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Automotive R&D Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ALIGN Executive Search

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R & D Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

This is a great opportunity for a hands-on engineer who wants to design and develop next-generation medical devices, with strong potential exposure to the endovascular catheter space. What You'll Do

ALIGN Executive Search

Be Seen First

R & D Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

This is a great opportunity for a hands-on engineer who wants to design and develop next-generation medical devices, with strong potential exposure to the endovascular catheter space. What You'll Do

ALIGN Executive Search

R & D Engineer

Tustin, CA

Build preliminary sketches, 3D models, detailed design concepts, and engineering prototypes. [1] * Testing & Validation: Plan and run benchtop tests, verification and validation (V&V), and pre ...

R.D. Olson

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality + Multifamily This isn't just another construction job. It's your launchpad. At R.D.

R D Olson Construction

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality + Multifamily This isn't just another construction job. It's your launchpad. At R.D.

R.D. Olson

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65 - $96/hr

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality + Multifamily This isn't just another construction job. It's your launchpad. At R.D.

The-Gill-Corporation

R & D Manager

El Monte, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related technical discipline required; Master's degree or other advanced degree preferred. Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry or a ...

JRG Partners

Director of R & D

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

Our client, a leading Food Technology Company is seeking a R & D Director. This is a fast growing ... Bachelor's degree in food engineering, food science or a similar discipline; Master's degree or MBA ...

The Gill Corporation

R & D Manager (85690)

El Monte, CA · On-site

$161.56 - $194.65/hr

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related technical discipline required; Master's degree or other advanced degree preferred. Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry or a ...

The Gill Corporation

R & D Manager (85690)

El Monte, CA · On-site

$161K - $194K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related technical discipline required; Master's degree or other advanced degree preferred. Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry or a ...

Masimo

Engineer, Failure Analysis

Irvine, CA

$70K - $90K/yr

Works closely with Compliance, Regulatory, R &D Engineering, Operations and QA at various levels within the organization to understand the root cause of product failures and identify product ...

Masimo

Engineer, Failure Analysis

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Works closely with Compliance, Regulatory, R &D Engineering, Operations and QA at various levels within the organization to understand the root cause of product failures and identify product ...

R.D. Olson

Project Manager

Irvine, CA

$96K - $140K/yr

Project Manager - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality ... engineering wins and track profitability ✔ Mentor PEs and APMs -- grow the next generation ✔ ...

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All JobsAutomotive R&D Engineer JobsAutomotive R&D Engineer Jobs in California

Automotive R D Engineer information

See California salary details

$34.5K

$78.8K

$114K

How much do automotive r&d engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive r&d engineer in California is $78,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,300.00 and $105,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automotive R&D engineer?

An Automotive R&D Engineer is responsible for researching, designing, and developing new automotive technologies, components, and systems. They work to improve vehicle performance, safety, fuel efficiency, and sustainability through innovation and testing. Their role often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, using computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and conducting experiments to validate new designs. They stay updated on industry trends, regulations, and advancements to ensure competitive and compliant automotive solutions.

What does an automotive R&D engineer do?

As an Automotive R&D Engineer, your daily responsibilities can vary from designing and testing new automotive components to analyzing data from prototypes and collaborating with manufacturing teams. Typical projects may involve improving vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, or developing next-generation technologies such as electric drivetrains or advanced driver-assistance systems. You will likely work as part of a multidisciplinary team, interacting with designers, software engineers, and quality assurance professionals. This dynamic environment requires adaptability and a willingness to learn as technologies and project priorities evolve. Being proactive and detail-oriented will help you succeed in the fast-paced world of automotive research and development.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an automotive R&D engineer?

To thrive as an Automotive R&D Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering, problem-solving abilities, and experience in automotive systems, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry standards such as ISO/TS16949, as well as knowledge of prototyping methods, is typically required. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and creative thinking are highly valued soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative automotive solutions, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, and staying competitive in a rapidly advancing industry.

Is there a demand for automotive research and development engineers?

Automotive R&D engineers are in high demand due to the industry's shift toward electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and advanced safety features. Companies seek skilled engineers with expertise in vehicle systems, software, and innovative technologies to develop next-generation vehicles, leading to strong employment opportunities in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive R&D Engineer jobs in California?

For Automotive R&D Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive R&D Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive R&D Engineer jobs in California are:

Automotive R D Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive R&D Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,767 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

R & D Engineer

ALIGN Executive Search

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

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Job description

This is a great opportunity for a hands-on engineer who wants to design and develop next-generation medical devices, with strong potential exposure to the endovascular catheter space.

 

What You'll Do

  • Design and develop medical devices and related accessories
  • Develop and execute engineering tests, including benchtop, verification & validation (V&V), and pre-clinical studies
  • Create comprehensive test protocols and reports
  • Design and build tools, jigs, and fixtures to support prototyping, manufacturing, and testing
  • Create sketches and detailed design concepts; perform measurements, analyses, and build engineering prototypes
  • Communicate project status, risks, and opportunities to the project team and management
  • Contribute to the company's IP base through active idea generation and concept development
  • Assemble product drawings, specifications, risk analyses, and technical documentation; maintain proper documentation within the Design Dossier and Design History File (DHF) for regulatory compliance
  • Support product transfer and scale-up activities
  • Ensure compliance with quality system procedures and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as company Health, Safety, and Environmental policies
  • Help maintain the R&D lab to support efficient prototyping and process development
  • Manage direct or indirect reports as needed

 

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Biomedical, Materials, or Mechanical Engineering
  • Minimum 2 years of engineering experience in development or manufacturing within a regulated medical device environment
  • Experience in the endovascular catheter industry is a strong plus
  • Working proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling and engineering drawings
  • Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
  • A collaborative, team-first mindset
  • Sense of urgency with the ability to multitask, prioritize, manage risk, and meet deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and technical writing skills
  • Familiarity with FDA submission processes, ISO requirements, and QSR requirements preferred
  • Ability to travel approximately 5% of the time, domestically and internationally
  • Ability to travel to Temecula as needed for development and product transfer projects

 

Health and Wellness

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Gym memberships or wellness perks []

 

Financial and Retirement

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
  • Performance-based bonuses (up to 20% for certain engineering tiers) []

 

Time Off and Professional Growth

  • Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave
  • Paid company holidays (averaging around 11 days per year)
  • Academic and tuition reimbursement programs

Company Description

An established and growing law firm that cares deeply, moves fast, and never loses sight of the human side of what we do.