Quality Engineer Jobs in California
Quality engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, medical devices, and automotive systems, with openings at every level from entry-level inspection roles through senior quality assurance leadership. The heaviest hiring is in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where established employers such as Northrop Grumman, Applied Materials, and Kaiser Permanente maintain large quality and compliance teams. The most in-demand specialties are failure analysis, supplier quality management, and regulatory compliance for FDA-regulated medical and pharmaceutical products. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Quality Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 590+ Quality Engineer jobs
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:
Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
Free medical coverage for employees* via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO
An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE
This position is responsible for developing and maintaining quality engineering methodologies and providing quality engineering support within new product development, design verification and validation, manufacturing, or system/services support.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identify and implement effective process control systems to support the development, verification, validation qualification, and on-going manufacturing of products to meet or exceed internal and external requirements
- Lead, coach, and mentor non-exempt and entry level exempt personnel
- Assist in the development and execution of streamlined business systems which effectively identify and resolve design and quality issues
- Apply sound, systematic problem-solving methodologies in identifying, prioritizing, communicating, and resolving complex design, testing, and quality issues
- Design and conduct experiments for product performance, reliability, safety, and design verification activities
- Appropriately document experiment plans and results, including protocol writing, standards-based test execution, statistical analyses, and reports
- Lead process control and monitoring of CTQ parameters and specifications
- Lead and implement various product and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing)
- Lead the investigation, resolution and prevention of product, process and design nonconformances, including field performance and complaint investigations as applicable
- Participate in or lead teams in supporting quality disciplines, decisions, and practices (e.g., represent the Quality function as a Core Team Member)
- ead in the completion and maintenance of risk analysis, ensuring alignment between identified risks, risk controls, and verification evidence.
- Partner with design engineering to plan, review, and approve product verification and validation activities, including electrical, system-level, reliability, and standards-based testing.
- Provide independent quality oversight of testing conducted to applicable international and regulatory standards (e.g., IEC, ISO, ANSI/AAMI, FDA-recognized consensus standards), ensuring test methods, acceptance criteria, and results support product requirements and regulatory compliance.
- Serve as a technical quality subject matter expert for CRM electrical and system-level testing, including implantable pulse generators, leads, programmers, accessories, and supporting systems, as applicable.
- Work with microbiology to ensure appropriate environmental monitoring and that microbiology requirements are considered in product and process development activities
- Support all Divisional initiatives as identified by divisional management and in support of Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and other regulatory requirements
- Performs other related duties and responsibilities, on occasion, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelors Degree (± 16 years) in an Engineering or Technical Field (OR)
- An equivalent combination of education and work experience
Experience/Background
- Minimum 5 years of Quality, Design Quality, Reliability, Electrical Engineering, or related medical device experience, including support of product development and design control activities.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience preferred. Engineering experience and demonstrated use of Quality tools/methodologies. Detailed knowledge of FDA, GMP, ISO 13485, and ISO 14971, design controls, and risk management principles.
- Solid communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong project management and leadership skills, including the demonstrated ability to lead multi-departmental project teams and resolve quality-related issues in a timely and effective manner
- Advanced computer skills, including statistical/data analysis and report writing skills.
- Prior medical device experience preferred.
- Experience implementing various product and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing).
- Experience supporting design verification and validation activities, including electrical, system-level, reliability, and standards-based testing.
- Working knowledge of applicable consensus standards and regulatory expectations for medical device testing (e.g., IEC, ISO, ANSI/AAMI, FDA-recognized standards), including test method development, protocol review, and technical assessment of results.
- Experience with Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) products and technologies preferred, including implantable pulse generators, leads, programmers, or associated systems.
- Experience working in a broader enterprise/cross-division business unit model preferred.
- Ability to work in a highly matrixed and geographically diverse business environment.
- Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Ability to leverage and/or engage others to accomplish projects.
- Strong verbal and written communications with ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels in the organization.
- Multitasks, prioritizes and meets deadlines in timely manner.
- Strong organizational and follow-up skills, as well as attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Licenses and Certifications
- ASQ CQE or other certifications preferred
Apply Now
- Participants who complete a short wellness assessment qualify for FREE coverage in our HIP PPO medical plan. Free coverage applies in the next calendar year.
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.
The base pay for this position is $90,000.00 – $180,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:
Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
Free medical coverage for employees* via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO
An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE
This position is responsible for developing and maintaining quality engineering methodologies and providing quality engineering support within new product development, design verification and validation, manufacturing, or system/services support.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identify and implement effective process control systems to support the development, verification, validation qualification, and on-going manufacturing of products to meet or exceed internal and external requirements
- Lead, coach, and mentor non-exempt and entry level exempt personnel
- Assist in the development and execution of streamlined business systems which effectively identify and resolve design and quality issues
- Apply sound, systematic problem-solving methodologies in identifying, prioritizing, communicating, and resolving complex design, testing, and quality issues
- Design and conduct experiments for product performance, reliability, safety, and design verification activities
- Appropriately document experiment plans and results, including protocol writing, standards-based test execution, statistical analyses, and reports
- Lead process control and monitoring of CTQ parameters and specifications
- Lead and implement various product and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing)
- Lead the investigation, resolution and prevention of product, process and design nonconformances, including field performance and complaint investigations as applicable
- Participate in or lead teams in supporting quality disciplines, decisions, and practices (e.g., represent the Quality function as a Core Team Member)
- ead in the completion and maintenance of risk analysis, ensuring alignment between identified risks, risk controls, and verification evidence.
