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Genetic Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cedars-Sinai

Research Data Scientist

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$94K - $161K/yr

Must have experience with the following: working with biomedical data in healthcare or pharmaceutical industries; evolutionary computing: genetic algorithm and genetic programming; automated machine ...

Caltech

Senior Research Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$29.75 - $37.25/hr

Background in genetic engineering, behavioral study, and flow cytometry is a plus. * Proactive involvement in drafting and amending IACUC protocols. * Experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and ...

Zymo Research

Research Intern Sample Prep

Tustin, CA · On-site

$20/hr

This is an exciting opportunity to explore the impact of cutting-edge methods, technologies, and applications in DNA purification, molecular microbiology, and genetic engineering. In this role, you ...

TSAC Engineering

Registered Civil Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$68 - $80/hr

TSAC Engineering is a growing Civil Engineering and Land Surveying firm with plenty of room for ... national origin, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, gender ...

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Concord, CA

$150K - $190K/yr

UNICO Engineering provides high quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems ... ancestry, genetic information/characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression ...

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Folsom, CA

$150K - $190K/yr

UNICO Engineering provides high quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems ... ancestry, genetic information/characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression ...

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

UNICO Engineering provides high quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems ... ancestry, genetic information/characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression ...

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Concord, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

UNICO Engineering provides high quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems ... ancestry, genetic information/characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression ...

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

UNICO Engineering provides high quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems ... ancestry, genetic information/characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression ...

UNICO Engineering

Resident Engineer

Goleta, CA

$150K - $190K/yr

UNICO Engineering provides high quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems ... ancestry, genetic information/characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsGenetic Engineering JobsGenetic Engineering Jobs in California

Genetic Engineering information

See California salary details

$45.9K

$144.9K

$171.7K

How much do genetic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for genetic engineering in California is $144,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is genetic engineering a good career?

Genetic engineering is a growing field that offers opportunities in research, biotechnology, and healthcare. It typically requires a strong background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory skills, with advanced degrees often necessary for research positions. The field is expected to expand as advancements in gene editing and personalized medicine continue.

What is the difference between Genetic Engineering vs Molecular Biologist?

AspectGenetic EngineeringMolecular Biologist
Required CredentialsTypically a Bachelor's or Master's in Genetics, Biotechnology, or related fieldsUsually a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, biotech companies, research institutionsResearch labs, academic institutions, healthcare settings
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, agricultural companiesUniversities, research institutes, healthcare organizations

Genetic engineers focus on modifying DNA to develop new products or improve existing ones, often working on practical applications. Molecular biologists study the molecular mechanisms of biological processes, conducting fundamental research. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, genetic engineering is more application-driven, whereas molecular biology emphasizes understanding biological systems.

What are the qualifications to get a genetic engineering job?

The qualifications needed for a genetic engineering job include at least a bachelor’s degree in genetics, biochemistry, or a related field. Many employers prefer several years of experience and a Ph.D., particularly for positions in research and development. Many individuals start their careers as members of a team working on a long-running experiment. To find a job at a university, you may need to publish your research in the scientific literature first to demonstrate your expertise. Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills are imperative. You also need patience and perseverance. Computer proficiency and a strong background in biostatics are essential for fulfilling your publishing responsibilities. Your duties also involve staying current by attending and presenting at conferences.

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

To thrive as a Genetic Engineer, you need a solid background in molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology, often supported by a degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as CRISPR, PCR, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing research, ensuring experiment accuracy, and developing innovative solutions in genetic science.

What is genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering is a branch of biotechnology that involves directly manipulating an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics or introduce new traits. Scientists use various techniques, such as CRISPR or recombinant DNA technology, to add, remove, or modify specific genes within an organism. This technology is widely used in agriculture to create genetically modified crops, in medicine for gene therapy, and in research for understanding gene functions. Genetic engineering has the potential to address challenges in food production, disease treatment, and industrial biotechnology, but it also raises ethical and safety concerns.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in genetic engineering roles?

