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Data Engineer Entry Level Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tata Consultancy Services

Apply your knowledge of data structures and algorithms to help solve complex challenges in a ... Programming Foundation: Solid understanding of at least one programming language, with a preference ...

Innogrit

Firmware Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

DOE Firmware Engineer (entry level) Are you passionate about development and project-based work? Do ... data storage with its advanced PCIe Gen 3 and Gen 4 SSD (Solid State Drive) Processors. By ...

NAES

Power Plant Engineer, Entry Level

Mckittrick, CA · On-site

Opportunity Summary The Plant Engineer, entry level supports the safe, reliable, efficient, and ... Support the analysis of plant heat rate, operating data, and performance trends to identify ...

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All JobsData Engineer JobsData Engineer Entry Level JobsData Engineer Entry Level Jobs in California

Data Engineer Entry Level information

See California salary details

$43.9K

$128K

$175.2K

How much do data engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for data engineer entry level in California is $128,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $135,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or tasks that entry-level data engineers work on during their first year?

As an entry-level data engineer, you can expect to work on tasks such as building and maintaining data pipelines, cleaning and transforming raw data, and supporting the integration of different data sources. You'll often collaborate with data analysts and more senior engineers to ensure data is accurate, accessible, and well-documented. Early projects might include automating data extraction processes, setting up basic ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) workflows, or optimizing database queries. These foundational responsibilities help build the technical and teamwork skills essential for career growth in data engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Data Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Data Engineer, you need foundational knowledge in programming (such as Python or SQL), data structures, and database management, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with ETL tools, cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), and version control systems is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and adapt to evolving data needs. These skills ensure accurate data processing, efficient pipeline development, and successful integration within data-driven organizations.

What does a Data Engineer Entry Level do?

An entry-level data engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining systems that allow organizations to collect, store, and analyze large amounts of data. They typically work with databases, data pipelines, and cloud platforms to ensure data is accessible and reliable for analysis. Entry-level data engineers often assist with cleaning and transforming raw data, automating data workflows, and supporting data scientists and analysts. They also learn best practices in data security and performance optimization as they gain experience.

What is the difference between Data Engineer Entry Level vs Data Analyst Entry Level?

AspectData Engineer Entry LevelData Analyst Entry Level
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, IT, or related field; some certifications (e.g., Google Cloud, AWS)Bachelor's in Statistics, Math, or related field; certifications like Microsoft Data Analyst
Work EnvironmentFocus on building data pipelines, databases, and infrastructureFocus on interpreting data, creating reports, and visualizations
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare, where data infrastructure is keyBusiness intelligence, marketing, finance, and consulting firms

While both roles involve working with data, Data Engineer Entry Level focuses on developing and maintaining data infrastructure, whereas Data Analyst Entry Level emphasizes analyzing data to generate insights. Both roles require strong technical skills and are essential in data-driven organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Data Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in California? For Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Data Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities in California with the most Data Engineer Entry Level job openings:
Data Engineer Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Engineer Entry Level job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,018 per year, or $61.5 per hour.

Software Engineer - Entry Level

Tata Consultancy Services

Santa Clara, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Tata Consultancy Services rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 221 rated it services

Job description

At TCS, we are at the forefront of innovation, building next-generation solutions that redefine our industry. We believe in the transformative power of artificial intelligence and are looking for bright, ambitious graduates to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to launch your career, learn from seasoned professionals, and work with the most advanced AI technologies on the market.

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and curious Software Engineer who is a recent or upcoming graduate passionate about the potential of Generative AI. This is a unique entry-level opportunity to blend your academic knowledge of computer science with hands-on experience in prompt engineering and AI-assisted development. You will join a collaborative team, receive mentorship from senior engineers, and contribute to building real-world products by leveraging cutting-edge Large Language Models (LLMs) and cloud platforms. If you are eager to learn and grow in the rapidly evolving field of AI, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

  • Contribute to AI-Powered Features: Write, test, and debug high-quality code for new features under the guidance of senior engineers.
  • Learn Prompt Engineering: Assist the team in designing, testing, and refining prompts to interact with LLMs (like GPT-4, Claude, etc.) for tasks like code generation and problem-solving.
  • Utilize GenAI Tools: Learn to effectively use AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer) to enhance your productivity and learn best practices.
  • Collaborate and Learn: Work closely with product, design, and engineering teams to understand requirements and contribute to technical solutions.
  • Problem Solving: Apply your knowledge of data structures and algorithms to help solve complex challenges in a supportive team environment.
  • Cloud Exposure: Gain hands-on experience deploying and monitoring applications on modern cloud platforms like AWS and Azure.
  • Continuous Growth: Stay curious and actively learn about the latest trends, tools, and techniques in Generative AI and software development.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master's in degree in Computer Science, Engineering, a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Programming Foundation: Solid understanding of at least one programming language, with a preference for Python, Java, Go, or TypeScript, demonstrated through coursework and projects.
  • Software Fundamentals: Strong grasp of core computer science concepts, including data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design.
  • Passion for AI: A strong, demonstrable interest in Generative AI and prompt engineering, evidenced by personal projects, coursework, research, or a portfolio.
  • Eagerness to Learn: A proactive and enthusiastic attitude towards learning new technologies and tackling unfamiliar challenges.
  • Cloud Concepts: Basic familiarity with cloud computing concepts (what are AWS and Azure and what services they provide).

What Tata Consultancy Services employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About Tata Consultancy Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting and business solutions organization that delivers real results to global business, ensuring a level of certainty no other firm can match. TCS offers a consulting-led, integrated portfolio of IT, BPO, infrastructure, engineering, and assurance services. This is delivered through its unique Global Network Delivery Model™, recognized as the benchmark of excellence in software development. TCS delivers a level of certainty that no other firm can match--to our clients and to our employees. Come join us and experience certainty in your career. TCS a global Consulting and IT Services firm that is ranked in the top quartile by industry analysts. Our 2021 fiscal revenues topped $25 B and our market capitalization is over $170+B, yet we have a deep and large history of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. Now approaching 600K of the best IT professionals and consultants, we are a trusted advisor, guiding our clients' enterprises through growth and transformation journeys - helping them to become agile, intelligent, automated and on the cloud. We are devoted to DEI and are recognized as a top employer and place to work.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Edison, NJ, US

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