Research Engineer Jobs in California
Research Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in semiconductors, biotech, aerospace, and artificial intelligence across a seniority range from entry-level associate researcher through principal and staff engineer. The largest hiring metros are San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where companies like Intel, Qualcomm, and Northrop Grumman maintain major research operations. The most in-demand specializations right now are machine learning systems, materials science, and computational biology. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something - you’ll add something.
Are you interested in applying machine learning and generative AI technologies to create innovative user experiences? Are you looking to bring your expertise to help build intelligent features that are reaching hundreds of millions of users across Apple platforms? We are an applied machine learning team located in Cupertino, California, part of the Input Experience group that is responsible for building machine learning technologies that enable magical user experiences like Math Notes, Smart Script, and Scribble. We are seeking an outstanding Machine Learning Engineer to help build our next generation of products.
Description
As a member of the team you will be responsible for bringing innovative ideas and applying modern machine learning methods to solve problems that matter. From ideation to productization, you will participate in the full development cycle of core technologies, including handwriting and text recognition, handwriting synthesis, document understanding, freeform drawing recognition and generation. The ideal candidate should have experience in computer vision, speech recognition, deep learning, and/or other applications of machine learning systems.
Minimum Qualifications
PhD or MSc in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a closely related field.
Industry experience in building product features based on ML including generative models or multimodal LLMs.
Experience with image processing, computer vision, speech recognition, or natural language processing.
Proven track record of programming, debugging, and design skill.
Preferred Qualifications
Detailed knowledge of one or more of the following programming languages: C++, C, Objective-C, or Swift.
Experience with common ML toolchain such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.
Proficiency with Unix, iOS, or macOS development.
Excellent problem solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to produce creative and innovative solutions to challenging problems.
Enthusiastic about building end-to-end experiences using machine learning.
High-quality communication skills and ability to work through ambiguity.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $147,400 and $272,100, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
See All 905+ Research Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Research Engineer JobsResearch Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Lam Research87

- ByteDance66

- TikTok58

- Apple52

- OpenAI39

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software380
- Electronics & Hardware186
- Science & Research127
- Artificial Intelligence83
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals48
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physics, or a closely related technical field
- Graduate degree preferred for research-focused roles, especially at university-affiliated labs or deep-tech companies
- Demonstrated experience designing and executing experiments, with peer-reviewed publications or patent contributions a strong plus
- Proficiency in scientific programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++ for data analysis and modeling
- Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams including product, hardware, and clinical or regulatory partners
- Familiarity with California-prevalent research environments such as national labs, defense contractors, or biotech CROs
Research Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research engineer in California?
Most research engineer roles in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in an engineering or applied science discipline, with many employers, particularly in biotech and defense, expecting a master's or PhD for independent research positions. California does not require a state-specific license for most research engineer titles, though engineers who sign off on public-facing designs may need a Professional Engineer license through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.
Which companies hire research engineers in California?
Employers hiring research engineers in California right now include Lam Research, ByteDance, and TikTok, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of semiconductor firms, defense primes, and life sciences companies means demand is distributed across both large multinationals and well-funded research startups.
Which California cities have the most research engineer jobs?
San Francisco, San Jose, and Fremont have the most research engineer openings in California. The Bay Area's concentration of technology headquarters and university spin-outs drives much of the volume, while San Diego's strong biotech and defense corridors and Los Angeles's aerospace and AI ecosystem account for the rest of the distribution.
Are there remote research engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely software-focused roles because much research engineering involves lab access, physical prototyping, or on-site equipment. About 16% of research engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026. The portions of the role most likely to be performed remotely are computational modeling, data analysis, and literature review rather than hands-on experimental work.
How can I get hired as a research engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research internship or co-op during an undergraduate or graduate program, as California employers including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Genentech, and Lockheed Martin run structured new-grad and intern pipelines that convert to full-time roles. Adjacent positions such as lab technician, research associate, or test engineer are common lateral starting points. Building a portfolio of documented projects, a GitHub repository for computational work, or a graduate thesis publication gives candidates a measurable edge when applying at larger California research institutions.
Where can I find and apply to research engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and location preference, and apply directly to each one.
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