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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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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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
- Technology & Software
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
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, JenaValve Technology, and AbbVie, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 60% of research and development openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 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 16 Research And Development Jobs in California
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