Research And Development Jobs in California
Research And Development jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology, semiconductors, aerospace, and clean energy across a workforce that ranges from entry-level lab technicians and junior engineers to principal scientists and R&D directors. The largest hiring metros are San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers like Genentech, Qualcomm, and Northrop Grumman have deep, established R&D operations. The most in-demand specialties include drug discovery and biologics, integrated circuit design, and sustainable materials science. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Research And Development JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 19+ Research And Development jobs
Benefits:
- Life Insurance
- LTD
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
The Research and Development Formulation Chemist performs various project duties supporting the product development of a contract manufacture of Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements. This includes FPS process, formulation, bill of materials database maintenance, and record retention SOPs and new product process.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following responsibilities would characterize the requirements of this position. Must possess the skills necessary to perform the majority of the listed functions:
-
Interpret customer’s explanations, descriptions and requests and convert them to the chemical components and formula combinations
-
Meet with suppliers and technical experts for product information collecting newest developments and formulating appropriate applications.
-
Assemble chemicals and materials into laboratory batches and test formula for efficacy/performance
-
Modify, substitute, and reformulate materials to meet highest level of customer expectations, and quality while maintaining lowest formulation costs
-
Evaluate alternate chemical suppliers
-
Enter and review formulas in computer system
-
Trouble shoot formula issues related to manufacturing/compounding
-
Revise priorities keeping all deadlines under control according to production demands, customer needs and company interests.
-
Maintain professional expertise through individual study, continuing education and professional development
-
Must communicate progress, problems and needs with management, vendors, customers as appropriate
-
Assist with managing the product development process from the concept phase to the post-launch analysis phase
-
Involvement in new product concept brainstorming meetings
-
Primary liaison with overseas vendors for Product Development from artwork to product specifications, sculpting, and sample approval
-
Negotiate pricing with oversees vendors
-
Set up item number and other development information in item master while updating and maintaining it
-
Ensure the accuracy of product and packaging samples and seek approvals
-
Guarantees deadlines are met to obtain samples for tradeshows & licensor
-
Initiates collateral requests within the Creative Department and/or with outside service vendors
-
Works with Quality Compliance department regarding compliance issues
REQUIREMENTS:
Competencies
-
M.S or B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or other physical science
-
2-3 years’ experience in formulation of new and innovative personal care products, preferably in a contract manufacturing environment
-
Ability to multitask handling 4-5 bench projects at a time
-
Ability to thrive within a team environment
-
Working knowledge of claim substantiation
-
Current knowledge of ingredient technology and familiar with working within customer and international
-
Extensive knowledge of laboratory procedures, test instrumentation, and experimental design
-
Advance writing, reading, and math skills including statistical analysis
-
Ability to interpret, analyze, reason, and plan
Benefits:
- Life Insurance
- LTD
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
The Research and Development Formulation Chemist performs various project duties supporting the product development of a contract manufacture of Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements. This includes FPS process, formulation, bill of materials database maintenance, and record retention SOPs and new product process.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following responsibilities would characterize the requirements of this position. Must possess the skills necessary to perform the majority of the listed functions:
-
Interpret customer’s explanations, descriptions and requests and convert them to the chemical components and formula combinations
-
Meet with suppliers and technical experts for product information collecting newest developments and formulating appropriate applications.
-
Assemble chemicals and materials into laboratory batches and test formula for efficacy/performance
-
Modify, substitute, and reformulate materials to meet highest level of customer expectations, and quality while maintaining lowest formulation costs
-
Evaluate alternate chemical suppliers
-
Enter and review formulas in computer system
-
Trouble shoot formula issues related to manufacturing/compounding
-
Revise priorities keeping all deadlines under control according to production demands, customer needs and company interests.
-
Maintain professional expertise through individual study, continuing education and professional development
-
Must communicate progress, problems and needs with management, vendors, customers as appropriate
-
Assist with managing the product development process from the concept phase to the post-launch analysis phase
-
Involvement in new product concept brainstorming meetings
-
Primary liaison with overseas vendors for Product Development from artwork to product specifications, sculpting, and sample approval
-
Negotiate pricing with oversees vendors
-
Set up item number and other development information in item master while updating and maintaining it
-
Ensure the accuracy of product and packaging samples and seek approvals
-
Guarantees deadlines are met to obtain samples for tradeshows & licensor
-
Initiates collateral requests within the Creative Department and/or with outside service vendors
-
Works with Quality Compliance department regarding compliance issues
REQUIREMENTS:
Competencies
-
M.S or B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science or other physical science
-
2-3 years’ experience in formulation of new and innovative personal care products, preferably in a contract manufacturing environment
-
Ability to multitask handling 4-5 bench projects at a time
-
Ability to thrive within a team environment
-
Working knowledge of claim substantiation
-
Current knowledge of ingredient technology and familiar with working within customer and international
-
Extensive knowledge of laboratory procedures, test instrumentation, and experimental design
-
Advance writing, reading, and math skills including statistical analysis
-
Ability to interpret, analyze, reason, and plan
See All 19 Research And Development Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
- Genentech2
- KPMG2
- Nurix Therapeutics2
- Becton, Dickinson and Company1
- California State Polytechnic University Pomona1
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals4
- Education3
- Science & Research3
- Accounting & Auditing2
- Consulting & Professional Services2
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 science, engineering, or technical discipline
- Demonstrated experience designing and executing experiments or product development cycles
- Proficiency with California-prevalent tools such as laboratory information management systems or EDA software
- Familiarity with FDA regulatory pathways, EPA compliance, or California Air Resources Board standards
- Strong record of cross-functional collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, or clinical teams
- Ability to document findings clearly and present results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
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 minimum a bachelor's degree in a field aligned with the industry, such as biology, chemistry, electrical engineering, or materials science, with many senior positions expecting a master's or doctorate. California does not issue a single state license for R&D work broadly, but roles touching pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or environmental testing often require compliance with California Department of Public Health laboratory licensing or California Environmental Protection Agency standards. Building a portfolio of published research, patents, or prototype work significantly strengthens candidacy in California's competitive market.
Which companies hire research and developments in California?
Employers hiring research and developments in California right now include Genentech, KPMG, and Nurix Therapeutics, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's density of biotech, semiconductor, and defense contractors means R&D hiring is spread across large multinationals and well-funded startups, particularly in the Bay Area, San Diego, and the greater Los Angeles region.
Which California cities have the most research and development jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Brisbane lead California for research and development openings. The Bay Area concentration reflects Silicon Valley's semiconductor and software R&D ecosystem alongside South San Francisco's biotech corridor, San Diego draws heavily from its life sciences cluster and defense contractors near the naval installations, and Los Angeles anchors aerospace and advanced manufacturing R&D through employers headquartered in El Segundo and the broader Southland.
Are there remote research and development jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since much R&D work requires physical lab access, prototyping equipment, or on-site collaboration. About 5% of research and development openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to cluster in computational biology, data-driven drug discovery, software R&D, and regulatory affairs roles where bench work is not required.
How can I get hired as a research and development professional in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a structured internship or co-op program during or shortly after completing a relevant degree, as California-based employers like Genentech, Applied Materials, and Raytheon run established early-career and new-graduate pipelines specifically to develop junior R&D talent. Adjacent roles such as quality control analyst, research associate, or test technician are common stepping stones that build the hands-on skills hiring managers look for. Completing a thesis project, contributing to open-source hardware or bioinformatics tools, or earning a certification in a relevant method such as good laboratory practice compliance gives candidates a measurable edge.
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 openings tied to California employers. Search the listings for roles that match your experience, specialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 19 Research And Development Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research And Development Jobs