Research And Development Jobs in California
Research And Development jobs in California are concentrated in biotechnology, semiconductors, aerospace, and software engineering, with demand at every level from associate researcher to principal scientist and senior engineering director. The largest hiring markets are the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers such as Genentech, Qualcomm, and Northrop Grumman maintain deep research and development workforces. The most in-demand specialties include drug discovery and clinical research, chip design and process engineering, and applied AI research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Join Kyocera International, Inc.
We’re hiring a Research and Development Project Engineer at our San Diego location!
Join a stable, long-term opportunity where your work matters. We’re hiring a Research and Development Project Engineer to support production and ensure high-quality output in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
Pay Range - $79,000.00 to $102,000.00 annually (Actual base pay based on factors such as relevant experience, education, market, qualifications, and skills.)
With nearly 80,000 employees globally, Kyocera is a leading manufacturer of high-tech ceramics in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, Medical applications, and semiconductor processing. Our innovative materials are found in everything from smartphones to space shuttles! Check out our profile video! (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EAMR-M4AqK8&t=193s&fbclid=IwAR2KNG6FaJ4sa7eH60-9xHB0fajYS8-chyt062hRFmj1-nkpyFkDHPVKG4M!)
Look at these PERKS!
- Competitive pay, benefits, and hours
- 120 hours of vacation accrued per year to start (that's 3 weeks/year for regular 8-hour shifts!)
- 10 Paid Holidays per year
- 401(k) with company match
- Pension
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible schedules
- Tuition reimbursement
We have a long-tenured staff (many with over 30 years of service!), a vital company mission, and an excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off to volunteer, paid leave options, tuition reimbursement, an employer-paid Pension and a 401(k) with both Roth and a healthy company match. Our larger locations also feature onsite gyms, walking tracks, exercise rooms, and employee gardens!
We strive to have a diverse workforce from all backgrounds, including minorities, women, and veterans, who bring their experience to support the innovation and quality that Kyocera is known for.
Kyocera International, Inc. also has a robust corporate culture and philosophy based on the experiences and writings of our founder, Dr. Kazuo Inamori, which you can learn more about here: https://global.kyocera.com/inamori/philosophy/ (https://global.kyocera.com/inamori/philosophy/). Our company motto is “Do the right thing as a human being,” and we try to use that motto constantly in our decision-making.
Exempt: Yes
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
Responsible for planning and executing moderately complex R&D engineering projects involving product or process development, testing, analysis, and improvement. Applies engineering principles to solve technical problems, supports project objectives and timelines, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to transition concepts into practical solutions.
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent required.
2+ years of related experience and/or education required.
Must have thorough understanding of company processes and appropriate technical knowledge, or experience in the same industry.
Knowledge of project management principles and budget management required. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to work productively with customers.
Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
Frequently interacts with supervisors, customers, and/or functional peer group managers, normally involving matters between functional areas, other company divisions or units, or customers and the company.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Responsible for managing multiple projects to support one or more product line departments.
2. Performs as an individual contributor to define, monitor and report project status.
3. Collects project related information from various internal resources.
4. Responsible for developing project proposals including the documentation of process flow requirements and capital expenditure justification (ROI) calculations on specific projects.
5. Performs cost estimating and internal design conceptualizations to present alternatives to management personnel.
6. Under supervision will recommend, and test new products, materials and/or designs.
7. Under supervision coordinates the development of new suppliers and assist them in meeting quality standards that will fulfill product line requirements.
8. Under supervision establishes project objectives, budget requirements, timelines, and labor requirements based on division strategic plans.
9. Documents, reports and measures progress on budgets and timelines.
10. Provides a project summary report to management to implement findings.
Perform any other related duties as required or assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to talk or hear; regularly required to stand, walk, sit; occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and depth perception.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The above statements are intended to describe the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. The duties and responsibilities of this position are subject to change and other duties may be assigned or removed at any time. This position may require exposure to information subject to US Export Control regulations, i.e.: the International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be US persons within the meaning of US regulations.
Kyocera International, Inc. values diversity in its workforce, and is proud to be an AAP/EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.
If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact Kyocera International, Inc. Human Resources team directly.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 25 Research And Development Jobs in California
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Find Research And Development JobsResearch And Development Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research And Development Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research and development jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant scientific, engineering, or technical field
- Demonstrated experience with research methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis
- Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation, CAD tools, or domain-specific software platforms
- Ability to document findings and contribute to technical reports, patents, or publications
- Collaborative experience working within cross-functional product or research teams
- Familiarity with California regulatory environments such as FDA, EPA, or CDFA compliance requirements
Research And Development Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research and development professional in California?
Most research and development roles in California require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, or computer science, with many senior positions expecting a master's or PhD. California does not issue a single statewide license for the broader R&D field, but roles in pharmaceutical research may involve compliance with California Department of Public Health or FDA regulations, and certain laboratory roles require certification through bodies such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Which companies hire research and developments in California?
Companies currently hiring research and developments in California include Motorola Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Zymo Research, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's density of biotech campuses in South San Francisco and San Diego, semiconductor fabs in the Silicon Valley corridor, and aerospace contractors across Los Angeles County makes it one of the most active research and development hiring markets in the country.
Which California cities have the most research and development jobs?
The cities with the most research and development openings in California are Los Angeles, Irvine, and San Francisco. The San Francisco Bay Area dominates because of its concentration of tech and biotech headquarters, San Diego is driven by its world-class pharmaceutical and defense research clusters, and Los Angeles draws volume from aerospace giants, university medical centers, and an expanding life sciences corridor in the Torrance and El Segundo areas.
Are there remote research and development jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since much research and development work requires physical lab access, prototyping equipment, or on-site collaboration. About 75% of research and development openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and the positions most likely to be fully remote are in data science, computational biology, software-side R&D, and technical program management rather than hands-on laboratory or hardware roles.
How can I get hired as a research and development professional in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a formal internship or co-op tied to your degree program, since large California employers such as Genentech, Intel, and Raytheon run structured programs for students and new graduates that frequently convert to full-time offers. Entry-level titles such as research associate, junior process engineer, or R&D technician are designed for candidates without independent project history, and a relevant capstone project, thesis, or GitHub portfolio significantly strengthens an application. Community college certificate programs in biotechnology offered through California institutions such as Mission College or Laney College can also bridge gaps for candidates moving from adjacent roles like quality control or manufacturing technician.
Where can I find and apply to research and development jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research and development jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listing.
See All 25 Research And Development Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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