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Cognitive Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

OSI Engineering

User Experience Researcher

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$68 - $83/hr

Bachelor's degree required (Master's or doctorate preferred) with a concentration or extensive work in human factors, industrial engineering, cognitive engineering, human-computer interaction, or ...

Voltai

Engineering Manager

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

... human cognitive limits. About the Team Backed by Silicon Valley's top investors, Stanford ... Lead and manage a team of engineers through weekly sprint cycles and delivery milestones * Drive ...

Voltai, Inc

Engineering Manager

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

... human cognitive limits. About the Team Backed by Silicon Valley's top investors, Stanford ... Lead and manage a team of engineers through weekly sprint cycles and delivery milestones * Drive ...

Neurotrack

DevOps Engineer

Redwood City, CA

$64.50 - $88.50/hr

Founded in 2012, Neurotrack is dedicated to the development of non-invasive cognitive health ... experience as a DevOps engineer on AWS * Experience managing code repositories, build ...

Neurotrack

DevOps Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$64.50 - $88.50/hr

Founded in 2012, Neurotrack is dedicated to the development of non-invasive cognitive health ... experience as a DevOps engineer on AWS * Experience managing code repositories, build ...

Clera

Head of Engineering

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

... to cognitive health and performance. What You'll Do * Partner directly with the Founder to define ... Establish engineering workflows, principles, and code quality standards the team can grow into

Clera

Head of Engineering

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

... to cognitive health and performance. What You'll Do * Partner directly with the Founder to define ... Establish engineering workflows, principles, and code quality standards the team can grow into

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Cognitive Engineering information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$144.9K

$171.7K

How much do cognitive engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for cognitive engineering in California is $144,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Cognitive Engineering position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cognitive Engineer, a strong background in psychology, human factors, computer science, or related fields is essential, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency in human-computer interaction (HCI) tools, usability testing software, and cognitive modeling platforms is highly valued, as are certifications like Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE). Exceptional problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and effective communication set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualities are critical for designing systems and products that align with human cognitive capabilities, ensuring both safety and usability.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior cognitive engineers or specialists in fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries. These roles often require expertise in programming, statistical analysis, and familiarity with tools like Python, TensorFlow, or cloud platforms.

What are the typical daily tasks and work environment for a Cognitive Engineer?

Cognitive Engineers typically spend their days analyzing user behaviors, designing user interfaces, creating cognitive models, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams such as software developers, product managers, and UX designers. Much of the work involves conducting user research, running usability studies, and iteratively improving products based on data-driven insights. Work environments can range from tech companies to research institutions, often with opportunities for remote or hybrid schedules. Teamwork is a significant aspect of the role, as Cognitive Engineers often bridge the gap between technical development and user needs. This setting fosters ongoing professional learning and provides a clear path toward roles in user experience leadership or advanced human factors research.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries like technology or finance. These roles often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and working in competitive environments with significant project scope or impact.

What is a Cognitive Engineering job?

A Cognitive Engineering job involves designing and optimizing systems that enhance human decision-making, problem-solving, and interaction with technology. Professionals in this field apply principles from psychology, artificial intelligence, and human factors engineering to improve user experiences and system efficiency. They work in domains like healthcare, aviation, autonomous systems, and AI-driven applications. The goal is to create intuitive and intelligent systems that complement human cognitive abilities and reduce errors.

What does a cognitive engineer do?

A cognitive engineer designs and develops systems that mimic or support human thought processes, often working on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and user interface design. They analyze how humans interact with technology to improve usability and performance, frequently using tools like data analysis and simulation software.

How much do cognitive engineers make?

Cognitive engineers typically earn a median salary ranging from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. They often work with AI, machine learning, and data analysis tools, and advanced skills can lead to higher compensation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cognitive Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Cognitive Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Cognitive Engineering jobs in California? For Cognitive Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cognitive Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cognitive Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cognitive Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Cognitive Engineering job openings:
Cognitive Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cognitive Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,945 per year, or $69.7 per hour.
Human Factors Engineer / UX Researcher

Human Factors Engineer / UX Researcher

OSI Engineering, Inc.

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$68 - $83/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

A globally leading consumer device company based in Cupertino, CA is looking for a Human Factors Engineer / UX Researcher to apply user-centered design principles to the design and development of audio products.  The ideal candidate can operate independently from day one, with minimal ramp up time, and needs limited oversight to scope studies, synthesize data, and influence design decisions. They also have meticulous attention to detail.
Job Responsibilities:
•    Design and execute mixed methods studies on product fit and comfort in Apple''s labs, covering the full research lifecycle from formative exploration through validation
•    Analyze quantitative and qualitative data, including human perception, anthropometric, photogrammetry, and hardware characterization data, then translate findings into clear, actionable design recommendations
•    Partner directly with design, engineering, and acoustics teams to inform product decisions
Key Qualifications:
•    5+ years industry experience with mixed methods research focused on comfort, fit, or ergonomic interaction with products.
•    Bachelor''s degree required (Master''s or doctorate preferred) with a concentration or extensive work in human factors, industrial engineering, cognitive engineering, human-computer interaction, or experimental psychology.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to distill research insights into concise presentations for engineers and designers
•    Expertise in mixed methods research, including rigorous experimental design, usability studies, interview techniques, and psychophysical or perception-scaling methods (e.g., JND, Likert scales), with the ability to analyze and visualize data across quantitative and qualitative sources
•    Expertise leveraging anthropometric data in conjunction with human perception data to extract design insights
•    Experience with photogrammetry or similar 3D scanning and geometric data pipelines
•    Ability to interpret hardware characterization data (e.g. force, pressure, retention, contact mapping) and connect it to human outcomes
•    Experience with ear and head anatomy is a plus; equivalent experience with general wearable ergonomics (headwear, footwear, apparel, or other body worn products) is also acceptable
•    Ability to work independently with minimal oversight, exercising sound judgment across the full research lifecycle
•    Experience with CAD and modeling techniques used by collaborators (e.g. FEA, parametric modeling) is a nice to have
Type: Contract
Duration: 12 months with extension
Work Location: Cupertino, CA (onsite)
Pay Rate: $68.00 - $83.00 ph (DOE)

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