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Lead Product Development Engineer Jobs in California

We are seeking Product Development Engineers who are experienced, creative problem solvers in ... Work closely with qualification lead to ensure timelines are met, risks are highlighted, and ...

The Surfscan group includes a team of engineers, technology development, apps engineers and product ... Lead rootcause investigations using data analysis, physical inspection, and experimentation ...

Product Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$106K - $153K/yr

About the Role As a Product Development Engineer at Altera, you will play a critical role in ... In addition, you will lead the development and execution of System Level Test (SLT) methodologies ...

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136.30 - $231.70/hr

Product / Systems Engineer - Sustaining Engineering KLA's ADE Sustaining Engineering team is ... Lead root‑cause investigations using data analysis, physical inspection, and experimentation ...

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

... application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID ... Lead troubleshoot efforts in manufacturing and in the field Preferred qualifications: * Strong ...

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

... application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID ... Lead troubleshoot efforts in manufacturing and in the field Preferred qualifications: * Strong ...

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Product Development Engineer to lead the design, testing, and verification of fiber-optic connectors tailored for co-packaged optics applications. This ...

Product Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$106K - $153K/yr

About the Role Altera is searching for a Product Development Engineer to join our Manufacturing Content Development Engineering Group! The Manufacturing Content Development Engineering Group is ...

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

Conduct proper hand-off from proof of concept to the Engineering/Product Development Teams for product implementation. Minimum Qualifications Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Product Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$39K

$86.7K

$130.8K

How much do lead product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead product development engineer in California is $86,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead product development engineer do?

A Lead Product Development Engineer oversees the design, development, and testing of new products from concept to production. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage project timelines, and ensure products meet both technical and market requirements. Additionally, they solve engineering challenges, mentor junior engineers, and communicate progress to stakeholders. Their role is critical in bringing innovative products to market efficiently and effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead product development engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Product Development Engineer, you need expertise in engineering principles, product design, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering and relevant experience. Familiarity with CAD software, product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, and agile development methodologies is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you guide teams and collaborate across functions. These skills ensure innovative products are delivered on time, meet quality standards, and align with business objectives.

How does a lead product development engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product lifecycle?

A Lead Product Development Engineer regularly works closely with cross-functional teams, including design, manufacturing, quality assurance, marketing, and supply chain departments. This collaboration ensures that product requirements are clearly understood, technical challenges are addressed efficiently, and deliverables meet both customer and business expectations. Effective communication and project management are essential, as the Lead Engineer often facilitates meetings, integrates feedback, and aligns teams to maintain project timelines and quality standards. Cross-functional teamwork is especially critical during key phases such as prototyping, testing, and product launch.

What is the difference between Lead Product Development Engineer vs Product Development Engineer?

AspectLead Product Development EngineerProduct Development Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, relevant certifications often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, collaborates across departments, oversees project executionDesigns, develops, and tests products under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, manufacturing, and engineering firms for senior technical rolesCommon in similar industries for entry to mid-level roles

The Lead Product Development Engineer typically holds a senior technical position, overseeing product development teams and projects, while the Product Development Engineer focuses on designing and testing products under guidance. The lead role involves more leadership and strategic responsibilities, whereas the engineer role emphasizes technical execution.

What job categories do people searching Lead Product Development Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Product Development Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Lead Product Development Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,733 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Product Development Engineer

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology-and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

As one of the technology industry's most desirable employers, NVIDIA is an industry leader in high performance computing, gaming and AI. NVIDIA's GPUs are extraordinary in performance and efficiency, and we are continually innovating in creative ways to deliver outstanding solutions in a wide range of sectors. We are seeking Product Development Engineers who are experienced, creative problem solvers in various areas and passionate to want to make a visible impact with the work they do. As part of the Operations Product Development Engineering GPU Team, you will work on productizing NVIDIA's chips into consumer, professional and datacenter markets.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Responsible for Silicon and Package qualification for all gaming and datacenter products collaborating with Reliability team.

  • Collaborate with Test and DFx engineering team to define & validate test program content, and conditions to measure silicon degradation.

  • Responsible to drive failure analysis on all qualification failures collaborating with cross-functional teams to root causes failures.

  • Analyze data and failures to identify areas for improvement.

  • Work closely with qualification lead to ensure timelines are met, risks are highlighted, and priorities are aligned.

What We Need To See:

  • BS degree in electrical engineering or equivalent experience.

  • 5+ years of work experience.

  • Knowledge of structural testing.

  • Background with wafer sort or final package or qualification test programs for SoCs or GPUs

  • Experience with product verification and failure analysis on Verigy 93K tester. Experience with SMT8 in a plus.

  • Excellent analytical skills to effectively diagnose and resolve issues. Experience with RMA closure and DPPM reduction is a plus.

  • Proficient in statistical modelling of data using JMP software or other tools for data analysis.

  • Solid communication and presentation skills.

Ways To Stand Out From Crowd:

  • Knowledge of failure analysis techniques.

  • A 'got-getter, can get it done' attitude and independent 'out-of-box' thinking'.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking, resilient, and hardworking people in the world. If you are learner, creative and collaborative, we want to hear from you!

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 136,000 USD - 212,750 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until July 26, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US