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Electrical Engineer Research And Development Jobs in California

Electrical Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$115K - $200K/yr

Toyon Research Corporation is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to join our Advanced ... Drive hardware development from initial concept through fabrication, integration, and delivery

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Electrical Engineer Research And Development information

What does an electrical engineer research and development do?

Electrical Engineer Research and Development (R&D) professionals are responsible for designing, developing, and testing new electrical devices, systems, and components. They use scientific research and engineering principles to innovate and improve products such as circuits, power systems, or electronic equipment. Their work often involves prototyping, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with other engineers or researchers to solve complex technical problems. These professionals play a key role in advancing technology and ensuring products meet safety and performance standards.

What are some typical challenges electrical engineers face when working in research and development teams?

Electrical Engineers in R&D often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting prototype failures, adapting to rapid technological changes, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Balancing innovative thinking with practical feasibility can be demanding, as projects frequently require iterative testing and refinement. Effective communication with colleagues from software, mechanical, and manufacturing backgrounds is also essential for aligning on project goals and integrating complex systems successfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical engineer in research and development, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electrical Engineer in Research and Development, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, problem-solving, and often an advanced degree such as a Master's or PhD. Familiarity with simulation software (like MATLAB or SPICE), CAD tools, and relevant industry certifications are typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills that drive innovation and collaboration. These competencies are essential for developing cutting-edge technologies, solving complex challenges, and contributing to successful R&D outcomes.

What is the difference between Electrical Engineer Research And Development vs Electrical Engineer Design?

AspectElectrical Engineer Research And DevelopmentElectrical Engineer Design
Primary FocusInnovating and developing new electrical technologies and productsCreating detailed electrical system designs and specifications
Work EnvironmentLabs, R&D departments, testing facilitiesDesign offices, project sites, manufacturing settings
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering; often requires research experienceBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering; focus on design skills

Electrical Engineer Research And Development focuses on innovating and developing new electrical technologies, often working in labs and testing environments. In contrast, Electrical Engineer Design concentrates on creating detailed electrical system plans and specifications, typically working in design offices. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What cities in California are hiring for Electrical Engineer Research And Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Electrical Engineer Research And Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Electrical Engineer Research And Development job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Lead Electrical Engineer, Research & Development

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Qnity
Education Programs Administration • 11 - 50 employees

$187K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead applications development to promote the adoption of Qnity's flex, rigid PCB, and IC packaging materials with OEM customers.

  • Design, simulate, and characterize RF, signal integrity, power integrity, and EMI test vehicles using industry-standard tools and methods.

  • Own the RF/SI characterization capability at SVTC, including hands-on work with measurement instruments and development of characterization methodologies.


Job description

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics? Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your problem-solving, passion, and creativity to help us power the next leap in electronics.

At Qnity, we're more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and high-tech industries - we're a tight-knit team that is motivated by new possibilities, and always up for a challenge. All our dedicated teams contribute to making cutting-edge technology possible. We value forward-thinking challengers, boundary-pushers, and diverse perspectives across all our departments, because we know we play a critical role in the world enabling faster progress for all. Learn how you can start or jumpstart your career with us.

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics?Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your problem-solving, passion, and creativity to help us power the next leap in electronics.

AtQnity, we're more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and high-tech industries - we're a tight-knit team that is motivated by new possibilities, and always up for a challenge. All our dedicated teams contribute to making cutting-edge technology possible. We value forward-thinking challengers, boundary-pushers, and diverse perspectives across all our departments, because we know we play a critical role in the world enabling faster progress for all. Learn how you can start or jumpstart your career with us.

Qnity's Silicon Valley Technology Center

Qnity's Silicon Valley Technology Center (SVTC) is the company's premier applications development and engineering center of excellence, helping customers solve high-value electronic materials challenges in advanced PCB, IC packaging, and next-generation system design. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SVTC combines more than 10,000 square feet of rapid prototyping, reliability testing, process development, and analytical characterization laboratories with cross-disciplinary engineering expertise serving consumer electronics, humanoid robotics, aerospace and defense, next-generation automotive, semiconductor, and data center applications.

Lead Electrical Engineer, Research & Development

Qnity's SVTC is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to serve as the local electrical engineering subject matter expert for advanced PCB and IC packaging technologies. This customer-facing applications engineering role will translate high-speed, high-frequency, signal integrity, power integrity, and EMI requirements into material selection, design guidance, simulation, characterization, and commercialization outcomes for leading Silicon Valley OEMs. The successful candidate will work alongside local SMEs in metrology, thermal, optics, and mechanical engineering, and will help convert customer challenges into validated technical solutions across Qnity's broad electronic materials portfolio.

Primary Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead applications development that advances adoption of Qnity's flex, rigid PCB, and IC packaging materials with strategic OEM customers.

  • Partner with customers in consumer electronics, data center, and other advanced technology sectors to define requirements, translate them into engineering plans, and deliver validated solutions.

  • Design, simulate, and characterize RF, signal integrity, power integrity, and EMI test vehicles using industry-standard tools and methods.

  • Collaborate with internal teams to diagnose and resolve customer's EMI/EMC challenges by developing customized EMI shielding prototypes and test methods in next generation electronic systems

  • Own the RF/SI characterization capability at SVTC, including hands-on work with VNAs up to 120 GHz, TDRs, impedance analyzers, reverberation chambers, and RF probe stations.

  • Use EM simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, COMSOL, HFSS, Sonnet, and related platforms to guide material recommendations and design decisions.

  • Develop IPC-aligned characterization methodologies that support customer qualification, technology readiness, and scale-up.

  • Work cross-functionally with internal teams and external PCB fabricators to move technologies from proof-of-concept through customer validation and mass production readiness.

  • Represent Qnity in industry consortiums, conferences, customer technical forums, and standards-oriented discussions.

  • Deliver technical training and seminars that strengthen internal capability and external partner engagement.

  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a high-performing, customer-focused technical team.

Required Qualifications:

  • M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering or closely related field, with 4+ years of highly relevant experience in RF, signal integrity, EMI/EMC fundamentals, PCB design, advanced packaging, or electronic materials applications.

  • Demonstrated expertise in RF and signal integrity design, simulation, measurement, and characterization.

  • Proficiency with tools such as Keysight ADS, HFSS, COMSOL, Polar Si9000, Sonnet, AutoCAD, MATLAB, LabVIEW, JMP, or comparable engineering platforms.

  • Experience applying IPC standards and related national or international test methods to electronic materials characterization.

  • Proven ability to lead customer-facing technical engagements, manage cross-functional projects, and communicate complex engineering recommendations clearly.

  • Familiarity with project management practices such as Agile, Stage Gate, or comparable development frameworks.

  • Able and willing to travel as required to support customer projects, up to 20%.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or closely related field, and relevant academic or working experience in applications development, PCB design, or advanced packaging technologies

  • Patent and publication history in relevant technical domains

  • Award-winning contributions to R&D

  • IEEE Senior Member or equivalent professional recognition is a plus

This role offers the opportunity to shape how leading Silicon Valley customers adopt advanced electronic materials for high-speed, high-frequency, and next-generation packaging applications, while working in a center designed for rapid customer problem solving, hands-on experimentation, and cross-disciplinary technical leadership.

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Qnity is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit ourAccessibility Page for Contact Information.

Qnity offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.

We use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance our recruitment process.