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 2,189+ Quality Engineer jobs
Company Description
Guardant Health is a leading precision oncology company focused on guarding wellness and giving every person more time free from cancer. Founded in 2012, Guardant® is transforming patient care and accelerating new cancer therapies by providing critical insights into what drives disease through its advanced blood and tissue tests, real-world data and AI analytics. Guardant tests help improve outcomes across all stages of care, including screening to find cancer early, monitoring for recurrence in early-stage cancer, and treatment selection for patients with advanced cancer.
Position Summary:
The Clinical Quality Engineer II plays an integral role on the Quality team and supports the company's compliance activities with CLIA, CAP, ISO 15189, NYSDOH, and applicable state requirements. This individual also supports the company’s quality activities that comply with the FDA’s Quality System Regulation and ISO 13485. The Clinical Quality Engineer II works closely with a variety of departments to support quality activities and identify opportunities for continual improvement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support quality activities as it relates to the clinical laboratory, including activities related to pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical phases
- Support issues arising in the clinical laboratory and work closely with Clinical Operations to determining root cause and potential preventative/corrective actions
- Assists with creating good laboratory processes and assists with issue resolution
- Assist with verification and validation testing and troubleshooting activities
- Maintain quality metrics required for management review
- Provides guidance on Change Control activities
- Coordinate proficiency testing program
- Review and improve standard operating procedures / other QMS documentation as needed
- Ensures required LDT requirements are completed prior to product transfers and product launches
- Participate in inspection readiness activities
- Coordinate proficiency testing program activities
- Represent Quality at cross functional meetings
- Report and document all concerns of test quality and/or safety to the Supervisor or Safety Officer, as applicable
- Ensure that all policies, procedures, and records are reviewed and approved
- Execute special projects as assigned
Qualifications
- M.S. degree or higher in a relevant field with 0–2 years of related experience or a B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of quality experience in the Life Sciences industry
- Experience in compliance with quality standards in a regulated Molecular laboratory (e.g. CLIA, CAP, NYSDOH, etc.)
- Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to share and receive information from all levels of the organization throughout various departments
- Ability to constructively challenge concerns and engage in transparent conversations
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and build strong working relationships
- Ability to successfully balance and prioritize multiple ongoing projects/tasks in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
- Ability to identify, analyze and solve problems with minimal direction and escalate concerns to management
- Proven attention to detail and accuracy
- Effective organizational skills
- High degree of initiative and self-motivation
- Drive for results and continual improvement – Ensure procedures and processes are in place that lead to the delivery of quality results and continually assess their effectiveness to drive continual improvement
Work Environment:
Employee may be required to lift routine office supplies and use office equipment. Majority of the work is performed in a desk/office environment; however, there may be exposure to high noise levels, fumes, and biohazard material in the laboratory environment. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
AI & Digital Fluency
Demonstrate curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to critically evaluate and responsibly leverage AI-enabled tools in accordance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of work.
Hybrid Work Model: This section is applicable to onsite employees who are eligible for hybrid work location as specified by management and related policies. Guardant has defined days for in-person/onsite collaboration and work-from-home days for individual-focused time. All U.S. employees who live within 50 miles of a Guardant facility will be required to be onsite on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. We have found aligning our scheduled in-office days allows our teams to do the best work and creates the focused thinking time our innovative work requires. At Guardant, our work model has created flexibility for better work-life balance while keeping teams connected to advance our science for our patients.
The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. This range does not include benefits or, if applicable, bonus, commission, or equity. Each candidate’s compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, education, job-related skills, job duties, and business need.
Primary Location: Redwood City, CA
Primary Location Base Pay Range: $108,000 - $148,500
Other US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $91,800 - $126,225
If the role is performed in Colorado, the pay range for this job is: $97,200 - $133,650
Employee may be required to lift routine office supplies and use office equipment. Majority of the work is performed in a desk/office environment; however, there may be exposure to high noise levels, fumes, and biohazard material in the laboratory environment. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
Guardant Health is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our hiring processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, mental health conditions, or sincerely held religious beliefs. If you need support, please reach out to Peopleteam@guardanthealth.com
A background screening including criminal history is required for this role. GH will consider qualified applicants with criminal arrest or conviction histories in a manner consistent with applicable law including but not limited to the LA County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).
Guardant Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
To learn more about the information collected when you apply for a position at Guardant Health, Inc. and how it is used, please review our Privacy Notice for Job Applicants.
