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Entry Level Reliability Engineer Jobs in California

Engineer I, Test

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$59.84K - $102.58K/yr

This role is an entry level Test Engineer position for CalAmp mobile devices supporting internal ... Improving execution reliability, reporting clarity, and logging traceability * Debugging ...

Engineer I, Test

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$59.84K - $102.58K/yr

Responsibilities This role is an entry level Test Engineer position for CalAmp mobile devices ... Improving execution reliability, reporting clarity, and logging traceability * Debugging ...

Engineer I, Test

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$102.58K/yr

Responsibilities This role is an entry level Test Engineer position for CalAmp mobile devices ... Improving execution reliability, reporting clarity, and logging traceability * Debugging ...

Validation Engineer I

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site +1

$20 - $23/hr

This is an entry-level, remote position. Successful candidates have a bachelor's degree within an ... Conduct thorough testing to ensure system functionality and reliability, utilizing a risk-based ...

New

... * Entry level to Intermediate proficiency in C/C++, with working knowledge of Python or scripting ... Basic understanding of software reliability, deterministic timing, concurrency, and resource ...

Validation Engineer I

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site +1

$20 - $23/hr

This is an entry-level, remote position. Successful candidates have a bachelor's degree within an ... Conduct thorough testing to ensure system functionality and reliability, utilizing a risk-based ...

New

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Entry Level Reliability Engineer information

See California salary details

$60.2K

$116.4K

$139.2K

How much do entry level reliability engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level reliability engineer in California is $116,428.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,200.00 and $127,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Reliability Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Reliability Engineer, you need a background in engineering (such as mechanical, electrical, or industrial), strong analytical skills, and a basic understanding of reliability principles and failure analysis. Familiarity with tools like reliability modeling software, root cause analysis methods, and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) is commonly expected. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring equipment reliability, minimizing downtime, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives in technical environments.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an Entry Level Reliability Engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As an Entry Level Reliability Engineer, you will typically start by supporting senior engineers in collecting and analyzing equipment performance data, conducting root cause analyses for failures, and assisting with preventive maintenance planning. You may be tasked with monitoring asset health, updating reliability databases, and participating in team meetings to discuss improvement strategies. Over time, you’ll take on more independent projects, such as developing reliability models or leading smaller failure investigations, which helps build your technical expertise and teamwork skills. This collaborative environment offers valuable exposure to different engineering disciplines and sets a strong foundation for career advancement.

What does an Entry Level Reliability Engineer do?

An Entry Level Reliability Engineer helps ensure that products, systems, or processes operate reliably and meet quality standards. They assist in analyzing failure data, identifying root causes of issues, and working with senior engineers to improve designs or maintenance procedures. Their tasks often include running tests, collecting data, and maintaining documentation. Entry level roles focus on learning industry standards and supporting projects that enhance reliability and performance.

Is SRE higher than DevOps?

Reliability Engineers (SREs) and DevOps engineers have overlapping roles focused on system reliability and automation, but SREs typically have a more specialized focus on service reliability, monitoring, and incident response, often working with tools like Prometheus and Kubernetes. DevOps engineers generally focus on continuous integration, deployment, and infrastructure automation. The hierarchy depends on the organization, but SREs are often seen as a more senior or specialized role within reliability and operations teams.

What are the 4 pillars of SRE?

The four pillars of Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) are availability, latency, performance, and efficiency. These pillars guide SREs, including reliability engineers, in designing and maintaining scalable, reliable systems by focusing on monitoring, automation, and incident response. Mastery of these areas helps ensure system stability and optimal user experience.

What is the difference between Entry Level Reliability Engineer vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectEntry Level Reliability EngineerMaintenance Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in engineering or related field; certifications like Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) beneficialHigh school diploma or technical training; certifications like HVAC, electrical, or mechanical licenses
Work EnvironmentOffice and plant floor; data analysis and equipment monitoringPrimarily plant floor; hands-on equipment repair and maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, aerospace; focus on system reliability and performanceManufacturing, facilities, industrial plants; focus on equipment upkeep
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Entry Level Reliability Engineer focuses on analyzing data, improving system reliability, and preventing failures, often requiring a degree in engineering. In contrast, Maintenance Technicians perform hands-on repairs and routine maintenance. While both roles support operational efficiency, the Reliability Engineer emphasizes analysis and planning, whereas the Technician emphasizes direct equipment repair.

What are the most commonly searched types of Reliability Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Reliability Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Reliability Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Reliability Engineer job openings:
Engineer I, Test

Engineer I, Test

CalAmp

Carlsbad, CA • Hybrid

$59.84K - $102.58K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

We are CalAmp, a connected intelligence company that gives people the ability to track, monitor and recover their vital assets with real-time visibility and insights.

Currently, we are seeking an Engineer I, Test based in Carlsbad, CA.

This is an exciting opportunity for those who align with our core values (Inclusion, Innovation, Execution, Customer Success) and for those who desire to build, sell, and/or support connected solutions and services.


This role is an entry level Test Engineer position for CalAmp mobile devices supporting internal telematics device testing tools and data platforms within the Vehicle Engineering group.

Core Responsibilities

  • Develop code to extract data elements from multiple 3rd party sources including Excel, MS Access, JSON, XML, or PDF files.
    • This code needs to create intermediate files or common format using Excel that can be ingested into an SQL database.

    • Assist with the ingestion of this data into the SQL database.

  • Maintain and enhance existing internal C# diagnostic and automation applications used to support telematics device validation and communication workflows.
    • MQTT broker integrations, topic subscription/publish flows, and routing
    • Serial communication subsystems: .NET COM interfaces, USB/COM detection, async port management, retry/fault-recovery logic
    • CAN and J1939 data capture, decoding, logging, filtering, and replay
  • Support automated test execution software used to validate embedded communication behavior and system functionality.
    • Loading and running modular XML test definitions

    • Improving execution reliability, reporting clarity, and logging traceability

    • Debugging communication paths across CAN, MQTT, serial, and server interfaces


Must Haves

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field

  • Proficiency in C# and Python

  • Working knowledge of serial communication (COM/USB) fundamentals

  • Proficiency in MS Excel: formulas, pivot tables, data formatting

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong Pluses

  • Experience with distributed IoT communication:

    • MQTT publish/subscribe patterns

    • Broker-based device telemetry flows

    • TLS, authentication, and topic security models

  • Familiarity with vehicle and embedded communication buses:

    • J1939, J1708/J1587, CAN, CAN FD

  • Exposure to debugging tools:

    • CANalyzer, CANoe, MQTTX, Postman

  • Familiarity with IP networks and routing

  • Experience with cellular modems, GPS technology, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth/BLE

This position provides hands-on experience with modern IoT communication stacks, telematics test environments, and software-driven automation for embedded devices. You will work closely with engineering to support and evolve internal communication test frameworks, data processing flows, and test automation logic.

Interviews are occurring this week and next so apply now if interested.

Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis. We are unable to provide sponsorship at this time.

#LI-JN1

#LI-Hybrid


USD $59,838.00/Yr.
USD $102,579.00/Yr.