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Applications Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Applications Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $155K/yr

To complement our team, we are looking for a customer- and teamoriented individual for our division Plasma Control Technologies at the San Jose site as a Applications Engineer For over 75 years, we ...

Understand customer applications well enough to qualify requests, collect key details, offer initial guidance, and know when Engineering needs to jump in. * Communicate clearly about what products ...

Applications Engineer

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$33.65 - $37.50/hr

OSI Optoelectronics is seeking an Applications Engineer. This individual will partner with end customers and internal stakeholders to define product requirements, develop proposal drawings ...

Principal Applications Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Principal Applications Engineer (Open) Location: Long Beach, CA - Management - Regional Office Airgas Inc. belongs to the Air Liquide Group, a world leading supplier of industrial gases. Present in ...

Principal Applications Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

R10089521 Principal Applications Engineer (Open) Location: Long Beach, CA - Management - Regional Office How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? Airgas Inc. belongs to the Air Liquide Group, a world ...

Applications Engineer

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

... applications. We are seeking an Application Engineer to join our fast growing, collaborative team. The ideal candidate is self motivated, energetic, and able to thrive in a high growth, innovative ...

Applications Engineer

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

... applications. We are seeking an Application Engineer to join our fast growing, collaborative team. The ideal candidate is self motivated, energetic, and able to thrive in a high growth, innovative ...

As a DDR Applications Engineer you will be involved with customer interfacing on all phases of phy and controller design of high performance ddr interface from RFQ, RTL to delivery of our final GDSII.

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Showing results 1-20

Applications Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.2K

$150K

How much do applications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 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 does an application engineer do?

An application engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications or systems to meet client needs. They often collaborate with customers and technical teams, troubleshoot issues, and may use tools like CAD or programming languages. Strong problem-solving skills and technical knowledge are essential for this role.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, stock options, or working in high-demand industries with complex technical requirements.

What are Applications Engineers?

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior applications engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in software development, and often advanced certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like technology and aerospace. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise, with some roles including bonuses and stock options.

Can I make 200k a year as a software engineer?

Applications engineers can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-paying industries like aerospace or technology. Achieving this level often requires advanced technical knowledge, certifications, and sometimes managerial responsibilities or senior roles.

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.

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 cities in California are hiring for Applications Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Applications Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Applications Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,249 per year, or $52.5 per hour.
Applications Engineer

Applications Engineer

Comet

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$140K - $155K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

To complement our team, we are looking for a customer- and teamoriented individual for our division Plasma Control Technologies at the San Joseย site as a

Applications Engineer

For over 75 years, we have been following our curiosity. It drives us and has made Comet a leading Swiss technology company worldwide. Curiosity and the spirit of research have allowed us to become and remain innovative. For a better and sustainable world.

We develop and produce innovative high-tech components and systems based on X-ray and radio-frequency technology. Our developments make an important contribution to safer, more efficient and more sustainable production, mobility and communication.ย 

In the Plasma Control Technologies (PCT) division, we manufacture specialized components that are required for the precise control of plasma processes and are used in the production of memory chips or touch screens for sensors, smartphones or tablets.

Summary:

  • Provide advanced RF engineering support for integration, optimization, and troubleshooting of RF Matching Networks, RF Generators, and related RF subsystems.
  • Utilize hands-on fabrication, machining, and mechanical engineering capabilities to support fixturing, prototype development, and practical problem- solving during customer tool integration.

What you will do:

  • Integrate RF subsystems into semiconductor manufacturing equipment and verify performance.
  • Perform RF characterization, impedance matching, and power delivery optimization.
  • Design, modify, or fabricate fixtures, brackets, mechanical interfaces, and test assemblies to support lab evaluation or customer integration (including the operation of machine shop tools such as(mill, lathe, drill press, band saw) for quick turn prototyping.
  • Build, assemble, or modify mechanical components required for RF experiments or tool fit checks.
  • Conduct lab testing, data analysis, and troubleshooting, including root-cause investigation combining RF and mechanical considerations.
  • Support pre-sales and post-sales efforts with technical presentations, demonstrations, and customer training.
  • Provide actionable customer feedback to R&D for both RF and mechanical interface improvements.
  • Generate documentation, application notes, build instructions, and technical illustrations.
  • Provide on-site and remote customer support, including hands-on adjustments and mechanical modifications.
  • Mentor junior engineers in both RF and practical fabrication techniques.

What you bring:

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, RF Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
  • 3+ years of experience in RF applications or semiconductor equipment plus hands-on fabrication experience.
  • Practical machining or fabrication experience (milling, turning, CNC, manual tools).
  • Familiarity with mechanical drawings, tolerances, GD&T, and fixture design (preferred).
  • Understanding of Smith charts, S-parameters, RF circuit design, and RF test fundamentals.
  • Experience with rapid prototyping, fixturing, or mechanical modification for testing environments (preferred).

The target salary range for this job is approximately $140,000 to $155,000 annually.

ย 

*Job summaries account for a range of qualifications, skills, and experience that can be considered. We

are committed to making fair and equitable job offers based on a number of factors including but not

limited to the job scope, market conditions, and candidate skill level and depth of experience.


Why join us? Break new ground with us:

  • Work on innovative solutions for global technical challenges
  • Benefit from flexible working options
  • Take part in Comet's success through profit sharing
  • Work with international colleagues and grow as a team
  • Enjoy our diverse educational and career opportunities
  • Enjoy a competitive compensation package with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision care, tuition reimbursement, a 401(k) plan, and a generous paid-time-off package
    ย 

We are curious about you and look forward to receiving your complete online application and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For this vacancy, we only consider direct applications. Submissions from recruitment agencies will not be considered.

Comet Technologies USA, Inc.
541 E. Trimble Road
San Jose, CA 95131
United States
comet.tech/careers