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Entry Level R&D Engineer Jobs in San Jose, CA (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$142K - $188K/yr

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world ...

Sr. Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$142K - $188K/yr

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world ...

Sr. Facilities Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$121K - $206K/yr

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world ...

Sr. Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$142K - $188K/yr

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world ...

Sr. Facilities Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$121K - $206K/yr

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world ...

NPI Product Engineer (Linux)

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$95K - $161K/yr

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world ...

Sr. Facilities Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$121K - $206K/yr

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world ...

Lead FPGA Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world ...

NPI Product Engineer (Linux)

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$95K - $161K/yr

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world ...

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world ...

HPC Hardware Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$95 - $161.50/hr

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem‑solvers work together with the world ...

Software Engineer, Agents

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$259K - $350K/yr

Benchling is the AI platform for biotech R&D. Scientists use Benchling to design experiments ... As an engineer on the team, you'll build these agents end-to-end, from designing the agent ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level R D Engineer information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$35.2K

$81.3K

$138.3K

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

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level r&d engineer in San Jose, CA is $81,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,400.00 and $92,000.00 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 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 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 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 cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Entry Level R&D Engineer jobs? Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Entry Level R&D Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level R&D Engineer job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,292 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Regional Applications Development Engineer

KLA Corporation

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$97K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world's leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow's electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Surfscan group includes a team of engineers, technology development, apps engineers and product marketing focused on technology that enables wafer, IC and equipment manufacturers to develop, qualify and monitor their process tools. Defects and process non-uniformities detected on Surfscan equipment allow for early identification of yield excursions. The flagship Surfscan products include the SPx platforms for wafer surface quality and wafer defect inspection tools and systems for inspection of polished wafers, epi wafers and engineered substrates during the wafer fabrication process.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Responsibilities:
Following standard procedures, provide applications development support to PWG and Wafersight products.
• Develop test cases; Characterize new products and/or features; Demonstrate metrology relevance to customer yield issues.
• Provide technical support in the development and implementation of customer applications dealing with PWG products and features.
• Provide specific product demonstrations on all aspects of highly complex products to customers and assess potential applications to meet customer needs; prepare detailed product specifications.
• The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills, be current in the customer use case domain, have excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work independently.
• The candidate will also be required to work towards characterization of the tool/algorithm performance and provides clear feedback to the Engineering teams for product improvement, especially during Alpha/Beta tests.
• Strong technical skills are required to understand the functionality and capabilities of these tools and for providing root cause analysis and potential solutions for customers.
• Such skills include (but are not limited to) techniques for data analysis/processing, statistical analysis as well as the ability to quickly pick up and understand customer requirements and processes.
• >50% travel will be required
Minimum Qualifications
Requirements:
• Candidate must have Master's or bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Material Science, or related fields.
• The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing.
• Candidate must have excellent oral and written communication, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Candidate must be self-driven, yet a strong team player.
• Programming and scripting skills in MATLAB or Python are a plus
Base Pay Range: $97,800.00 - $166,300.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA
KLA's total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.
Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA's Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.