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Entry Level Phd Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Etched

Technical Recruiter (Entry Level)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

Job Summary Technical Recruiter - Entry Level This role is for someone early in their career who is ... or phd scraping * Run structured interview coordination and lead candidate debriefs alongside ...

Etched

Technical Recruiter (Entry Level)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

Job Summary Technical Recruiter - Entry Level This role is for someone early in their career who is ... or phd scraping * Run structured interview coordination and lead candidate debriefs alongside ...

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Entry Level Phd information

What are entry level PhD jobs?

Entry level PhD jobs are positions designed for individuals who have recently completed their doctoral studies and are beginning their professional careers. These jobs typically require advanced research, analytical, or technical skills developed during a PhD program and may include roles in academia, industry, government, or nonprofit sectors. Examples of entry level PhD jobs include postdoctoral researcher, data scientist, research scientist, policy analyst, and consultant. While the specific requirements and responsibilities vary by field, these positions offer opportunities to apply specialized knowledge and begin building a professional track record.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level PhDs transitioning from academia to industry roles?

Entry-level PhDs often encounter challenges adjusting to the faster-paced, results-oriented environment of industry compared to academia. Adapting to collaborative, cross-functional teams and learning to communicate technical findings to non-expert stakeholders is crucial. Additionally, shifting focus from independent research to project-based work with clear deliverables may require new time management and prioritization skills. However, these challenges present excellent opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a supportive team setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level PhD professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level PhD professional, you need advanced research skills, subject matter expertise, and a doctoral degree in your field. Familiarity with specialized software, statistical tools, and laboratory or data analysis systems is commonly required depending on the discipline. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset help set you apart in multidisciplinary environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving innovation, contributing to complex projects, and integrating effectively into research or industry teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Phd vs Research Assistant?

AspectEntry Level PhdResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsPhD or near completionBachelor's or Master's, sometimes pursuing PhD
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research labs, universitiesResearch labs, academic institutions, industry
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, some industry R&DUniversities, government agencies, private sector
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles for PhD holdersEntry-level research roles for those with advanced degrees

Entry Level Phd positions typically require candidates to have completed or be close to completing a PhD, often working in academic or research environments. Research Assistants usually hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree and support research projects. While both roles involve research activities, Entry Level Phd roles are geared toward recent PhD graduates or candidates, whereas Research Assistants often have less advanced degrees but support similar research tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Phd jobs in California?

The most popular types of Phd jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Phd jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Phd jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Phd jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Phd job openings:

Entry Level Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Phd job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution.

2027 TMP Tech & NPI Entry Level Engineering Rotation - MS/PHD

Solar Turbines Incorporated

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Solar Turbines rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
2027 TMP Tech & NPI Entry Level Engineering Rotation - MS/PHD
The Turbomachinery Technology and New Product Introduction (NPI) team is seeking passionate, entry level engineers with advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) specializing in gas turbine aerodynamics, heat transfer, performance, combustion, additive manufacturing technology, or mechanical/aerospace engineering bachelor's degree with a data science Master/PhD to join our team. Please see job responsibility details for all these different roles below.
To establish a strong foundation, the successful candidate will be a part of an Engineering Rotation program that is a purpose-driven initiative designed to accelerate your development and lay a strong foundation for long-term success. Through immersive, hands-on rotations, you'll gain skills, experience, and networks to become one of the next generation's most capable and innovative engineers.
During the selection process, candidates are matched with a core functional department that aligns with their strengths and career aspirations. The program consists of two (2) to three (3) rotations, each lasting 16-20 weeks, within departments that complement the candidate's long-term placement. These rotations strengthen enterprise understanding, broaden product knowledge, and support a seamless transition into their engineering career.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • In the process of obtaining or have obtained a minimum of a Master's degree in an accredited engineering program such as Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemistry, Materials etc

  • Overall GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.

  • Applied knowledge of engineering fundamentals.

  • Experience with problem-solving tasks.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

  • Must be able and willing to relocate to San Diego, CA and be in office full time.

Global Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience (Course work or internship) in turbomachinery concepts

  • High energy level and sense of urgency.

  • Demonstrated success in weighing business and technical decisions.

  • Ability to handle multiple priorities for a variety of tasks.

  • Previous co-op or Internship experience.

  • Problem solving skills.

Turbine and Compressor Aerodynamics
  • Application of Gas Turbine Aerodynamic Principals: Leverage conceptual, preliminary and detailed aerodynamic tools to design and analyze turbine and compressor flowpath components, including airfoils, ducts, diffusers and collectors.