Professionals in genetic engineering often face challenges such as staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies, adhering to strict regulatory and safety protocols, and troubleshooting unexpected experimental results. Collaboration is key, as genetic engineers frequently work with multidisciplinary teams including biologists, chemists, and bioinformaticians to achieve successful project outcomes. Additionally, balancing lab work with documentation and compliance requirements is essential for advancing both research and product development.
More about Genetic Engineering jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Genetic Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Genetic Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Genetic Engineering jobs in California? For Genetic Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Genetic Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Genetic Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Genetic Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Genetic Engineering job openings:
Genetic Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Genetic Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,945 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Principal Scientist, Process Sciences

Allogene Therapeutics

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$155K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Description
About Allogene:
Allogene Therapeutics, with headquarters in South San Francisco, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T cell (AlloCAR T) products for cancer and autoimmune disease. Led by a management team with significant experience in cell therapy, Allogene is developing a pipeline of "off-the-shelf" CAR T cell product candidates with the goal of delivering readily available cell therapy on-demand, more reliably, and at greater scale to more patients.
About the role:
Allogene is seeking a highly motivated Principal Scientist to lead the Pilot Plant function within Process & Product Development (PPD). This individual will serve as a technical and operational leader responsible for translating process development strategies into robust, scalable pilot-scale operations.
This successful candidate will leverage deep expertise in process development and scale-up to lead complex studies, guide organizational strategy, and drive cross-functional integration with Drug Product, MSAT, and Manufacturing. This role requires strong scientific leadership, operational execution, and the ability to influence programs across the organization.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Lead the Pilot Plant team, overseeing execution of large-scale and engineering runs in support of process development, characterization, and technology transfer.
  • Translate process development strategies into robust, executable at-scale cell therapy manufacturing operations.
  • Ensure alignment across development, pilot, and manufacturing functions, enabling robust technology transfer to GMP.
  • Lead the design and execution of high-impact process development and characterization studies using QbD principles.
  • Identify and mitigate scale-dependent risks associated with cell therapy manufacturing platforms (e.g. Sepax, Xuri, Prodigy, etc), ensuring robust process performance upon scale-up.
  • Apply engineering principles, including fluid dynamics and gas and mass transfer, to support process understanding, scale-up, and robust manufacturing performance.
  • Develop and implement closed, aseptic, automation strategies, including equipment/system evaluation, programming and optimization of cell therapy platform-specific systems
  • Drive end-to-end process integration, including thaw, activation genetic engineering, cell expansion, and fill/finish unit operations and associated at-scale equipment.
  • Serve as the primary Process Sciences interface with Drug Product, Manufacturing, and MSAT functions.
  • Ensure high-quality, timely documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks and Technical Reports and contribute to Regulatory Filings and responses to Regulatory questions as appropriate.
  • Author and/or oversee preparation of technical reports, regulatory documents (i.e. IND/BLA sections), and scientific publications.
  • Interpret complex datasets and communicate results to cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
  • Act as a technical mentor, coaching scientists on study design, data interpretation, and scientific decision-making.
  • Remain current with relevant cell therapy, immunology, and bioprocessing literature.
  • Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements & Experience:
  • Ph.D in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Molecular & Cell Biology, Immunology or related field with at least 7 years of relevant experience required; or MS with at least 10 years of industry experience; or BS with at least 12 years of industry experience.
  • Extensive experience in process development and scale-up for biologics or cell therapy manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated expertise in process characterization, DOE, and data-driven decision making.
  • Experience using Python or R for analysis of complex datasets and development of automation solutions for cell therapy manufacturing platforms.
  • Strong understanding of cell therapy manufacturing processes (i.e. gene editing, viral transduction, cell expansion, formulation).
  • Experience supporting regulatory filings (IND/BLA) and process validation (PPQ).
  • Proven track record of leading complex technical programs and cross-functional initiatives.
  • Strong leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including authoring technical documents and presenting to senior leadership.
  • Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.

We offer a chance to work with talented people in a collaborative environment and provide a top-notch compensation and benefits package, which includes an annual performance bonus, equity, health insurance, generous time off (including 2 annual holiday company-wide shutdowns) and much more. The expected salary range for this role is $155,000 - $180,000 per year. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, business needs, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
As an equal opportunity employer, Allogene is committed to a diverse workforce. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job-related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. We also embrace differences in experience and background, and welcome diversity of opinions and thought with active recruitment and internships designed to create a stronger and better Allogene that is focused on developing life-changing products for patients.
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