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Entry Level Electrical Engineering Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Entry Level Electrical Engineering information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$44.3K

$94.4K

$155.8K

How much do entry level electrical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level electrical engineering in Santa Rosa, CA is $94,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $113,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level electrical engineers?

Entry level electrical engineers are professionals who have recently graduated with a degree in electrical engineering and are beginning their careers in the field. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, assisting with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of electrical systems and components. Their responsibilities may include creating technical drawings, conducting research, troubleshooting issues, and supporting project implementation. Entry level electrical engineers gain practical experience and develop specialized skills while working towards professional licensure.

How to get into electrical engineering with no experience?

Entry level electrical engineering positions often require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Gaining practical skills through internships, online courses, or certifications in tools like MATLAB or AutoCAD can improve your chances, along with developing a strong understanding of circuit design and safety standards.

Will EE be replaced by AI?

Entry-level electrical engineering roles involve designing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems, which require critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on skills that are not easily automated. While AI can assist with tasks like data analysis and simulation, human expertise remains essential for complex design and troubleshooting in the field.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Electrical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, a relevant bachelor's degree, and basic knowledge of circuit design and analysis. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as exposure to standards like IEEE, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate on multidisciplinary teams and adapt to project demands. These skills ensure you can contribute to safe, innovative, and reliable engineering solutions in a technical environment.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry-level electrical engineer expect to work on?

As an entry-level electrical engineer, you are likely to assist with designing, testing, and troubleshooting electrical systems and components under the supervision of senior engineers. Common tasks include drafting technical drawings, performing calculations, preparing reports, and supporting the development and testing of prototypes. You may also collaborate with cross-functional teams such as mechanical engineers, project managers, and manufacturing staff to ensure project goals are met. This hands-on experience helps you build foundational skills and gain exposure to various aspects of the field, setting the stage for future advancement.

What makes EE so hard?

Entry level electrical engineering can be challenging due to the complexity of understanding circuit theory, electronics, and systems design. It requires strong problem-solving skills, proficiency with tools like CAD software, and often involves rigorous coursework and certifications, making it demanding for many newcomers.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or certain software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

What is the difference between Entry Level Electrical Engineering vs Electrical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Electrical EngineeringElectrical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or technical certification in electrical technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing in labs or office settingsInstallation, maintenance, and troubleshooting in industrial or commercial sites
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, power generationConstruction companies, maintenance services, manufacturing plants

Entry Level Electrical Engineering roles typically require a bachelor's degree and focus on designing and developing electrical systems, while Electrical Technicians usually hold technical certifications and focus on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical equipment. Both roles are essential in the electrical industry but differ in education, responsibilities, and work environments.

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Entry Level Electrical Engineering jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Entry Level Electrical Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Electrical Engineering job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,443 per year, or $45.4 per hour.
R&D Test Software Engineer

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Keysight Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.


Responsibilities

We are seeking an entry-level NPI Software & Test Process Engineer to support transitioning new electronic products into production by developing and improving software-driven test systems and manufacturing workflows. The role partners with hardware NPI, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to create reliable, automated test processes and modernize test/workflow software using AI and automation.

Key responsibilities:

  • Develop, validate, and maintain production test software and automated test sequences for prototype and pre-production units.
  • Design and implement test frameworks, data collection/logging, and test result analysis tools to support high-volume manufacturing.
  • Create and update automated workflows and test applications (e.g., C#, Python, OpenTap, or other test frameworks).
  • Support integration of automated test equipment (ATE) and test fixtures; troubleshoot hardware-software interactions.
  • Implement workflow modernization initiatives leveraging AI/ML for anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, test optimization, and data-driven yield improvements.
  • Automate repetitive NPI tasks (build reports, data aggregation, regression testing) and integrate systems with PLM/MES/ERP where appropriate.
  • Participate in Design for Testability (DFT) and software requirements reviews; propose improvements to reduce test time and increase coverage.
  • Perform root-cause analysis of test failures and work with cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions.
  • Produce clear technical documentation: test procedures, software release notes, and validation reports.
  • Track NPI metrics, report project status, and support continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.
  • Internship/co-op or project experience developing test software, automation scripts, or test frameworks.
  • Proficiency in at least one programming language used for test automation (Python strongly preferred; OpenTap, C#, or similar acceptable).
  • Familiarity with test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies) and ATE concepts.
  • Basic understanding of electronics and PCB-level testing.
  • Experience with data collection, logging, and basic data analysis (pandas, NumPy, or similar).
  • Strong problem-solving skills and experience with debugging software/hardware integration issues.
  • Good communication and teamwork skills; ability to work in lab/production environments.

Preferred:

  • Experience applying AI/ML methods for anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, or yield optimization (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
  • Experience with workflow automation tools or RPA platforms and integrating software with MES/PLM/ERP systems.
  • Familiarity with test frameworks (pytest, Robot Framework) and test equipment APIs (IVI, VISA).
  • Knowledge of version control (Git), CI/CD practices, and automated testing pipelines.
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes (SMT, ICT, functional test) and quality systems (ISO9001, Six Sigma basics).
  • Experience with time-series data analysis, dashboards (Grafana, Power BI), and telemetry pipelines.
  • Prior exposure to scripting for instrument control (PyVISA, nidaqmx) or ATE

Santa Rosa, CA: MIN $123,000.00 - MAX $148,000.00

Most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed above.

Visa Sponsorship:

Not available for this position. Candidates who now or at any point in the future require sponsorship (i.e. H1B Visa) will not be considered.

Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

Careers Privacy Statement***Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.
  • Internship/co-op or project experience developing test software, automation scripts, or test frameworks.
  • Proficiency in at least one programming language used for test automation (Python strongly preferred; OpenTap, C#, or similar acceptable).
  • Familiarity with test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies) and ATE concepts.
  • Basic understanding of electronics and PCB-level testing.
  • Experience with data collection, logging, and basic data analysis (pandas, NumPy, or similar).
  • Strong problem-solving skills and experience with debugging software/hardware integration issues.
  • Good communication and teamwork skills; ability to work in lab/production environments.

Preferred:

  • Experience applying AI/ML methods for anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, or yield optimization (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
  • Experience with workflow automation tools or RPA platforms and integrating software with MES/PLM/ERP systems.
  • Familiarity with test frameworks (pytest, Robot Framework) and test equipment APIs (IVI, VISA).
  • Knowledge of version control (Git), CI/CD practices, and automated testing pipelines.
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes (SMT, ICT, functional test) and quality systems (ISO9001, Six Sigma basics).
  • Experience with time-series data analysis, dashboards (Grafana, Power BI), and telemetry pipelines.
  • Prior exposure to scripting for instrument control (PyVISA, nidaqmx) or ATE

Santa Rosa, CA: MIN $123,000.00 - MAX $148,000.00

Most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed above.

Visa Sponsorship:

Not available for this position. Candidates who now or at any point in the future require sponsorship (i.e. H1B Visa) will not be considered.

Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

Careers Privacy Statement***Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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