  • Multidisciplinary Design and Integration: Work closely with other disciplines to ensure that aerodynamic designs meet program requirements for manufacturability, cost, durability and performance.

  • Simulation and Methods Development: Contribute to the development and maintenance of 1D, 2D, and 3D design and analysis tools that enable aerodynamic and multidisciplinary gas turbine design. Utilize state-of-the-art Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to optimize and design turbine hardware.

Gas Turbine Performance Engineering
  • Concept and Advanced Thermodynamic Cycle Studies: Conduct studies to develop and calibrate performance predictions for new or upgraded engines and oversee performance during development.

  • Production Tests and Product Support: Support production tests and product support efforts using performance predictions and data analysis tools.

  • Software Development and Maintenance: Develop and maintain software used to analyze, predict, and guarantee the performance of Solar's products.

  • Critical Services and Software: Provide services and software critical to the success of Turbomachinery Product design, Sales and Applications, Customer Services, Overhaul facilities, and customer sites.

  • Engine Data Analysis: Analyze engine data from tests to troubleshoot and monitor the aeromechanical behavior and performance of each product line.

  • Transient Cycle Models: Produce transient cycle models to create advanced AI-based digital twins that will unlock extending service intervals, cycle count capabilities, and increase efficiency through operational flexibility.

Gas Turbine Heat Transfer Design and Analysis
  • Turbine Component Design: Design the cooling circuits and create thermal models of various components including cooled blades and nozzles, turbine disks, diaphragms, pre-swirler, etc. as part of a cross-functional design team.

  • Secondary Cooling Flow Management: Distribute the secondary cooling air throughout the engine to provide adequate cooling to the turbine section components by using 1-D flow codes for straightforward flow geometry and CFD for more complex flow situations.

  • Develop Innovative Design Solutions: Design, analyze and validate creative solutions to reduce cooling flow consumption to enhance engine performance and/or improve durability.

  • Overall Engine Thermal Management: Provide thermal model predictions through a transient cycle to understand seal and rotor tip behavior as well as overall engine displacement. Support analyses such as heat rejection to the lube oil system and surrounding enclosure ventilation to size and assess ancillary package systems.

Gas Turbine Combustion Engineer
  • Application of Combustion Fundamental: Leverage Knowledge of chemical kinetics, oscillations, and other combustion system modeling tools and experimental methods employed to optimize emissions, stability, and operational flexibility.

  • Combustion hardware optimization: Design and analyze injectors and combustor liners to enhance fuel-air mixing and thermal performance.

  • Cross-functional integration: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate combustion system advancements into turbine products.

  • Progress innovative design solution: Utilize computational and experimental techniques to validate design concepts and optimize performance.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) Technology Engineer
  • AM Materials Development: Characterize metallurgical and mechanical properties of commercially available and emerging AM Alloys (Nickel, Stainless Steels). Collaborate with external partners (Universities, Labs) to qualify new AM alloys. Work closely with engineering teams to create material properties design curves and qualify new AM components.

  • AM Technology Maturation: Use Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework to direct development programs to advance AM technologies including distortion prediction, low angle printing techniques, advanced surface finishing, print parameter optimization, beam shaping, microstructure control, and process monitoring/quality assurance techniques. Identify new candidate AM components and identify pathways to resolve associated technology gaps.

  • Design for AM Knowledge Capture & Consulting: Document best practices for AM design and manufacturing. Lead periodic in-house training for engineering staff and serve as AM technology subject matter expert for component design teams. Support manufacturing, design, and field with root cause/corrective action activities. Monitor industry and university AM technology advancements and identify high potential areas.

Engineering Data Scientist
  • Engineering Fundamentals Application: Leverage knowledge of stress, strain, fatigue, and mechanics of materials to interpret model outputs and ensure alignment with physical design principles.

  • Design Optimization Support: Collaborate with mechanical engineers to analyze gas turbine component designs and identify opportunities for improving durability, and manufacturability.

  • Predictive Modeling: Develop and validate machine learning models using test data, simulation outputs, and operational metrics to support design decisions and reduce development cycles.

  • Workflow Integration: Assist in embedding data science tools and models into existing design workflows and software platforms to enable real-time feedback and automation.

  • Visualization & Communication: Create clear, actionable dashboards and visualizations to communicate insights to cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, and reliability engineering.

Compensation & Benefits
Base salary for this role ranges from $92,500, to $118,000. Actual salary will be based on experience. The total rewards package, beyond base salary includes:
  • Annual incentive bonus plan*
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage starting day 1
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)
  • 401(k) Savings Plan including company match
  • Health savings account (HSA)
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts
  • Career Development

This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
August 26, 2026 - September 29, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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