testing
- Support FPGA/firmware bring-up and hardware-software integration
- Generate and execute test plans; analyze and document results
- Provide input to prototype test planning and subsystem validation
Manufacturing & Product Lifecycle Support
- Support new product introduction (NPI) and transition to manufacturing
- Develop and maintain design documentation including schematics, BOMs, test procedures, and assembly instructions
- Support factory builds, integration, and qualification activities
- Assist in development of manufacturing procedures and service documentation
Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis
- Analyze, diagnose, and resolve complex electrical and system-level issues
- Perform failure analysis and root-cause investigations on prototypes and production systems
- Own issue resolution across development, manufacturing, and field deployments
Supplier & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with suppliers and contract manufacturers to ensure design intent is met
- Define requirements and collaborate on PCB fabrication and component sourcing
- Partner with mechanical, systems, firmware, and program teams to achieve system-level objectives
Typical Responsibilities
- Schematic capture using tools such as OrCAD, Allegro, or Altium
- PCB-level design including analog, digital, power, and mixed-signal systems
- Design of test fixtures and diagnostic hardware
- Electrical troubleshooting using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, DMMs, spectrum/network analyzers, power meters)
- Design and evaluation of cables, harnesses, and system-level interconnects
- Electrical load calculations and system performance analysis
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with FPGA/firmware development or hardware-software integration
- Familiarity with PSpice, ModelSim, Xilinx/Altera FPGA toolchains
- Programming experience in C/C++
- Experience in semiconductor capital equipment or related industry
- Knowledge of SEMI standards and industrial safety requirements
- Experience with cable/harness design and system integration
- Familiarity with PLC systems and industrial interfaces
- Exposure to AI driven (Agents/skill based) Electrical design framework
Additional Skills & Competencies
- Ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
- Strong documentation skills using tools such as Visio, AutoCAD, and Microsoft 365
- Self-motivated with a continuous learning mindset
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years
- Technical degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
- Minimum of 3+ years of relevant industry experience
- Strong foundation in PCB and Circuit design
- Experience with PCB design flow from schematic through fabrication and debug
- Hands-on experience in lab-based electrical testing and troubleshooting
- Demonstrated ability to diagnose complex system-level issues
- Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
Compensation
- Base Pay Range: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 Annually
KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
See All 843+ Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsElectrical Design Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Electrical Design Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple310
- NVIDIA39
- Qualcomm38
- Broadcom35
- Google33
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware567
- Technology & Software193
- Consulting & Professional Services43
- Manufacturing35
- Telecommunications22
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in electrical design engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or closely related field required
- Professional Engineer license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers preferred for senior roles
- Proficiency in CAD tools such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN for schematic and layout work
- Experience with power distribution, circuit design, or embedded systems relevant to California industries
- Familiarity with NEC, IEEE standards, and California Title 24 electrical code requirements
- Strong written communication skills for producing specifications, reports, and design documentation
Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a electrical design engineer in California?
The concrete path in California starts with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited program, followed by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam administered through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. After gaining qualifying work experience, you can sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to earn your Professional Engineer license, which is required on many public infrastructure and utility projects in California.
How much do electrical design engineers make in California?
Electrical design engineers in California earn a median of about $144,040 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $81,840 for the lowest 10% to over $217,760 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire electrical design engineers in California?
Employers hiring electrical design engineers in California right now include Apple, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of defense contractors, semiconductor firms, and investor-owned utilities like Pacific Gas and Electric means the employer base is unusually broad compared with most other states.
Which California cities have the most electrical design engineer jobs?
San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Diego have the most electrical design engineer openings in California right now. The Los Angeles metro drives volume through its dense cluster of aerospace and defense contractors, the Bay Area through semiconductor and technology companies, and San Diego through defense systems and clean-energy firms with large local engineering headcounts.
Are there remote electrical design engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely software-focused roles because electrical design engineers frequently need access to lab equipment, prototypes, and manufacturing floors. About 9% of electrical design engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in the design-review, documentation, and simulation stages of a project rather than build and test phases.
How can I get hired as a electrical design engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a new-graduate engineering role at one of California's large defense or utility employers, many of which run structured rotational programs for early-career engineers. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Pacific Gas and Electric recruit directly from California State University and UC campuses. Adjacent roles such as electrical technician or test engineer are common lateral moves, and holding an EIT certificate from the California Board for Professional Engineers gives candidates a measurable credential edge during screening.
Where can I find and apply to electrical design engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to electrical design engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings for roles that match your experience and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 843+ Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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