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Entry Level Reliability Engineer Jobs in California

They are seeking an entry level Test Engineer to support internal telematics device testing tools ... Improving execution reliability, reporting clarity, and logging traceability • Debugging ...

Software Engineer I - AI Agents

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$145 - $165/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... reliability and performance of production applications. This is an entry-level role suitable for a recent graduate or an engineer with up to three years of software development experience. What You ...

This is an entry-level position ideally suited for recent graduates who enjoy hands-on laboratory ... Perform laboratory experiments to characterize system performance, reliability, robustness, and ...

This is an entry-level position ideally suited for recent graduates who enjoy hands-on laboratory ... Perform laboratory experiments to characterize system performance, reliability, robustness, and ...

This is an entry-level position ideally suited for recent graduates who enjoy hands-on laboratory ... Perform laboratory experiments to characterize system performance, reliability, robustness, and ...

$73K - $136K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals and/or support level employees ... Differentiate between suppliers based on their technical process (Repeatability, Reliability) and ...

Engineer I, Test

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$59K - $102K/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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 17, 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 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.

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 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 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.

Are entry level reliability engineers in demand?

Entry level reliability engineers are in demand across industries such as manufacturing, energy, and technology, as companies seek to improve equipment performance and reduce downtime. Skills in data analysis, maintenance strategies, and familiarity with reliability tools like FMEA or RCM increase employability in this field.

How to get into entry level reliability engineering?

To enter an entry-level reliability engineering role, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field. Gaining skills in data analysis, root cause analysis, and familiarity with tools like MATLAB or Python can be beneficial, along with understanding maintenance and reliability concepts. Internships or relevant certifications, such as Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE), can also improve job prospects.

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 job categories do people searching Entry Level Reliability Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level 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:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Reliability Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,428 per year, or $56 per hour.

Entry Level & Senior Software Engineer, AI Software Platform (Onsite)

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 244 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Machine Learning Engineering
General Summary:
As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drive digital transformation, creating a smarter, connected future for all. As an AI Software Core Software Engineer, you will develop and implement cutting-edge machine learning techniques that enable the efficient utilization of state-of-the-art solutions across various technology verticals.
In this role, you will be responsible for developing tools and supporting AI SW platform for the Qualcomm AI Stack spanning the Qualcomm AI Runtime (QAIRT) SDK, specifically Core software including Generative AI Inference Extensions (Genie) and the corresponding HW ML accelerator back-end support on the SoC. You will be responsible for researching state-of-the art AI toolchains, performance / memory and HW (CPU/NPU/eNPU) profiling for Edge-AI use cases on the embedded SoC.
You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your passion for software tools (developed in house and/or bring in off-the-shelf AI tools), support AI SW ecosystem across development and test and customer support. You will contribute to software toolchains and system level performance / memory profiling across a wide variety of OSes and platforms. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable AI software solutions, and contribute to a culture of technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the AI Software team.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 2+ years of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 1+ year of Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
Responsibilities
  • You will be involved in developing in-house software tools or research off-the-shelf 3rd party toolchains, compilers required for the Qualcomm AI Stack SDKs, specifically QAIRT and Genie, to support the execution of the latest generative AI models on Snapdragon platforms for various AI use cases across a wide-variety of SoCs and OS platforms (Android, Linux, QNX, Windows, Zephyr, etc.)
  • You will be involved in System level performance and memory profiling/benchmarking required to support high performance and efficient AI SW stack on SoCs supporting Edge-AI use cases using Qualcomm's AI SW SDK and associated components/toolchains
  • Validate, analyze, and optimize the performance and accuracy of software through detailed testing of machine learning use cases.
  • Debug complex issues, perform root cause analysis, and ensure high system reliability.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable toolchains
  • Contribute to a culture of technical excellence, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the AI Software team.
  • Participate in design and code reviews.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired)
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
  • 1+ years of experience building embedded software applications.
  • Proficiency in software tools development using C/C++/Python, compiler toolchains (LLVM, GNU) and build systems (Make/CMake)
  • Projects or Internships experience (Entry level) / 2+ years (Senior) of general software development experience.
  • Experience with development in different OS/platforms like Android, Linux, Windows
  • Knowledge of low-level interactions between operating systems (e.g., Linux, Android, Windows, QNX, etc.) and hardware.
  • Experience using/integrating Qualcomm AI Stack products (e.g., QNN, Genie).
  • Experience with agile software development practices and git-based SCM.
  • Ability to collaborate across a globally diverse team and manage multiple interests.
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal, presentation, and writing).

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$140,800.00 - $211,200.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985