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Entry Level Product Development Engineer Jobs in California

Elco Lighting

Be Seen First

Product Development Engineer

Vernon, CA · On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

As a Product Development Engineer at Elco Lighting, you will play a pivotal role in the entire product lifecycle, from concept generation to final production. You will collaborate with cross ...

KLA Corporation

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

The selected Product Development Engineer will work within the Broadband Plasma products. This role will involve requirements analysis, system design and testing of complex inspection systems using ...

Orbotech

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

... development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company ...

Orbotech

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$117K - $200K/yr

The selected Product Development Engineer will work within the Broadband Plasma products. This role will involve requirements analysis, system design and testing of complex inspection systems using ...

Micron Technology

Product Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$145K - $193K/yr

Leverage in-house engineering equipment to support product characterization and electrical fault analysis. Develop high-quality and cost-effective mobile DRAM testing strategies. Utilize state-of-art ...

Micron

Product Development Engineer

San Jose, CA

$145K - $193K/yr

Leverage in-house engineering equipment to support product characterization and electrical fault analysis. Develop high-quality and cost-effective mobile DRAM testing strategies. Utilize state-of-art ...

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All JobsProduct Development Engineer JobsEntry Level Product Development Engineer JobsEntry Level Product Development Engineer Jobs in California

Entry Level Product Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$39K

$86.7K

$130.8K

How much do entry level product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level product development engineer in California is $86,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or tasks that an Entry Level Product Development Engineer might work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Product Development Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of tasks such as assisting with prototype design, conducting product testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams like marketing and manufacturing. You may also help in analyzing customer feedback, documenting technical specifications, and supporting the development of new features or product iterations. Early on, you'll likely work under the guidance of senior engineers, which provides a great opportunity to learn industry best practices and gradually take on more responsibility as you gain experience.

What does an Entry Level Product Development Engineer do?

An Entry Level Product Development Engineer assists in designing, developing, and testing new products or improving existing ones. They work closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to bring product ideas to life, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software and prototyping tools. Responsibilities may include conducting research, analyzing data, and supporting product launches. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in the engineering field, helping to bridge the gap between concept and finished product.

What is the difference between Entry Level Product Development Engineer vs Product Designer?

AspectEntry Level Product Development EngineerProduct Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, or related fieldBachelor's in Design, Graphic Design, or related field
Work EnvironmentEngineering teams, R&D labs, manufacturing settingsDesign studios, user research environments, collaborative offices
Industry UsageManufacturing, technology, consumer productsConsumer electronics, apparel, digital products
Common Search IntentUnderstanding engineering roles in product developmentUnderstanding design roles in product creation

The Entry Level Product Development Engineer focuses on designing, testing, and improving products from an engineering perspective, often working closely with manufacturing. In contrast, Product Designers emphasize user experience, aesthetics, and usability, often working in creative and user-centered environments. Both roles are essential in product creation but differ in their focus and skill sets.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Product Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and a relevant degree such as Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, prototyping tools, and basic knowledge of product lifecycle management (PLM) systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and adaptability help you collaborate across departments and respond to evolving project demands. These skills and qualities are critical for efficiently translating ideas into viable products while meeting technical, cost, and timeline objectives.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs in California? For Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Product Development Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Product Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Product Development Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,733 per year, or $41.7 per hour.
Product Development Engineer

Product Development Engineer

TS Conductor

Huntington Beach, CA • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

We are looking for a hands-on engineer to join our product development team. You will take new concepts from the bench to production, working closely with manufacturing, suppliers, and end customers to bring innovative products to market. You will be expected to own the technical aspects of your projects while communicating clearly with cross-functional partners.

Essential Functions

  • Lead design and development of new products and components from concept through production release.
  • Create and maintain 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation.
  • Plan and execute mechanical and materials testing to validate designs and support qualification programs.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are producible and cost-effective.
  • Visit customer and partner sites to gather requirements and provide installation and technical support.
  • Identify problems creatively and propose novel solutions.

Requirements / Training and Experience

  • Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science degree.
  • Strong academic record (3.5 GPA or above).
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks, CREO, or equivalent 3D CAD suite.
  • 2 to 3 years in product development, overhead transmission line work or manufacturing.
  • Mechanical or materials testing experience.
  • Willingness to travel to project sites for short durations.
  • Comfortable communicating with customers and partners.
  • Great attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
  • Team spirit.
  • Good analytical skills.
  • Additional certification in Quality Assurance is a plus.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to comprehend and follow directions.
  • Position is in Huntington Beach, CA

Incentives

  • Benefits offered the first of the month following 30 days of employment, include: medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, paid time off (sick and vacation), 10 company holidays, 401(k) with company match, etc.
  • Referral Rewards program

Work Environment

The Product Development Engineer position works in a combination of work settings from office and lab to a safety sensitive manufacturing environment. The Product Development Engineer will often work directly on the shop floor of the manufacturing facility, near and around large-scale production processes and equipment. Product Development Engineer may also work in Research and Development (R&D) and Quality Control Testing to design and develop new manufacturing processes, testing, and experiments to improve product design and production methods, and to ensure product quality and compliance with standards. The position will spend time in the engineering office performing tasks such as designing manufacturing systems, developing process flow diagrams, analyzing data, creating manufacturing instructions, and collaborating with others. Occasionally, will participate in on-site visits needed to visit suppliers, vendors, or customer sites to review quality issues, assess manufacturing capabilities, troubleshooting issues, or assess material or tooling quality and performance. Occupational health and safety practices are essential in manufacturing environments and is expected to adhere to safety protocols and wear appropriate protective equipment when necessary.