Company Description
Guardant Health is a leading precision oncology company focused on guarding wellness and giving every person more time free from cancer. Founded in 2012, Guardant® is transforming patient care and accelerating new cancer therapies by providing critical insights into what drives disease through its advanced blood and tissue tests, real-world data and AI analytics. Guardant tests help improve outcomes across all stages of care, including screening to find cancer early, monitoring for recurrence in early-stage cancer, and treatment selection for patients with advanced cancer.
Position Summary:
The Clinical Quality Engineer II plays an integral role on the Quality team and supports the company's compliance activities with CLIA, CAP, ISO 15189, NYSDOH, and applicable state requirements. This individual also supports the company’s quality activities that comply with the FDA’s Quality System Regulation and ISO 13485. The Clinical Quality Engineer II works closely with a variety of departments to support quality activities and identify opportunities for continual improvement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support quality activities as it relates to the clinical laboratory, including activities related to pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical phases
- Support issues arising in the clinical laboratory and work closely with Clinical Operations to determining root cause and potential preventative/corrective actions
- Assists with creating good laboratory processes and assists with issue resolution
- Assist with verification and validation testing and troubleshooting activities
- Maintain quality metrics required for management review
- Provides guidance on Change Control activities
- Coordinate proficiency testing program
- Review and improve standard operating procedures / other QMS documentation as needed
- Ensures required LDT requirements are completed prior to product transfers and product launches
- Participate in inspection readiness activities
- Coordinate proficiency testing program activities
- Represent Quality at cross functional meetings
- Report and document all concerns of test quality and/or safety to the Supervisor or Safety Officer, as applicable
- Ensure that all policies, procedures, and records are reviewed and approved
- Execute special projects as assigned
Qualifications
- M.S. degree or higher in a relevant field with 0–2 years of related experience or a B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of quality experience in the Life Sciences industry
- Experience in compliance with quality standards in a regulated Molecular laboratory (e.g. CLIA, CAP, NYSDOH, etc.)
- Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to share and receive information from all levels of the organization throughout various departments
- Ability to constructively challenge concerns and engage in transparent conversations
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment and build strong working relationships
- Ability to successfully balance and prioritize multiple ongoing projects/tasks in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
- Ability to identify, analyze and solve problems with minimal direction and escalate concerns to management
- Proven attention to detail and accuracy
- Effective organizational skills
- High degree of initiative and self-motivation
- Drive for results and continual improvement – Ensure procedures and processes are in place that lead to the delivery of quality results and continually assess their effectiveness to drive continual improvement
Work Environment:
Employee may be required to lift routine office supplies and use office equipment. Majority of the work is performed in a desk/office environment; however, there may be exposure to high noise levels, fumes, and biohazard material in the laboratory environment. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
AI & Digital Fluency
Demonstrate curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to critically evaluate and responsibly leverage AI-enabled tools in accordance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of work.
Hybrid Work Model: This section is applicable to onsite employees who are eligible for hybrid work location as specified by management and related policies. Guardant has defined days for in-person/onsite collaboration and work-from-home days for individual-focused time. All U.S. employees who live within 50 miles of a Guardant facility will be required to be onsite on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. We have found aligning our scheduled in-office days allows our teams to do the best work and creates the focused thinking time our innovative work requires. At Guardant, our work model has created flexibility for better work-life balance while keeping teams connected to advance our science for our patients.
The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. This range does not include benefits or, if applicable, bonus, commission, or equity. Each candidate’s compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, education, job-related skills, job duties, and business need.
Primary Location: Redwood City, CA
Primary Location Base Pay Range: $108,000 - $148,500
Other US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $91,800 - $126,225
If the role is performed in Colorado, the pay range for this job is: $97,200 - $133,650
Employee may be required to lift routine office supplies and use office equipment. Majority of the work is performed in a desk/office environment; however, there may be exposure to high noise levels, fumes, and biohazard material in the laboratory environment. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
Guardant Health is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our hiring processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, mental health conditions, or sincerely held religious beliefs. If you need support, please reach out to Peopleteam@guardanthealth.com
A background screening including criminal history is required for this role. GH will consider qualified applicants with criminal arrest or conviction histories in a manner consistent with applicable law including but not limited to the LA County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).
Guardant Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
To learn more about the information collected when you apply for a position at Guardant Health, Inc. and how it is used, please review our Privacy Notice for Job Applicants.
See All 2,189+ 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
- Apple279
- NVIDIA71
- Joby Aviation69
- BKF Engineers42
- Applied Materials34
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware638
- Technology & Software579
- Consulting & Professional Services209
- Manufacturing150
- Medical Devices123
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, NVIDIA, and Joby Aviation, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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?
Santa Clara, San Jose, and Cupertino 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 12% of quality engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 2,189+ Quality Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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