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Applied Computer Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Microsoft

Senior Applied Scientist

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$160K - $261K/yr

Overview We seek a Senior Applied Scientist with expertise in Machine Learning, Generative AI ... OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer ...

Evolver

Applied Data Science Intern

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Computer Science * Data Science & Analytics * Applied AI & Machine Learning * Enterprise Infrastructure * Scalable AI Deployment * Risk and Compliance Frameworks * Tax and Audit The program is ...

Evolver

Applied Data Science Intern

Palo Alto, CA

Computer Science * Data Science & Analytics * Applied AI & Machine Learning * Enterprise Infrastructure * Scalable AI Deployment * Risk and Compliance Frameworks * Tax and Audit The program is ...

Hop

Applied Data Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Required : • BS/MS in Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a quantitative field. • 3-5 years of applied data science; minimum 2 years working with NLP or large-scale text data in ...

Hop

Applied Data Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Required : • BS/MS in Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a quantitative field. • 3-5 years of applied data science; minimum 2 years working with NLP or large-scale text data in ...

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Applied Computer Science information

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$20.1K

$68.8K

$160.1K

How much do applied computer science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for applied computer science in California is $68,768.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,638.00 and $94,495.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is applied computer science?

An Applied Computer Science job focuses on practical applications of computing principles to solve real-world problems. Professionals in this field use programming, algorithms, data analysis, and software development to create efficient solutions in various industries. Unlike theoretical computer science, applied computer science emphasizes hands-on implementation and problem-solving. Careers include roles in software development, cybersecurity, data science, and systems administration. These jobs require both technical expertise and the ability to apply computing knowledge to diverse challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for applied computer science?

To thrive in Applied Computer Science, you need a strong understanding of programming, algorithms, and software engineering, usually with a relevant degree such as Computer Science or Software Engineering. Familiarity with development tools, databases, cloud platforms, and possibly certifications in areas like AWS, Azure, or specific programming languages is highly valuable. Problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for delivering solutions in collaborative environments. These abilities ensure your technical solutions are robust, efficiently meet user needs, and integrate smoothly into real-world business contexts.

What are common career advancement opportunities in applied computer science?

Professionals in Applied Computer Science often start in roles such as software developer, systems analyst, or data analyst, and can advance to positions like lead engineer, project manager, or solutions architect with experience. Many organizations encourage ongoing learning through workshops, certifications, and cross-functional projects, allowing for skill-building and specialization in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence. Some may progress into leadership roles overseeing development teams or managing technical projects. As technology evolves, there is significant potential to transition into new specialties or higher-level positions within the IT and software industry.

Are applied computer science majors still in demand?

Applied computer science majors are in high demand due to the growth of technology industries, data analysis, cybersecurity, and software development. Skills in programming languages, algorithms, and systems design increase employability across various sectors, with many roles requiring practical experience and certifications.

What are 5 careers in applied computer science?

Applied computer science offers careers such as software developer, data analyst, cybersecurity analyst, systems engineer, and machine learning engineer. These roles typically require programming skills, knowledge of algorithms, and familiarity with tools like Python, Java, or cloud platforms.

What can you do with an applied computer science degree?

An applied computer science degree prepares individuals for roles such as software developer, data analyst, systems analyst, cybersecurity specialist, or network administrator. Graduates can work in technology companies, finance, healthcare, or government agencies, often utilizing programming languages, data management, and problem-solving skills to develop and maintain computer systems and applications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Applied Computer Science jobs in California?

The most popular types of Applied Computer Science jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Applied Computer Science jobs in California?

For Applied Computer Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Applied Computer Science jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Applied Computer Science jobs in California are:

Applied Computer Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applied Computer Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,768 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Research Scientist - Central Applied Science

Meta

Menlo Park, CA

$183K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

We’re looking for applied scientists with substantial industry experience to join the Central Applied Science team. Central Applied Science is home to experts from many scientific fields, partnering across the company to deliver engineering systems that bring research and innovation to fundamentally contribute to Meta's success.You will be empowered to leverage your expertise and drive impact across a range of products, infrastructure and company operations. Individuals in this role are expected to perform well in a research engineering capacity and hold publications within research areas including artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistics, operations research, causal inference and experimentation. Experience building data-driven products and forming research frameworks to solve challenging, real-world problems.
Research Scientist – Central Applied Science Responsibilities:
  • Work with vast amounts of data, generate research questions that push the state-of-the-art, and build data-driven products which impact the business
  • Develop novel quantitative methods on top of Meta's unparalleled data infrastructure
  • Work towards long-term ambitious research goals, while identifying intermediate milestones
  • Communicate best practices in quantitative analysis to partners
  • Work both independently and collaboratively with other scientists, engineers, and product managers to accomplish complex tasks that deliver demonstrable value to Meta's community of over 3.8 billion users
  • Actively identify new opportunities for scientific tooling and systems to yield outsized impact, in line with Central Applied Science's role and mission within Meta

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • PhD in computer science, statistics, operations research or a related field
  • 4+ years of industry experience in an applied R&D capacity or similar function
  • Publications in Machine Learning, AI, computer science, statistics, data science, or related technical fields
  • Experience analyzing datasets using languages such as Python
  • Experience using machine learning and deep learning frameworks, such as PyTorch, TensorFlow or scikit-learn
  • Experience developing algorithms in languages such as Python, C, C++ or Java
  • Experience analyzing large datasets using tools such as Presto, Hive or Spark
  • Must obtain work authorization in country of employment at the time of hire, and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Track record of building end-to-end systems which bring science and engineering to solve critical business problems
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Engagement with leaders to drive decision-making based on a thorough understanding of science and business constraints

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$183,997/year to $257,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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