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Applications Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kinetic Technologies

Applications Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$105K/yr

Senior Applications Engineer - Power Management (DC/DC Buck Converters) Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Senior Applications Engineer with deep, hands-on expertise in DC/DC buck ...

Kinetic Technologies

Applications Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Salary: 105k+ Senior Applications Engineer Power Management (DC/DC Buck Converters) Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Senior Applications Engineer with deep, hands-on expertise in DC/DC ...

Trimble

Applications Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Your current job title may be Applications Engineer, but it could also be Systems Engineer, Field Applications Engineer, Solutions Engineer, Customer Support engineer, Applications System Engineer ...

Extron

Applications Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$70K - $72K/yr

APPLICATIONS ENGINEER Company Overview: Extron is a leading developer and manufacturer of professional AV hardware and software solutions which serve the ever-changing needs of organizations around ...

Katten

Applications Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Applications Engineer The Applications Engineer is a highly skilled technical position, responsible for providing 3rd level support for Firm and legal applications such as iManage Cloud, Microsoft ...

Katten

Applications Engineer The Applications Engineer is a highly skilled technical position, responsible for providing 3rd level support for Firm and legal applications such as iManage Cloud, Microsoft ...

EPC POWER CORP.

Applications Engineer

Poway, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

The Role: The Applications Engineer is a customer-facing technical expert supporting EPC Power's growth within hyperscale and AI data center markets. This role operates at the intersection of ...

HADRIAN

Applications Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $220K/yr

The Role Hadrian's Applications Engineering team develops 0-1 machining solutions to supercharge the throughput and capabilities of our Factory. The team focuses on developing novel solutions for CNC ...

HADRIAN

Applications Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$220K/yr

The Role Hadrian's Applications Engineering team develops 0-1 machining solutions to supercharge the throughput and capabilities of our Factory. The team focuses on developing novel solutions for CNC ...

YO AI Labs

Applications Engineer

Milpitas, CA

Applications Engineer * Experience: 2-8 Years * Location: Milpitas, USA * Job Type: Full-time Must Haves: * Experience in analytical instrumentation e.g. Mass spectrometers and gas analyzers.

Pro Mach

Applications Engineer

Visalia, CA

$75K - $110K/yr

As the Applications Engineer with Serpa you will be responsible for the complete design and programming of custom automated packaging equipment that meet customer requirements. Programming can ...

Efficient Computer

Applications Engineer

San Jose, CA

$160K - $210K/yr

Efficient Computer is seeking a Applications Engineer to bridge the gap between our groundbreaking hardware and real-world customer applications. In this role, you will design and implement embedded ...

ProMach

Applications Engineer

Visalia, CA · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

As the Applications Engineer with Serpa you will be responsible for the complete design and programming of custom automated packaging equipment that meet customer requirements. Programming can ...

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All JobsApplications Engineer JobsApplications Engineer Jobs in California

Applications Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.2K

$150K

How much do applications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for applications 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 is an applications engineer?

Applications Engineers are technical professionals who work at the intersection of engineering and customer support. They help clients understand, implement, and optimize the use of a company's products, often by providing technical expertise, troubleshooting, and customized solutions. Applications Engineers may collaborate closely with sales, product development, and customers to ensure products meet specific application requirements. Their role often involves both pre-sales and post-sales support, technical demonstrations, and training.

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

To thrive as an Applications Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree such as electrical, mechanical, or software engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, programming languages, and industry-specific certifications like Six Sigma or PMP are commonly required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and customer-oriented skills help you bridge the gap between technical teams and clients. These competencies ensure effective product implementation, client satisfaction, and successful project outcomes in a technical environment.

How does an applications engineer typically collaborate with product development and sales teams?

