Research And Development Engineer Jobs in California
Research And Development Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the nation, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor and electronics, biotechnology, and clean energy sectors at every level from entry-level associate engineer through principal and staff engineer. The largest hiring activity is centered in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where companies like Lockheed Martin, Broadcom, and Genentech maintain major engineering campuses and consistently recruit R&D talent. The most in-demand specialties include materials engineering, systems integration, and hardware and firmware development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We are world leaders in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Signal Processing; partnering with our customers to address real world problems with cost effective solutions… that work.
The Artificial Perception and Threat Awareness (APTA) division at Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is making the future of Aerospace and Autonomy happen now, with a charter to create new and emerging sensor perception technologies for Commercial & Military markets. Our innovative technologies include RF, optical and acoustic sensors enabled with innovative embedded algorithms, machine learning and robust networking.
The APTA division is looking for an exceptionally talented, motivated, and creative Research and Development Engineer to support research & development (R&D) as well as product prototyping and low-rate production efforts in Cypress, CA. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with other talented engineers, software developers, physicists, and technicians on varied programs supporting government agencies, their contractors, and commercial entities. The selectee will have the freedom to exercise their initiative, adaptability, drive, and of course, engineering skills in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.
The R&D Engineer will be a part of small R&D and/or product development teams – helping to bring ideas and theories to practice and then to physical reality. This is a hands-on job that will have you in the lab or workshop as much as you are on the computer. As part of R&D efforts, you will perform experiments, analyses, and design/build proof of concept hardware to demonstrate feasibility in practice. On product development teams, you will design, fabricate, assemble, integrate, and test prototype or low-rate production systems to meet customer or business needs. In either capacity, the R&D Engineer will support and embrace the roles and responsibilities defined by program leadership.
Core Responsibilities:
- Creating and maintaining comprehensive project documentation
- Using and continually developing technical skills
- Working with Functional Management to ensure continuity of training, tasking, and assignments
- Performing other related duties as assigned
Key Competencies:
- Solid knowledge of engineering principles
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Strong analytical skills
- Good judgement
- Excellent communication skills
- Independence and self-motivation
- Ability to work effectively within large and small teams
- Adaptability
Requirements:
-
Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline (i.e., mechanical, electrical, software, aerospace, etc.)
- GPA 3.5 or higher
- 0 to 5 years applicable experience
- Physical ability to assemble and manipulate small electronic and mechanical assemblies, as appropriate
- Physical ability to work with laboratory and test equipment, as appropriate
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with Microsoft Office tool suite
- US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance
- May require Moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
- Working environment is indoor, moderately loud, reasonably clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
Preferred Qualifications:
-
Graduate degree in an engineering discipline or physics
- GPA 3.5 or higher
- Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software
- Experience with OrCAD or similar electronic design tool
- MATLAB experience
- LabVIEW experience
- Conversant in some of the following subjects: Mechanical design, Electrical and Electronic design & operation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Signal Processing algorithms, Electromagnetic/Radio Frequency/Acoustic phenomenology
SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition & certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Discretionary Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Pay Range
Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.
SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.
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Find JobsResearch And Development Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research And Development Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research and development engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, or a closely related technical field
- Hands-on experience with product development cycles from concept through prototype validation
- Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, or relevant lab instrumentation for the specialty
- Demonstrated ability to design experiments, analyze data, and document technical findings
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, regulatory, and supply chain
- Familiarity with California-relevant compliance standards such as ISO, MIL-SPEC, or FDA design controls
Research And Development Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research and development engineer in California?
Most research and development engineer roles in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, chemical, materials, or biomedical engineering from an accredited program. California does not require a state license specifically for R&D work, though engineers signing off on public-safety designs may need a Professional Engineer license from the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Employers in aerospace, biotech, and semiconductors typically prioritize hands-on lab experience, internships, and a portfolio of design or testing projects alongside the degree.
Which companies hire research and development engineers in California?
Employers hiring research and development engineers in California right now include Motorola Solutions, JenaValve Technology, and AbbVie, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor foundries, and life-sciences firms means demand for R&D engineering talent is spread across a wide range of industries and company sizes throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most research and development engineer jobs?
Los Angeles, Irvine, and San Francisco have the most research and development engineer openings in California. The Bay Area leads because it is home to major semiconductor firms, biotech campuses, and a dense startup ecosystem in Silicon Valley, while San Diego draws heavily from defense contractors and life-sciences companies concentrated in the Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley corridors, and Los Angeles benefits from a large aerospace and advanced manufacturing base anchored by companies with facilities across the region.
Are there remote research and development engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields because R&D engineering typically requires access to labs, prototyping equipment, and physical test environments. About 60% of research and development engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with remote arrangements most often available for computational modeling, simulation work, technical writing, and data analysis roles that do not require hands-on laboratory access.
How can I get hired as a research and development engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a co-op, internship, or new-graduate rotational program before or immediately after finishing a degree, as California employers in aerospace and defense, such as those in the greater Los Angeles and Bay Area corridors, regularly run structured new-grad engineering programs that pair junior engineers with senior mentors on live projects. Candidates who build a concrete portfolio through capstone projects, undergraduate research, or university lab work at UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, or Cal Poly have a measurable edge. Adjacent roles like test technician, quality engineer, or manufacturing process engineer at California contract manufacturers are also well-established lateral entry points into R&D teams.
Where can I find and apply to research and development engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research and development engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across aerospace, biotech, semiconductor, and clean energy sectors. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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