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Data Collection Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tesla

Data Collection Operator, Optimus

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

The primary objectives of this role are to collect data, assist with engineering operations, and report equipment feedback. Responsibilities : • Perform data collection tasks such as manipulation ...

Tesla

Data Collection Operator, Optimus

Fremont, CA · On-site

The primary objectives of this role are to collect data, assist with engineering operations, and report equipment feedback. Responsibilities : • Perform data collection tasks such as manipulation ...

Insight Global

Data Collection Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. We're hiring Helix Data Creators to power our humanoid robot development. In this hands-on role, you'll ...

Figure

Data Collection Quality Support

San Jose, CA · On-site

$30/hr

Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA. We are looking for a Data Collection Quality Support specialist to ...

Figure

Hardware Technician (Data Collection)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure ... This role is critical to ensuring our data collection operations run smoothly and our data ...

Figure

Data Collection Quality Support

San Jose, CA

$30/hr

Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is headquartered in San Jose, CA. We are looking for a Data Collection Quality Support specialist to ...

GenesisAI

Senior Data Collection Operator

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$128K - $173K/yr

Senior Data Collection Operator We are a full-stack general-purpose robot company, born across San ... You will work shoulder to shoulder with our model engineering and research teams, turning their ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsData Collection Engineer JobsData Collection Engineer Jobs in California

Data Collection Engineer information

See California salary details

$50.8K

$145.5K

$194.4K

How much do data collection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for data collection engineer in California is $145,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $193,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges data collection engineers face when gathering and managing large-scale datasets?

Data Collection Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as ensuring data quality and consistency across various sources, managing the volume and velocity of incoming data, and handling data privacy or compliance concerns. They must also design robust pipelines that can scale as data needs grow, and often collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, and product teams to align data collection strategies with project goals. Regularly troubleshooting data ingestion errors and adapting to changing data requirements are also key parts of the role.

What is the difference between Data Collection Engineer vs Data Analyst?

AspectData Collection EngineerData Analyst
Primary FocusDesigning and implementing data collection systems and pipelinesAnalyzing and interpreting data to support business decisions
Skills & CertificationsData engineering, SQL, programming (Python, Java), data architectureStatistical analysis, data visualization, SQL, Excel
Work EnvironmentData engineering teams, IT infrastructure, cloud platformsBusiness units, analytics teams, reporting tools

While Data Collection Engineers focus on building and maintaining data pipelines and infrastructure, Data Analysts interpret the collected data to generate insights. Both roles often collaborate but serve different stages of the data lifecycle, with the engineer ensuring data availability and the analyst deriving actionable insights.

What is a data collection engineer?

Data Collection Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and maintain systems for gathering data from various sources. Their work involves creating pipelines to collect, store, and preprocess data, often in support of analytics, machine learning, or business intelligence projects. They work closely with data scientists and software engineers to ensure data quality and reliability. Data Collection Engineers may use a range of tools and technologies, such as APIs, web scraping frameworks, and database management systems, to automate and optimize data acquisition processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data collection engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Collection Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or engineering, experience with data acquisition, and proficiency in programming languages like Python or Java. Familiarity with data collection frameworks, APIs, sensor technologies, and cloud platforms is commonly required, along with certifications in data engineering or related fields. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting issues. These skills and qualities are important to ensure accurate, reliable, and scalable data pipelines that support critical business analytics and decision-making.
What are popular job titles related to Data Collection Engineer jobs in California? For Data Collection Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Collection Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Data Collection Engineer jobs in California are:
Data Collection Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Collection Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $145,530 per year, or $70 per hour.

Driver - Data Collection (Contract)

Sama

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Sama is supporting a professional services engagement with an automotive client to conduct structured real-world data collection using sensor-equipped vehicles. This project will collect high-quality driving data to support the development of advanced autonomous vehicle systems.
The field team will operate in a dual driver/co-pilot configuration to ensure safety, reduce fatigue, and improve data collection quality. We are hiring 3 Drivers to join this project team.
This is a 4 months contract opportunity paying $25/hour. Sama will offer a Driver Incentive Program tied to completion of the full project duration.
Role Overview
Drivers will operate client-provided vehicles equipped with specialized sensors to capture structured driving scenarios across designated routes and locations in the Bay Area. Drivers will work closely with a co-driver during collection sessions and follow predefined protocols to ensure high-quality data capture.
Key Responsibilities
Vehicle Operation

  • Drive sensor-equipped vehicles along predefined routes across the Bay Area.
  • Operate vehicles with trailer hitching and reversing when required.
  • Maintain safe driving practices and comply with all local traffic laws.
Data Collection
  • Conduct daily driving sessions during peak sunlight hours (approximately 4 hours per day) to optimize sensor performance.
  • Follow structured collection protocols to capture specific driving scenarios and objects.
  • Monitor collection tools and systems to ensure successful capture.
Operational Support
  • Assist with troubleshooting minor operational or equipment issues.
  • Support setup and breakdown of equipment when required.
  • Ensure safe operation of vehicles, sensors and surrounding environments during data collection.
  • May include data upload of collected data
  • Communication with Project Manager for list of target locations and routes for the coming day(s)
Qualifications
  • Valid clean driver's license
  • Minimum age 25 years old
  • Proven experience driving with trailers, hitching and reversing (ability to provide a demonstrating short video)
  • Comfortable driving for extended periods in urban environments
  • Attention to detail and safety awareness
About Sama
Sama provides high-quality training data that powers AI technology for Fortune 2000 companies such as Google, Walmart, Ford, Microsoft, and Marriott. We're experts in data annotation, supporting text, 2D, 3D image, video, and sensor data for machine learning algorithms and generative AI models. Sama offers the highest quality SLAs in the industry, along with cutting-edge ML-assisted annotation tools, QA processes, and security and compliance standards.
Founded in 2008 on the belief that "talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not", Sama is driven by the mission to expand opportunities for those who are underprivileged. As a certified B-Corp, Sama has provided worker training programs to increase economic opportunity for more than 15,000 people from underserved communities. By connecting our customers with amazing talent in East Africa, we've impacted more than 69,000 workers and their dependents.
Today, our vision is to provide data scientists, ML engineers, and data operations teams with an indispensable, integrated platform for AI data preparation, labeling, and collection.
For more information, visit www.sama.com.
More information can be found at:
  • Featured in Forbes: How Ethical Is Your AI?
  • Sama Honored on Inc. Magazine's Annual List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies - the Inc. 5000
  • Reversing Poverty - Ted Talk by our founder Leila Janah

Our Culture:
Sama is quite unique. We are a technology company with a social mission. People that thrive in a high-growth environment, love working on the bleeding edge of technology, and really care about having a positive impact on the world are a great fit for the Sama culture. Our core values are One Team, One Goal - Deliver. Period. - Trust & Transparency - Customer First - Humanity.
Our Benefits:
Sama offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience and a full benefits package, including: medical, dental, and vision insurance, long-term disability insurance, life, and AD&D insurance, employer-matching Group RRSP, generous holiday and vacation policies, a monthly fitness stipend, monthly cell phone reimbursement and professional development opportunities. Our Talent Acquisition team would be happy to discuss our benefits packages with you in more detail during the interview process.
At Sama, we pride ourselves in being a diverse and equal opportunity employer.

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