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Entry Level R&D Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ALIGN Executive Search

R & D Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

This is a great opportunity for a hands-on engineer who wants to design and develop next-generation medical devices, with strong potential exposure to the endovascular catheter space. What You'll Do

ALIGN Executive Search

R & D Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

Build preliminary sketches, 3D models, detailed design concepts, and engineering prototypes. [1] * Testing & Validation: Plan and run benchtop tests, verification and validation (V&V), and pre ...

R.D. Olson

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65 - $96/hr

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality + Multifamily This isn't just another construction job. It's your launchpad. At R.D.

Masimo

Engineer, Failure Analysis

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Works closely with Compliance, Regulatory, R &D Engineering, Operations and QA at various levels within the organization to understand the root cause of product failures and identify product ...

Masimo

Engineer, Failure Analysis

Irvine, CA

$70K - $90K/yr

Works closely with Compliance, Regulatory, R &D Engineering, Operations and QA at various levels within the organization to understand the root cause of product failures and identify product ...

GFF

R & D Product Development Specialist

La Puente, CA · On-site

$75K/yr

Designs & creates new products or alters & improves existing products; use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, & other sciences to study the principle underlying the processing & deterioration of ...

M.R. Mold & Engineering

Be Seen First

Associate injection mold designer - Entry Level.

Brea, CA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

In this entry-level role, you will work closely with senior designers and engineers to translate ... We'd love to have you join the M.R. Mold team.

The Contingent Plan

Technical Writer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

Collaborate with multiple departments, including Q&R, R&;D, Engineering, and document control, to establish standardized procedures and work instructions in accordance to PIL, PQMS, and Excellence ...

The Mice Groups, Inc.

Process Technician

Fremont, CA · On-site

Perform technical tests and experiments for process engineering within R&D. * Perform set up of processing equipment. * Monitors, audits, and provide guidance to line operators. * Process test runs ...

Drivemode

Mobile Software Engineer - iOS

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$166K/yr

Required : • BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering or a related field (or equivalent ... It is a sub-organization of Honda R&D. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Redwood ...

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Entry Level R D Engineer information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$68.5K

$116.5K

How much do entry level r&d engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level r&d engineer in California is $68,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level R&D engineer do?

An Entry Level R&D Engineer assists in the research, design, and development of new products or processes within a company. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and helping to solve technical challenges. Their responsibilities may also include preparing reports, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and contributing to the improvement of existing products. This role is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in a laboratory or product development environment.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry level R&D engineer?

As an Entry Level R&D Engineer, you will typically work on a variety of projects that support the development and improvement of new products or technologies. Your responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, assisting with prototype design, and collaborating with more experienced engineers and cross-functional teams. You'll also have opportunities to contribute ideas during brainstorming sessions and may be involved in documenting research findings. This role provides hands-on experience and is an excellent way to develop technical skills while learning industry best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level R&D engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level R&D Engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and a solid grasp of scientific and mathematical principles. Familiarity with CAD software, laboratory equipment, and data analysis tools is often required, and knowledge of industry-specific standards or certifications can be beneficial. Effective problem-solving, creativity, and strong teamwork and communication abilities help individuals stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are important because they enable engineers to develop innovative solutions, collaborate efficiently with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the advancement of new products and technologies.

What is the difference between Entry Level R&D Engineer vs Entry Level Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level R&D EngineerEntry Level Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often in R&D or related fieldsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development teams, innovation centersManufacturing plants, design offices, testing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing firms, research institutionsAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level R&D Engineers focus on developing new products and technologies in research settings, while Entry Level Mechanical Engineers typically work on designing, testing, and improving mechanical systems in manufacturing or industrial environments. Both roles require a bachelor's degree and are common entry points in engineering industries, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level R&D Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level R&D Engineer job openings:

Entry Level R D Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level R&D Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,454 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

R & D Engineer

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

ALIGN Executive Search
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about ALIGN Executive Searchexternal

$100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

This is a great opportunity for a hands-on engineer who wants to design and develop next-generation medical devices, with strong potential exposure to the endovascular catheter space.

 

What You'll Do

  • Design and develop medical devices and related accessories
  • Develop and execute engineering tests, including benchtop, verification & validation (V&V), and pre-clinical studies
  • Create comprehensive test protocols and reports
  • Design and build tools, jigs, and fixtures to support prototyping, manufacturing, and testing
  • Create sketches and detailed design concepts; perform measurements, analyses, and build engineering prototypes
  • Communicate project status, risks, and opportunities to the project team and management
  • Contribute to the company's IP base through active idea generation and concept development
  • Assemble product drawings, specifications, risk analyses, and technical documentation; maintain proper documentation within the Design Dossier and Design History File (DHF) for regulatory compliance
  • Support product transfer and scale-up activities
  • Ensure compliance with quality system procedures and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as company Health, Safety, and Environmental policies
  • Help maintain the R&D lab to support efficient prototyping and process development
  • Manage direct or indirect reports as needed

 

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Biomedical, Materials, or Mechanical Engineering
  • Minimum 2 years of engineering experience in development or manufacturing within a regulated medical device environment
  • Experience in the endovascular catheter industry is a strong plus
  • Working proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling and engineering drawings
  • Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
  • A collaborative, team-first mindset
  • Sense of urgency with the ability to multitask, prioritize, manage risk, and meet deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and technical writing skills
  • Familiarity with FDA submission processes, ISO requirements, and QSR requirements preferred
  • Ability to travel approximately 5% of the time, domestically and internationally
  • Ability to travel to Temecula as needed for development and product transfer projects

 

Health and Wellness

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Gym memberships or wellness perks []

 

Financial and Retirement

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
  • Performance-based bonuses (up to 20% for certain engineering tiers) []

 

Time Off and Professional Growth

  • Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave
  • Paid company holidays (averaging around 11 days per year)
  • Academic and tuition reimbursement programs

Company Description

An established and growing aerospace manufacturing company whose products are found in nearly every commercial aircraft.