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Electrical Research Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

1X Technologies AS

Tactile Sensing Research Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Tactile Sensing Researcher / Engineer, you'll help create the sensing foundation required for ... PhD in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Bioengineering ...

FANUC America

Research Engineer

Union City, CA · On-site

$123K - $206K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will conduct research and submit patent applications while ensuring flawless execution of ... Master Degree in Electrical/Mechanical, Computer Engineering, Robotics or related field. * 3 years ...

Real-Time Innovations

Research Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site +1

  • PTO

D. degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering or related field. Appropriate research expertise includes electromechanical, intelligent or autonomous systems, distributed systems ...

Real-Time Innovations

Research Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

  • PTO

D. degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering or related field. Appropriate research expertise includes electromechanical, intelligent or autonomous systems, distributed systems ...

Gridware

Senior Research Engineer, Electrical

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$126K - $164K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

... Research Engineer to lead ambiguous sensing and measurement problems with real-world impact. You ... MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field plus 5+ years of relevant ...

Gridware

Senior Research Engineer, Electrical

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$126K - $164K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

... electrical grid. We pioneered a groundbreaking new class of grid management called active grid ... Role Description We are seeking a creative, hands-on Senior Research Engineer to lead ambiguous ...

Gridware

Senior Research Engineer, Electrical

San Francisco, CA

$126K - $164K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

... electrical grid. We pioneered a groundbreaking new class of grid management called active grid ... Role Description We are seeking a creative, hands-on Senior Research Engineer to lead ambiguous ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsElectrical Research Engineer JobsElectrical Research Engineer Jobs in California

Electrical Research Engineer information

See California salary details

$83.9K

$109.2K

$127.3K

How much do electrical research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical research engineer in California is $109,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,200.00 and $119,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an electrical research engineer do?

An Electrical Research Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing new electrical systems, components, or devices. They often work in laboratories or research facilities, conducting experiments and analyzing data to solve complex engineering problems. Their work supports advancements in fields like telecommunications, power systems, electronics, and renewable energy. Electrical Research Engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to innovate and improve electrical technologies, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical research engineer?

To thrive as an Electrical Research Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, circuit design, and data analysis, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools (such as MATLAB, SPICE), laboratory instrumentation, and industry standards or certifications (like IEEE membership) is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for innovating and collaborating within research teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for advancing new technologies, ensuring project success, and driving innovation in the field.

What types of projects do electrical research engineers typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other teams?

Electrical Research Engineers often work on projects involving the development and testing of new electrical devices, systems, or technologies, such as advanced circuit designs, renewable energy integration, or automation solutions. Collaboration is a key part of the role; engineers frequently work with multidisciplinary teams—including software developers, mechanical engineers, and project managers—to ensure successful project outcomes. Regular team meetings, joint problem-solving sessions, and cross-functional documentation are typical, making strong communication and teamwork skills essential.

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

AspectElectrical Research EngineerElectrical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering; often involved in research projectsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering; focuses on designing electrical systems
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic institutionsDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, universitiesElectrical engineering firms, manufacturing companies, construction firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in electrical engineeringUnderstanding design roles in electrical engineering

Electrical Research Engineers primarily focus on developing new electrical technologies and conducting experiments in research settings. In contrast, Electrical Design Engineers concentrate on creating practical electrical systems and components for real-world applications. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their work environment and objectives.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Electrical Research Engineer jobs in CA?

For Electrical Research Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Electrical Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electrical Research Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,183 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Research and Development Engineer - Electrical - 1637

SARA Inc

Cypress, CA • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We are world leaders in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Signal Processing; partnering with our customers to address real world problems with cost effective solutions… that work.

The Artificial Perception and Threat Awareness (APTA) division at Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is making the future of Aerospace and Autonomy happen now, with a charter to create new and emerging sensor perception technologies for Commercial & Military markets. Our innovative technologies include RF, optical and acoustic sensors enabled with innovative embedded algorithms, machine learning and robust networking.

The APTA division is looking for an exceptionally talented, motivated, and creative Research and Development Engineer to support research & development (R&D) as well as product prototyping and low-rate production efforts in Cypress, CA. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with other talented engineers, software developers, physicists, and technicians on varied programs supporting government agencies, their contractors, and commercial entities. The selectee will have the freedom to exercise their initiative, adaptability, drive, and of course, engineering skills in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.

The R&D Engineer will be a part of small R&D and/or product development teams – helping to bring ideas and theories to practice and then to physical reality. This is a hands-on job that will have you in the lab or workshop as much as you are on the computer. As part of R&D efforts, you will perform experiments, analyses, and design/build proof of concept hardware to demonstrate feasibility in practice. On product development teams, you will design, fabricate, assemble, integrate, and test prototype or low-rate production systems to meet customer or business needs. In either capacity, the R&D Engineer will support and embrace the roles and responsibilities defined by program leadership.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Creating and maintaining comprehensive project documentation
  • Using and continually developing technical skills
  • Working with Functional Management to ensure continuity of training, tasking, and assignments
  • Performing other related duties as assigned

Key Competencies:

  • Solid knowledge of engineering principles
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Good judgement
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Independence and self-motivation
  • Ability to work effectively within large and small teams
  • Adaptability

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering discipline (i.e., mechanical, electrical, software, aerospace, etc.)
    • GPA 3.5 or higher
  • 0 to 5 years applicable experience
  • Physical ability to assemble and manipulate small electronic and mechanical assemblies, as appropriate
  • Physical ability to work with laboratory and test equipment, as appropriate
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience with Microsoft Office tool suite
  • US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance
  • May require Moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Working environment is indoor, moderately loud, reasonably clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Graduate degree in an engineering discipline or physics
    • GPA 3.5 or higher
  • Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software
  • Experience with OrCAD or similar electronic design tool
  • MATLAB experience
  • LabVIEW experience
  • Conversant in some of the following subjects: Mechanical design, Electrical and Electronic design & operation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Signal Processing algorithms, Electromagnetic/Radio Frequency/Acoustic phenomenology


SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

  • Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
  • A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
  • Tuition & certification reimbursement
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Discretionary Employee bonuses
  • 401(k) match/profit sharing
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)


Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.


SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.