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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Company Overview
At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We’re a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that’s critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.
Department Overview
Silvus Technologies, a leading provider of advanced MANET and MIMO communications systems, is reshaping mesh network technology for mission-critical applications – on the ground, in the air and at sea. Its battle-proven StreamCaster family of MANET radios and proprietary MN-MIMO waveform provides the vital communications link for defense, law enforcement and public safety agencies around the world, and in the toughest operational environments.
With deep roots in DARPA research, Silvus Technologies develops world-class advanced communications technologies that are reshaping the tactical communications landscape. From pure line-of-sight to extreme non-line-of-sight, Silvus radios form a self-healing, self-forming mesh network, enabling secure and reliable connectivity, including video and high-bandwidth data.
Silvus Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Job Description
Would you like to join an incredibly talented group of people, doing very challenging work, with the prime directive of “Keeping Our Heroes Connected”?
THE OPPORTUNITY
Silvus is seeking a full-time Senior Research and Development (R&D) Systems Engineer who will report to the R&D Director, Communication Systems on the R&D team. The successful individual in this role will participate in the design, simulation, prototyping, and testing of wireless communication and sensing projects and products.
This position is based at Silvus Technologies’ headquarters in the heart of vibrant West Los Angeles, CA and is on a hybrid schedule. A minimum of 3 days onsite per week is expected; on-site days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
The following is a list of at least some of the current essential job functions of the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time at its discretion.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Algorithm and protocol design and parameterization for wireless systems projects.
- MATLAB & C/C++ based simulator development and maintenance.
- Fixed point design and simulation in support of hardware implementation.
- Hands-on work with Silvus radio products and Research & Development prototypes.
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System testing and characterization, to include:
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Lab equipment for signal generation, channel emulation, spectrum analysis, etc.
- Custom test utilities and data capture/analysis scripts.
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Field test planning and execution.
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Work with hardware and software engineers to characterize and troubleshoot.
- Work with field test engineers to plan and execute realistic field testing.
- Report to project lead, department director, and management as needed.
- Participate in the generation of technical documentation and presentations.
- Travel Requirements - semi-frequent local or long-distance travel for feature testing and demonstration.
- Perform other related duties of which the above are representative.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or other related technical fields.
- Minimum 6 years of communication systems design experience.
- Fluent with C/C++, MATLAB, and/or Python.
- Working knowledge of RF signal propagation, channel modeling, and digital communication technologies.
- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen, or U.S. Permanent Resident) due to clients under U.S. federal contracts.
- All employment is contingent upon the successful clearance of a background check and drug test.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Familiarity with cognitive radio, interference mitigation, RF sensing.
- Familiarity with mesh networking, medium access control, and routing.
- Knowledge of MIMO, OFDM, and basic digital signal processing techniques.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Office environment.
- Occasional exposure to heat, cold, and allergens while performing tests or demonstrations in the field.
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While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to do the following:
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Lift equipment up to 20 lbs. for the set-up of demonstrations and testing.
- Perform bending and reaching movements to place items on lower and higher shelves.
- Kneeling or squatting to access lower shelves.
- Walking/Moving in the labs.
COMPENSATION: $140,000 - $200,000 / annually
The pay range is NOT a guarantee. It is based on market research and peer data and will vary depending on the candidate’s education, experience and qualifications.
NOTE - As a US Federal Contractor, Silvus Technologies requires that ALL candidates being considered for employment for any position (regardless of level) MUST be a U.S. Person (permanent resident or citizen). Stricter U.S. Citizen ONLY requirements (needed for some Engineering or R& D roles) will be included in the Required Qualifications section of the posted position. This does NOT apply to international positions; only job postings for positions located in the US.
Basic Requirements
- Minimum Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering or other related technical fields.
- Minimum 6 years of communication systems design experience.
- Fluent with C/C++, MATLAB, and/or Python.
- Working knowledge of RF signal propagation, channel modeling, and digital communication technologies.
- Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen, or U.S. Permanent Resident) due to clients under U.S. federal contracts.
Travel Requirements
10-25%
Relocation Provided
Domestic
Position Type
Experienced
Referral Payment Plan
Yes
Our U.S. Benefits include:
- Incentive Bonus Plans
- Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
- 401K with Company Match
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Generous Paid Time Off Packages
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Paid Parental & Family Leave
- and more!
Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.
We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you’d like to join our team but feel that you don’t quite meet all of the preferred skills, we’d still love to hear why you think you’d be a great addition to our team.
We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete this Reasonable Accommodations Form so we can assist you.
See All 5 Research And Development Engineer Jobs in California
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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
- California State Polytechnic University Pomona1

- California State University1

- Motorola Solutions1

- Robinhood1

- Thermo Fisher Scientific1

Top Industries Hiring
- Education2
- Consulting & Professional Services1
- Investment & Asset Management1
- Manufacturing1
- Science & Research1
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 California State Polytechnic University Pomona, California State University, and Motorola Solutions, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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?
Pomona, Los Angeles, and Menlo Park 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 20% of research and development engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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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