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

ALIGN Executive Search

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R & D Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Posted today

ALIGN Executive Search

R & D Engineer

Tustin, CA

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 ...

ALIGN Executive Search

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R & D Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Posted today

R.D. Olson

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

R D Olson Construction

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

R.D. Olson

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65 - $96/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

The Contingent Plan

Technical Writer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

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 ...

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

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Associate injection mold designer - Entry Level.

Brea, CA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

New

Hyundai MOBIS

Engineer II, Accy Engineering

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$57K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Accy Engineering We are searching for an experienced Engineer II, Accy Engineering at our ... Responsible for creation of change requests for submission to HKMC/MHQ R&D. * Ensure all supplier ...

Trener

Robotics Research Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The Robotics Research Engineer is a full-time (100%) position at Trener reporting directly to Alejandro Astudillo, VP of R&D. The role is primarily located at the company's office in San Jose ...

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 Engineering information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$68.5K

$116.5K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level r&d engineering 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 is an entry level R&D engineer?

An Entry Level R&D (Research and Development) Engineer is a recent graduate or early-career professional who works on designing, developing, and testing new products, technologies, or processes. They collaborate with senior engineers and scientists to conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to innovative solutions. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with prototype development, documentation, and running tests to ensure product quality and functionality. This role helps bridge theoretical engineering knowledge with practical application in a real-world setting.

What do entry level R&D engineers do?

As an entry-level R&D engineer, you'll typically work on a variety of tasks that support the development and improvement of new products or technologies. Your responsibilities may include conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, building prototypes, and assisting senior engineers with troubleshooting and documentation. You’ll often collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as design, manufacturing, and quality assurance to ensure project goals are met. Entry-level roles provide valuable exposure to the full product development cycle and offer plenty of opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level R&D Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, lab equipment, data acquisition systems, and sometimes certifications in project management or Six Sigma are valuable. Strong communication, creativity, and teamwork skills help you collaborate effectively and contribute innovative solutions. These abilities are crucial for driving product development, ensuring technical accuracy, and supporting continuous improvement in research environments.

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

AspectEntry Level R&D EngineeringMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or similar
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development teamsDesign offices, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageResearch and development departments across industriesProduct design and manufacturing companies
Common Search IntentEntry level R&D roles, research-focused positionsDesign-focused engineering roles

Entry Level R&D Engineering and Mechanical Design Engineer roles often require similar educational backgrounds, but differ in focus. Entry Level R&D Engineers typically work on developing new products or technologies in research labs, while Mechanical Design Engineers focus on creating detailed product designs for manufacturing. Both roles are common in engineering industries, but their daily tasks and environments vary.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level R&D Engineering jobs in California?

For Entry Level R&D Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level R&D Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level R&D Engineering jobs in California are:

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

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

Entry Level R D Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level R&D Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,454 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

R & D Engineer

ALIGN Executive Search

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 hours ago

Posted today

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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

Our castings can be found on nearly every aircraft in operation today, underscoring our role as an essential supplier to the global aerospace industry.