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Entry Level Stem Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Application Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$74K - $137K/yr

This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited experience but a strong desire to learn and be a part of the electronic technologies of tomorrow. At ...

Solder Assembler

Poway, CA · On-site

$25.96 - $27.26/hr

Please Note: This is not an entry-level or learn-on-the-job position. We are looking for ... ATR International, Inc. cannot sponsor work visas (H-1B, F-1 STEM OPT with I-983, or similar)

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Stem information

See California salary details

$14

$26

$78

How much do entry level stem jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level stem in California is $26.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level STEM jobs?

Entry-level STEM positions include a variety of jobs, such as software engineer, software analyst, electrical engineer, and biologist. Most STEM jobs emphasize technology and innovation in their daily activities. For example, with an entry-level STEM job, you may research particular topics, study data or demographics, or teach software on your computer how to interpret information. Most STEM degrees provide access to specific career paths. Therefore, training as a biologist rarely qualifies graduates for jobs using advanced theoretical math, for example. However, some jobs accept applicants from any of the four branches because science, technology, engineering, and math classes tend to teach valuable critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

What kinds of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level STEM professional?

As an entry-level STEM professional, you'll typically be involved in supporting larger projects through data collection, analysis, troubleshooting, and documentation. You might collaborate with more experienced team members, assist with experiments or prototypes, and contribute to research or development efforts. The scope of your responsibilities will expand as you gain skills, but expect a mix of hands-on tasks and learning opportunities in a collaborative environment. This structure is designed to help you build a strong foundation while contributing meaningfully to your team's objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level STEM professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level STEM professional, you typically need a solid background in mathematics, scientific reasoning, and problem-solving, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with common technical tools such as programming languages (like Python or MATLAB), laboratory equipment, or data analysis software is also important. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you learn quickly and contribute effectively to projects. These skills and qualities enable you to tackle complex problems, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, and grow within fast-evolving STEM fields.

What is the difference between Entry Level Stem vs Entry Level Engineering?

AspectEntry Level StemEntry Level Engineering
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; some roles may require a bachelor'sBachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, research facilitiesDesign offices, manufacturing sites, labs
Industry UsageBroad STEM fields including science, technology, engineering, mathSpecific engineering disciplines like mechanical, electrical, civil
Common Search/ComparisonEntry Level Stem vs Entry Level Engineering

Entry Level Stem is a broad category encompassing various science, technology, engineering, and math roles, often requiring minimal formal credentials. Entry Level Engineering is more specialized, focusing on engineering disciplines with a bachelor's degree typically required. While both roles may work in similar environments, Entry Level Engineering positions are more focused on engineering tasks and design, whereas Entry Level Stem roles can include a wider range of scientific and technical positions.

How to get into entry level STEM jobs?

To get into entry level STEM jobs, candidates should focus on gaining relevant education such as a bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, and develop practical skills through internships, projects, or certifications. Building proficiency in tools like programming languages or laboratory equipment can improve employability, and networking with professionals or joining industry organizations can provide job leads and mentorship.

What are the most commonly searched types of Stem jobs in California?

The most popular types of Stem jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Stem jobs in California?

For Entry Level Stem jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Stem jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Stem jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Stem jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Stem job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Stem job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,866 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer - DevSecOps (San Diego - Hybrid)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer - DevSecOps / DevOps to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Software organization. This partially hybrid role is located on site in San Diego, California.

In this role you will be working with the latest technology to modernize software product production with DevSecOps - continuous build, continuous integration, continuous test, continuous cyber, continuous deployment, and continuous metrics on aerospace programs. Specifically, you will be responsible for the design, architecture, development, deployment, and operation of modern DevSecOps software factory. You will work with multi-disciplinary teams, such as with Systems Engineering, Real-time & Embedded Software, Test Automation, DevSecOps, and Systems Test in an Agile software development environment.

Job Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

  • Work in an innovative environment, on significantly diverse assignments, and in collaborative team settings across all levels

  • Coordinate program builds and delivery pipelines

  • Implement all segments of DevSecOps lifecycle - continuous build, continuous integration, continuous test, continuous cyber, and continuous deployment pipeline

  • Collaborate with all relevant stakeholders on build and delivery schedule

  • Automate and simplify the build and delivery process

This position may be filled as either a level 2 Software Engineer or level 3 Principal Software Engineer.

Basic Qualifications for level 2:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and entry level related engineering experience

  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Agile Framework

  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with at least one object-oriented programming language (Java, JavaScript, C++, C#, Python, Swift) and software development lifecycle

  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Software Change Control, Change Management, and CI/CD tools such as: Atlassian (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo), AND/OR GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes

  • Active U.S. Government Secret clearance OR Top Secret (in-scope)

Basic Qualifications for level 3:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 years of related engineering experience

  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Agile Framework within the last 3 years

  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with at least one object-oriented programming language (Java, JavaScript, C++, C#, Python, Swift) and software development lifecycle

  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Software Change Control, Change Management, and CI/CD tools such as: Atlassian (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo), AND/OR GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes

  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with implementing DevSecOps lifecycle - continuous (build, integration, test, deployment, cyber, monitoring)

  • Active U.S. Government Secret clearance OR Top Secret (in-scope)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership, teamwork capabilities, strong time management, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with configuration of virtual machines and virtual networks (VPC, NSX-T, NSX-V)

  • Certification with cloud technology (AWS, VMWare, Azure, Kubernetes) at the beginner level

  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with implementing the automated collection and reporting of software metrics

  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with implementing cyber analysis regimen on program

  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with implementing cyber remediation and cyber compliance on a program

  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with implementing, and operation of cyber remediation and Risk Management Framework (RMF)

  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret (in-scope) clearance

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939