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

Subsense

Test Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... fast-moving R&D. You will partner closely with hardware, software, research, data science, and ... Help establish engineering patterns, documentation practices, and code quality standards as the ...

Orbotech

Engr, Assoc Test 2

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $49.04/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 ...

Orbotech

Engr, Assoc Test 2

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $49.04/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 ...

Orbotech

Engr, Assoc Test 2

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $49.04/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 ...

KLA Corporation

Engr, Assoc Test 2

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $49.04/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 ...

Orbotech

Engr, Assoc Test 2

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $49.04/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 ...

KLA Corporation

Engr, Assoc Test 2

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $49.04/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 ...

KLA Corporation

Engr, Assoc Test 2

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $49.04/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 ...

SIGMA-US

Research & Development (R&D) Intern

Delano, CA · On-site

$25.98/hr

... R&D. * Maintain accurate records and documentation. What We're Looking For * Currently pursuing a degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

KLA Corporation

Engr, Assoc Test 2

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$28.85 - $49.04/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 ...

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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 Jul 9, 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 79% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,454 per year, or $32.9 per hour.
Material and Process Engineer

Material and Process Engineer

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Buellton, CA

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago

Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 388 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

## Position Overview The Materials Engineer is responsible for analyzing, researching, designing, and developing materials and their associated fabrication and application processes to create and optimize thin film coatings and related structural components. This role applies principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to define specifications for metallic, non metallic, and composite materials, as well as the processing, fabrication, and assembly methods required for system level integration. ## Key Responsibilities | Area | Primary Tasks | |------|----------------| | Materials Development | Conduct fundamental and applied research on metallic, ceramic, polymeric, and composite materials for thin film applications.
Design and prototype new material formulations and coating processes. | | Process Design & Optimization | Develop and refine deposition, sputtering, CVD, PVD, electro plating, and other thin film coating techniques.
Create detailed process specifications, parameters, and control plans. | | Fabrication & Assembly | Define fabrication routes for components and subsystems incorporating thin film coatings.
Oversee pilot scale production runs and validate repeatability. | | Failure & Life Cycle Analysis | Perform failure analysis (mechanical, thermal, environmental) on coated components.
Generate life prediction models and reliability assessments. | | Specification & Requirements | Write material, process, and performance specifications for internal projects and external subcontractors.
Review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures to ensure compliance with standards. | | Collaboration & Documentation | Work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams to integrate materials into systems and subsystems.
Maintain technical reports, test data, and configuration documentation. | | Continuous Improvement | Identify cost saving or performance enhancing opportunities in material selection and processing.
Stay current with emerging coating technologies and industry standards. | ## Required Qualifications | Category | Minimum Requirements | |----------|----------------------| | Education | B.S. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (M.S. preferred). | | Experience | 3 5years of experience in thin film coating development, materials processing, or related R&D. | | Technical Skills | Strong knowledge of physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), sputtering, and electro plating.
Proficiency with material characterization tools (SEM, TEM, XRD, AFM, ellipsometry, etc.).
Familiarity with failure analysis techniques (fractography, fatigue testing, environmental stress cracking). | | Software | Experience with statistical analysis (Minitab, JMP), CAD/CAE tools, and process simulation software. | | Regulatory/Standards | Understanding of MIL SPEC, ASTM, ISO, and aerospace material standards. | | Soft Skills | Excellent problem solving and analytical abilities.
Strong written and verbal communication for cross functional collaboration.
Ability to mentor junior engineers and coordinate with subcontractors. | ## Preferred Additional Expertise - Experience with space flight or high temperature aerospace applications. - Knowledge of additive manufacturing or advanced composite lay up processes. - Publication record or patents in thin film technologies. ## Typical Deliverables - Material and process specification packages (requirements, tolerances, test methods). - Process control documents and SOPs for coating equipment. - Failure analysis reports with root cause findings and corrective actions. - Reliability and life prediction models for coated components. - Technical presentations to internal stakeholders and external partners. ---

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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912

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