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Application Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AEI-CIG

Application Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

As an application engineer at CIG, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge optical transceiver technology for high-growth AI data center applications. You will support hyperscale data ...

Vital Chemicals

Application Engineer

Cupertino, CA

Application Engineer - HighSpeed Optical Transceivers (Hyperscaler Applications) Location: Bay Area Experience: 5-10 years Education: PhD preferred Reports to: Sales & Engineering leadership ...

Vital Chemicals

Application Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Application Engineer - High-Speed Optical Transceivers (Hyperscaler Applications) Location: Bay Area Experience: 5-10 years Education: PhD preferred Reports to: Sales & Engineering leadership ...

Foxconn

Field Application Engineer

Campbell, CA · On-site

We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Field Application Engineer (FAE) to serve as the critical technical liaison between our key customers in the smartphone industry and our back-end ...

Mind Robotics Inc.

Application Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

As an Application Engineer, you'll be one of the founding engineers on the team that owns this application layer, reporting to our Head of Application Engineering. The systems work today; your job is ...

WisLab EMS Corporation, a Wistron Company

CA · On-site

Field Application Engineer (North America) / Technical Support Engineer - NA Region Position Overview: We are seeking a customer-focused Field Application Engineer to support our growing client base ...

Advantest

Application Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

We are looking for an Application Engineer (AE) with a solid background in electronics engineering, SW development and hands-on experience in ATE testing. The ideal candidate will have proven ...

Advantest

Application Engineer

San Jose, CA

We are looking for an Application Engineer (AE) with a solid background in electronics engineering, SW development and hands-on experience in ATE testing. The ideal candidate will have proven ...

Advantest

Application Engineer

San Jose, CA

We are looking for an Application Engineer (AE) with a solid background in electronics engineering, SW development and hands-on experience in ATE testing. The ideal candidate will have proven ...

Advantest

Application Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

We are looking for an Application Engineer (AE) with a solid background in electronics engineering, SW development and hands-on experience in ATE testing. The ideal candidate will have proven ...

Seyond

Field Application Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a Field Application Engineer (FAE) to join our System & Application Engineering team and support the deployment and integration of our LiDAR-based sensing products. In this ...

FieldAI

Field Application Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Field Application Engineer to work closely with clients, providing technical support and ensuring successful deployment of their AI solutions. Qualifications : Required : • ...

KEYENCE

Field Application Engineer '27

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$53K - $80K/yr

Join KEYENCE as a Field Application Engineer Training Classes Begins January or July 2027 Irvine | Los Angeles | Cleveland | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of ...

Neodym Technologies

Lead Application Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$108K - $140K/yr

Lead Application Engineer Location: Irvine, California Employment Type: Full-Time Industry: Manufacturing & Production Experience: 7+ years Salary: $108,000- $140,000 About the Organization Our ...

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All JobsApplication Engineer JobsApplication Engineer Jobs in California

Application Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.2K

$150K

How much do application engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for application engineer in California is $109,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an application engineer do?

An Application Engineer acts as a bridge between customers and engineering teams, helping to design, develop, and implement technical solutions that meet client needs. They often customize software or hardware products, provide technical support, and assist with product demonstrations or training. Application Engineers also analyze customer requirements, troubleshoot issues, and help improve products based on user feedback. Their role requires strong technical knowledge, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an application engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, software development, and problem-solving, often backed by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with programming languages, CAD tools, and platforms like MATLAB or AutoCAD, as well as certifications in relevant software, is typically required. Strong communication, customer service orientation, and project management skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities ensure effective solution delivery, seamless client interactions, and the successful implementation of technical projects.

What are some common challenges application engineers face when balancing customer requirements with technical feasibility?

Application Engineers often serve as the bridge between customers and the technical teams, which means they regularly encounter situations where client requests may not align perfectly with existing product capabilities. A key challenge is clearly communicating technical limitations while offering alternative solutions that address the customer’s core needs. Successful Application Engineers proactively manage expectations, coordinate with development teams, and stay updated on product roadmaps to suggest realistic enhancements. Developing strong relationships with both customers and internal teams is essential to navigate these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Application Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectApplication EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; technical certificationsBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering; professional licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentCustomer-facing, technical support, product customizationDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing in labs or factories
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, industrial equipmentAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy

Application Engineers focus on supporting clients with product implementation and technical solutions, often working closely with sales and engineering teams. Mechanical Engineers primarily design, analyze, and develop mechanical systems and components. While both roles require engineering degrees, Application Engineers emphasize customer interaction and technical support, whereas Mechanical Engineers concentrate on design and manufacturing processes.

Do application engineers make good money?

Application engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, industry, and location. They often have specialized technical skills, such as programming and system integration, which can lead to higher compensation. Overall, the role can be financially rewarding compared to many other engineering or technical positions.

Is an application engineer a good career?

An application engineer is a technical role that involves designing, developing, and maintaining software or systems to meet client needs. It often requires strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of programming languages, and customer interaction. The career can offer good job stability and growth opportunities in technology-driven industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Application Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Application Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Application Engineer jobs in California?

For Application Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Application Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Application Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Application Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Application Engineer job openings:

Application Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Application Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,249 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Application Engineer

AEI-CIG

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Position Overview: 

As an application engineer at CIG, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge optical transceiver technology for high-growth AI data center applications. You will support hyperscale data center and telecommunication customers. You will collaborate with experienced engineers and contribute to critical projects involving advanced optical communication products. 

 

Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical support to customers on cutting-edge optical transceiver products
  • Engage with customers to understand customer requirement and provide solutions
  • Work closely with product development teams, such as hardware design engineers, firmware engineers to solve customer issues
  • Provide technical assistant to sales team and operation team on pre-sale and post-sale activities

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Physics
  • At least 3 years of experience in application engineering, software development, testing, or hardware design in the optical communication or networking industry
  • Knowledge of optical transceivers, networking, telecommunications, and data center infrastructure
  • Familiar with automated testing and programming
  • Experience in the following areas is a plus: fiber optics, network switches, routers, DSP, and Ethernet
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and hands-on experience
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Willingness to travel to support customers

 

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python, C) for software test and automation
  • Experience with test equipment (e.g., Keysight oscilloscopes, network analyzer)

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