- Partner with design engineering to plan, review, and approve product verification and validation activities, including electrical, system-level, reliability, and standards-based testing.
- Provide independent quality oversight of testing conducted to applicable international and regulatory standards (e.g., IEC, ISO, ANSI/AAMI, FDA-recognized consensus standards), ensuring test methods, acceptance criteria, and results support product requirements and regulatory compliance.
- Serve as a technical quality subject matter expert for CRM electrical and system-level testing, including implantable pulse generators, leads, programmers, accessories, and supporting systems, as applicable.
- Work with microbiology to ensure appropriate environmental monitoring and that microbiology requirements are considered in product and process development activities
- Support all Divisional initiatives as identified by divisional management and in support of Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and other regulatory requirements
- Performs other related duties and responsibilities, on occasion, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelors Degree (± 16 years) in an Engineering or Technical Field (OR)
- An equivalent combination of education and work experience
Experience/Background
- Minimum 5 years of Quality, Design Quality, Reliability, Electrical Engineering, or related medical device experience, including support of product development and design control activities.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience preferred. Engineering experience and demonstrated use of Quality tools/methodologies. Detailed knowledge of FDA, GMP, ISO 13485, and ISO 14971, design controls, and risk management principles.
- Solid communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong project management and leadership skills, including the demonstrated ability to lead multi-departmental project teams and resolve quality-related issues in a timely and effective manner
- Advanced computer skills, including statistical/data analysis and report writing skills.
- Prior medical device experience preferred.
- Experience implementing various product and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing).
- Experience supporting design verification and validation activities, including electrical, system-level, reliability, and standards-based testing.
- Working knowledge of applicable consensus standards and regulatory expectations for medical device testing (e.g., IEC, ISO, ANSI/AAMI, FDA-recognized standards), including test method development, protocol review, and technical assessment of results.
- Experience with Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) products and technologies preferred, including implantable pulse generators, leads, programmers, or associated systems.
- Experience working in a broader enterprise/cross-division business unit model preferred.
- Ability to work in a highly matrixed and geographically diverse business environment.
- Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Ability to leverage and/or engage others to accomplish projects.
- Strong verbal and written communications with ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels in the organization.
- Multitasks, prioritizes and meets deadlines in timely manner.
- Strong organizational and follow-up skills, as well as attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Licenses and Certifications
- ASQ CQE or other certifications preferred
Apply Now
- Participants who complete a short wellness assessment qualify for FREE coverage in our HIP PPO medical plan. Free coverage applies in the next calendar year.
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.
The base pay for this position is $90,000.00 – $180,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
See All 590+ Quality Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Quality Engineer JobsQuality Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Quality Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple46
- Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences18
- Tesla12
- Northrop Grumman10
- Jobot9
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware57
- Technology & Software43
- Consulting & Professional Services24
- Manufacturing21
- Medical Devices14
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in quality engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a closely related technical field
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) credential from ASQ strongly preferred by California employers
- Hands-on experience with statistical process control and root cause analysis methodologies
- Proficiency with industry standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or 21 CFR Part 820
- Familiarity with APQP, FMEA, and control plan development in a production environment
- Experience using quality management software and ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle
Quality Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a quality engineer in California?
The standard path is a bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering followed by entry-level quality or inspection work. California has no state license specific to quality engineers, but the Certified Quality Engineer credential from the American Society for Quality is widely expected by California employers, particularly in aerospace, medical devices, and semiconductor manufacturing. Candidates who combine the CQE with experience in ISO or AS9100 environments move into mid-level roles most quickly.
Which companies hire quality engineers in California?
Employers hiring quality engineers in California right now include Apple, Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences, and Tesla, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's density of aerospace primes, medical device makers, and semiconductor fabs means quality engineering roles appear consistently across both large corporate employers and specialized contract manufacturers throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most quality engineer jobs?
San Jose, San Diego, and Sunnyvale have the most quality engineer openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its concentration of semiconductor and electronics firms, Los Angeles draws heavily from aerospace and defense contractors, and San Diego's strong medical device and biotech sector sustains steady demand, making each city's volume a reflection of its dominant manufacturing industries.
Are there remote quality engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Quality engineering is largely hands-on work tied to production floors, labs, and supplier audits, so most roles require a physical presence. About 19% of quality engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to be in supplier quality, documentation, or quality systems roles where the core deliverable is a report or audit rather than direct inspection.
How can I get hired as a quality engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a quality technician or inspection associate role at a California manufacturer, which builds hands-on exposure to SPC, nonconformance reporting, and corrective action processes. Large California aerospace and defense employers such as Northrop Grumman and L3Harris run structured new-graduate programs that place candidates without full quality engineering experience into rotational or associate quality roles. Earning the ASQ Certified Quality Technician credential before applying gives early-career candidates a concrete edge over peers.
Where can I find and apply to quality engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to quality engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 590+ Quality Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Quality Engineer Jobs