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Evaluation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KBR

ESS Test and Evaluation Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$135K - $169K/yr

ESS Test and Evaluation Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

KBR, Inc.

ESS Test and Evaluation Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$135K - $169K/yr

ESS Test and Evaluation Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

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All JobsEvaluation Engineer JobsEvaluation Engineer Jobs in California

Evaluation Engineer information

See California salary details

$54.8K

$126.8K

$163.8K

How much do evaluation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for evaluation engineer in California is $126,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,900.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an evaluation engineer?

An Evaluation Engineer is a professional who assesses products, systems, or processes to ensure they meet specified standards and performance criteria. They are responsible for designing and conducting tests, analyzing results, and recommending improvements or changes. Evaluation Engineers work in various industries, including manufacturing, electronics, software, and automotive, to support product development and quality assurance. Their work helps companies deliver reliable and effective products to the market.

What are some common challenges faced by evaluation engineers when assessing new products or systems?

Evaluation Engineers often encounter challenges such as tight project deadlines, rapidly evolving technology, and the need to balance thorough testing with efficiency. They may also face difficulties in obtaining comprehensive data or replicating real-world scenarios during evaluations. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—like design, manufacturing, and quality assurance—is essential to address these challenges and ensure accurate, actionable results.

What is the difference between Evaluation Engineer vs Test Engineer?

AspectEvaluation EngineerTest Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in testing or evaluation methodsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in testing or quality assurance
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development, quality assessmentManufacturing plants, testing labs, product validation
Industry UsageUsed in electronics, aerospace, automotive for evaluating performanceUsed across industries for testing products and systems

Evaluation Engineers focus on assessing product performance, reliability, and compliance through detailed analysis, often in research or development settings. Test Engineers primarily execute testing procedures to identify defects and ensure quality during manufacturing or pre-release stages. While both roles require technical skills and certifications, Evaluation Engineers emphasize evaluation and analysis, whereas Test Engineers concentrate on testing execution and defect detection.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an evaluation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Evaluation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, analytical problem-solving, and experience with product testing, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with testing equipment, data analysis tools (such as MATLAB or LabVIEW), and industry-specific standards or certifications is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and collaboration skills help Evaluation Engineers accurately assess products and share findings with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Evaluation Engineer jobs in California? For Evaluation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Evaluation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Evaluation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Evaluation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Evaluation Engineer job openings:
Evaluation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Evaluation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $126,767 per year, or $60.9 per hour.

Complaint Evaluation Engineer

Applied Medical

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA • On-site

$72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Applied Medical rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Applied Medical is a new-generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute to a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.
Position Description
Position Overview: The Complaint Evaluation Engineer plays a critical role in Applied Medical's post-market quality and patient safety efforts by investigating returned medical devices and evaluating real-world product performance. This hands-on, laboratory-based engineering role focuses on device teardown, functional and mechanical testing, and recreation of reported product issues to determine root cause and support continuous improvement. Working closely with cross-functional engineering and quality teams, the complaint evaluation engineer contributes to regulatory compliance, technical documentation, and post-market surveillance activities in alignment with Food and Drug Administration standards, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13485 requirements, and Medical Device Reporting expectations. This position is well-suited for engineering professionals seeking experience in medical device investigation, failure analysis, and post-market quality engineering.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform complaint evaluations and investigations by conducting visual, mechanical, and functional assessments of returned medical devices to evaluate real-world product performance.
  • Execute root cause analysis activities by disassembling devices, recreating reported issues, and applying structured problem-solving methodologies to identify underlying causes.
  • Conduct hands-on laboratory testing and troubleshooting using test fixtures, measurement tools, and simulated clinical-use conditions to validate investigative findings.
  • Prepare technical documentation and reports that clearly summarize test methods, results, conclusions, and recommendations in accordance with FDA, ISO 13485, and Medical Device Reporting requirements.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with research and development, manufacturing, quality, and clinical development teams to communicate findings and support post-market regulatory activities.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by contributing to enhancements in test methods, investigative processes, and documentation practices.
  • Participate in training and professional development to apply feedback constructively and strengthen technical and analytical capabilities.
  • Success in This Role Looks Like
  • Delivering accurate and thorough investigations that identify root cause and support patient safety and product quality.
  • Producing clear, compliant technical reports that meet post-market regulatory and quality system expectations.
  • Effectively collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams to communicate findings and escalate product concerns.
  • Consistently applying structured problem-solving approaches to complex medical device performance issues.
  • Contributing to process improvements that enhance complaint evaluation efficiency, consistency, and technical rigor.

Success in This Role Looks Like:
  • Delivering accurate and thorough investigations that identify root cause and support patient safety and product quality.
  • Producing clear, compliant technical reports that meet post-market regulatory and quality system expectations.
  • Effectively collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams to communicate findings and escalate product concerns.
  • Consistently applying structured problem-solving approaches to complex medical device performance issues.
  • Contributing to process improvements that enhance complaint evaluation efficiency, consistency, and technical rigor.

Position Requirements
The following skills and attributes are required:
  • Work onsite in a highly collaborative engineering and laboratory environment
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • Minimum of one year of experience in a regulated industry, such as medical device, pharmaceutical, laboratory, aerospace, or strong internship and lab experience
  • Demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and a root-cause-focused mindset
  • Ability to take and apply feedback constructively
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficient with spreadsheets, word processing, and technical documentation tools
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple investigations simultaneously
  • Comfortable performing hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and mechanical/electrical evaluation of devices
  • Comfortable handling, inspecting, and testing returned medical devices that have been used in clinical and surgical environments, in accordance with safety and biohazard handling procedures

Preferred
The following skills and attributes are preferred:
  • Experience with failure analysis, complaint investigations, or reliability testing in a regulated environment.
  • Familiarity with post-market regulatory systems, including Medical Device Reporting, corrective and preventive action processes, and quality management system requirements.
  • Understanding of laboratory testing protocols and test equipment used in mechanical or electrical evaluation.
  • Comfortable handling, inspecting, and testing returned medical devices that have been used in clinical and surgical environments, in accordance with safety and biohazard handling procedures.
  • Experience working in an FDA-regulated or ISO 13485-certified organization.
  • Technical writing experience, including preparation of engineering reports or regulatory documentation.
  • Strong analytical capability with an ability to understand integrated mechanical and electrical systems.

Benefits
  • Competitive compensation range: $71000 - $80000 / year (California).
  • Comprehensive benefits package.
  • Training and mentorship opportunities.
  • On-campus wellness activities.
  • Education reimbursement program.
  • 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
  • Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.

Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.
Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life.
All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Applied Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.

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