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Junior Applications Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kinetic Technologies

Applications Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Mentor junior applications engineers and contribute to best practices for lab methodology and documentation * Represent the applications team in technical reviews, customer meetings, and internal ...

Kinetic Technologies

Applications Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$105K/yr

Mentor junior applications engineers and contribute to best practices for lab methodology and documentation * Represent the applications team in technical reviews, customer meetings, and internal ...

Forgent

Application Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$80K - $180K/yr

... to junior Applications Engineers. Required Qualifications : · Bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) or equivalent technical experience · 2-5 + ...

Airgas

Principal Applications Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

R10089521 Principal Applications Engineer (Open) Location: Long Beach, CA - Management - Regional ... Junior Engineers as well as mentor National or International stakeholders globally project ...

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All JobsApplications Engineer JobsJunior Applications Engineer JobsJunior Applications Engineer Jobs in California

Junior Applications Engineer information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$70.9K

$108.1K

How much do junior applications engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior applications engineer in California is $70,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Junior Applications Engineer do?

A Junior Applications Engineer assists in designing, developing, and supporting software applications based on client or business needs. They often work under the guidance of senior engineers to troubleshoot issues, test new features, and ensure applications run smoothly. Their responsibilities may also include writing technical documentation, collaborating with development teams, and providing technical support to end users. This role is ideal for those who are early in their engineering careers and looking to gain hands-on experience with application development and deployment.

What are some typical projects a Junior Applications Engineer might work on during their first year?

As a Junior Applications Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as assisting with product demonstrations, troubleshooting customer issues, and supporting the integration of software or hardware solutions. You may also collaborate closely with senior engineers and sales teams to develop technical documentation and respond to customer inquiries. These projects offer valuable exposure to product functionality, customer needs, and cross-departmental teamwork, helping you build a strong foundation for future growth in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Applications Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Applications Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, programming languages like Python or Java, and a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with software development tools, version control systems like Git, and experience with troubleshooting or debugging applications are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and address client needs. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering reliable technical solutions and supporting successful project implementation.

What is the difference between Junior Applications Engineer vs Applications Engineer?

AspectJunior Applications EngineerApplications Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certifications, some experienceBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, more experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, collaborative teamsMore autonomous, client-facing, project management
Employer & Industry UsageTech, manufacturing, software companiesSimilar industries, often with more complex projects

The main difference between a Junior Applications Engineer and an Applications Engineer lies in experience and responsibility level. Junior roles are entry-level, focusing on learning and supporting projects, while Applications Engineers handle more complex tasks and client interactions. Both roles are common in tech and manufacturing sectors, with the Junior position serving as a stepping stone to the full Applications Engineer role.

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

The most popular types of Applications Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Applications Engineer jobs in California?

For Junior Applications Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Applications Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Applications Engineer jobs in California are:

Junior Applications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Applications Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Applications Engineer

Kinetic Technologies

San Jose, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Senior Applications Engineer - Power Management (DC/DC Buck Converters)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Applications Engineer with deep, hands-on expertise in DC/DC buck converters and power management ICs. This role requires strong system-level design, validation, and device debug skills. The Senior Applications Engineer will act as a technical leader, supporting complex customer designs, driving root-cause analysis, and collaborating closely with R&D, validation, and marketing teams to ensure robust product adoption and successful customer deployments.


Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as a technical expert for DC/DC buck converter products, supporting customers from initial architecture through production release
  • Lead hands-on lab activities including schematic development, PCB bring-up, validation, and device debug of power management ICs
  • Design, build, and debug evaluation modules (EVMs) and customer reference designs
  • Perform detailed system-level validation including efficiency, transient response, stability, thermal, protection features, and reliability testing
  • Drive root-cause analysis of device, system, and layout-related issues using bench measurements and failure analysis techniques
  • Review and approve customer schematics and PCB layouts, providing expert guidance on power integrity, grounding, EMI/EMC, and thermal performance
  • Partner closely with IC design, validation, and test teams to debug silicon issues and influence product improvements
  • Support customer development schedules by providing timely, technically sound recommendations and solutions
  • Develop and own high-quality technical collateral, including:
    • EVM User's Guides
    • Application Notes and Design Notes
    • White Papers and Reference Designs
  • Mentor junior applications engineers and contribute to best practices for lab methodology and documentation
  • Represent the applications team in technical reviews, customer meetings, and internal design discussions


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, ECE, or related field
  • 6+ years of experience in power electronics or semiconductor applications engineering
  • Strong hands-on experience with DC/DC buck converter design and analysis
  • Proven expertise in schematic capture and PCB design using industry-standard tools (e.g., Altium, Cadence, OrCAD, or equivalent)
  • Extensive lab experience with power measurement, debugging, and validation using oscilloscopes, electronic loads, network analyzers, and power analyzers
  • Demonstrated ability to debug complex hardware issues at the device and system level
  • Strong technical writing skills with experience producing customer-facing technical documentation
  • In-depth understanding of customer product development cycles and manufacturing requirements


Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
  • Experience with silicon validation and post-silicon debug of power management ICs
  • Strong background in control loop stability, compensation design, and small-signal analysis
  • Experience with EMI/EMC mitigation and compliance strategies
  • Prior customer-facing or Field Applications Engineering (FAE) experience
  • Experience mentoring or leading technical teams


Key Competencies

  • Deep lab-centric problem solving and analytical skills
  • Ability to independently drive complex debug and validation efforts
  • Strong communication skills bridging customers, applications, and IC design teams
  • Technical leadership and ownership mindset

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