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

R.D. Olson

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

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

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

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 ...

Adecco

R D Technician II

Carlsbad, CA

$27 - $30/hr

Partner with engineers to develop test setups and implement testing fixtures. * Operate semi-automated testing equipment with precise setup requirements. * Accurately collect, document, and report ...

New

Cosmetix West

R & D Lab Coordinator

El Segundo, CA · On-site

This role supports chemists and the process engineer by managing daytoday lab operations, equipment maintenance, and sample preparation to aid in new product development. This role is ideal for ...

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 ...

Actalent

Engineering Technician

San Diego, CA

$29/hr

Collaborate closely with a small team of engineers in an R&D-focused environment. * Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace. * Contribute to continuous improvement of testing ...

D.R. Horton, Inc

Receptionist

Visalia, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

D.R. Horton, Inc., the largest homebuilder in the U.S. , was founded in 1978 and is a publicly ... the entry-level and first time move-up markets. The Company also provides mortgage financing and ...

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All JobsR&D Engineering JobsEntry Level R&D Engineering JobsEntry Level R&D Engineering Jobs in California

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 Jul 30, 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 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 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 types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry-level R&D engineer?

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, and why are they important?

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,454 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Project Engineer

R.D. Olson

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

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. Olson Construction, we’re not just building projects — we’re building careers. If you’re early in your construction career and hungry to grow, we’ve built a Project Engineer role designed to accelerate you into a leadership path.
You'll be deeply embedded in the construction of major hotel and multifamily developments, where your coordination, communication, and hustle will directly impact the success of $20M–$40M projects. This is where the learning curve is steep, the standards are high, and the potential is real.
Why This Role Matters
As a Project Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of it all — tracking RFIs and submittals, coordinating with top-tier subcontractors, and ensuring every material delivery and meeting runs like clockwork. You’ll be the link that keeps the site running smoothly and the team aligned.
But this isn’t just a checklist job — it’s your first step toward becoming a Project Manager. You’ll be learning directly from experienced leaders, earning trust through results, and taking on more responsibility every month. We’ve built the ladder. You just have to climb it.
Why Top Performers Choose R.D. Olson
➡️ You’ll grow fast.
From day one, you're part of our Project Manager Career Ladder — supported by RD Olson University and mentors who’ve been in your shoes.
➡️ You’ll make an impact.
You’ll support signature construction projects across Southern California, representing the next generation of innovation in hospitality and housing.
➡️ You’ll be part of something real.
This isn’t a job where you push paper. It’s a job where you walk job sites, solve real problems, and see your work come to life — day after day.
What You Bring
  • A degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or hands-on experience as a Project Engineer
  • Confidence using Microsoft Project, Excel, and Procore or similar tools
  • A Southern California base and willingness to travel to job sites
  • A mindset for growth, grit, and detail — not just checking boxes
Your Career, Engineered for Impact
Whether you're fresh from school or bringing a few years of field experience, this role is built to grow with you. Within your first year, you’ll:
  • Master RFIs, submittals, and procurement coordination
  • Support $20M–$40M projects with real impact
  • Build the relationships and reps you’ll need to lead
  • Explore how to use AI and automation to do it smarter and faster
This is a role where high performers thrive — and where those who show initiative are never held back.
Let’s Build What’s Next — Together
If you’re ready to turn your potential into a plan and your ambition into action, we want to talk. At R.D. Olson, we don’t just offer jobs — we offer careers worth building.
What You'll Receive
Salary of $65,000 to $96,000 plus construction bonus. 100% associate health insurance. 401k plan with matching. Paid time off. Volunteer opportunities.
Apply www.rdolson.com/culture-and-careers/#jobs
 

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