Applications Engineers play a crucial role as liaisons between technical teams and customers. They often work closely with product development to relay customer feedback, suggest design improvements, and help troubleshoot application-specific issues. Additionally, they support sales teams by providing technical expertise during client meetings and demonstrations, ensuring customer requirements are understood and addressed. This collaboration helps align customer needs with product capabilities and enhances overall customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Applications Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectApplications EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in engineering or related field, often with industry-specific certificationsBachelor's or higher in mechanical engineering, often with licensure or professional engineer (PE) license
Work EnvironmentCustomer-facing, technical support, product demonstrations, and sales collaborationDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing in labs or manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, industrial equipment, and engineering servicesAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy sectors

Applications Engineers focus on technical support, product demonstrations, and customer interaction, often requiring strong communication skills. Mechanical Engineers primarily work on designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering degrees, their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly, catering to different aspects of engineering and customer engagement.

What does an Applications Engineer do?

An Applications Engineer designs, develops, and supports technical solutions for customers, often providing product demonstrations, troubleshooting, and technical support. They work closely with sales and engineering teams to customize products to meet client needs and may use tools like CAD software or testing equipment. Strong communication skills and technical knowledge are essential for explaining complex concepts clearly.
More about Applications Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Applications Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Applications Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Applications Engineer jobs in California? For Applications Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Applications Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Applications Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Applications Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Applications Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Applications Engineer jobs in CA? For Applications Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Applications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applications Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,249 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Applications Engineer

Kinetic Technologies

San Jose, CA • On-site

$105K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Senior Applications Engineer - Power Management (DC/DC Buck Converters)
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Applications Engineer with deep, hands-on expertise in DC/DC buck converters and power management ICs. This role requires strong system-level design, validation, and device debug skills. The Senior Applications Engineer will act as a technical leader, supporting complex customer designs, driving root-cause analysis, and collaborating closely with R&D, validation, and marketing teams to ensure robust product adoption and successful customer deployments.
Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as a technical expert for DC/DC buck converter products, supporting customers from initial architecture through production release
  • Lead hands-on lab activities including schematic development, PCB bring-up, validation, and device debug of power management ICs
  • Design, build, and debug evaluation modules (EVMs) and customer reference designs
  • Perform detailed system-level validation including efficiency, transient response, stability, thermal, protection features, and reliability testing
  • Drive root-cause analysis of device, system, and layout-related issues using bench measurements and failure analysis techniques
  • Review and approve customer schematics and PCB layouts, providing expert guidance on power integrity, grounding, EMI/EMC, and thermal performance
  • Partner closely with IC design, validation, and test teams to debug silicon issues and influence product improvements
  • Support customer development schedules by providing timely, technically sound recommendations and solutions
  • Develop and own high-quality technical collateral, including:
    • EVM User's Guides
    • Application Notes and Design Notes
    • White Papers and Reference Designs
  • Mentor junior applications engineers and contribute to best practices for lab methodology and documentation
  • Represent the applications team in technical reviews, customer meetings, and internal design discussions

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, ECE, or related field
  • 6+ years of experience in power electronics or semiconductor applications engineering
  • Strong hands-on experience with DC/DC buck converter design and analysis
  • Proven expertise in schematic capture and PCB design using industry-standard tools (e.g., Altium, Cadence, OrCAD, or equivalent)
  • Extensive lab experience with power measurement, debugging, and validation using oscilloscopes, electronic loads, network analyzers, and power analyzers
  • Demonstrated ability to debug complex hardware issues at the device and system level
  • Strong technical writing skills with experience producing customer-facing technical documentation
  • In-depth understanding of customer product development cycles and manufacturing requirements

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • Experience with silicon validation and post-silicon debug of power management ICs
  • Strong background in control loop stability, compensation design, and small-signal analysis
  • Experience with EMI/EMC mitigation and compliance strategies
  • Prior customer-facing or Field Applications Engineering (FAE) experience
  • Experience mentoring or leading technical teams

Key Competencies
  • Deep lab-centric problem solving and analytical skills
  • Ability to independently drive complex debug and validation efforts
  • Strong communication skills bridging customers, applications, and IC design teams
  • Technical leadership and ownership mindset

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