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Microelectronics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Design Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

The Tooling and Automation Engineer works closely with Production and Manufacturing Engineering to support all manufacturing and assembly requirements across wafer processes, microelectronics, vacuum ...

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Microelectronics Engineer information

See California salary details

$29.4K

$100.8K

$158.6K

How much do microelectronics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for microelectronics engineer in California is $100,821.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,234.00 and $135,623.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a microelectronic engineer do?

A microelectronic engineer designs, develops, and tests small electronic components and circuits used in devices like computers, smartphones, and medical equipment. They work with semiconductor materials, use CAD tools for circuit design, and often require knowledge of physics, materials science, and manufacturing processes.

What are some common challenges faced by Microelectronics Engineers in their daily work?

Microelectronics Engineers often encounter challenges such as staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies, managing tight project deadlines, and troubleshooting complex circuitry issues. Additionally, balancing the trade-offs between performance, cost, and manufacturability requires keen analytical thinking and continuous learning. Engineers may also work closely with multidisciplinary teams—including product designers, test engineers, and manufacturing specialists—to ensure design integrity from concept through production. Being adaptable and receptive to feedback is vital, as solutions often require iterative improvements and cross-functional collaboration.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Microelectronics engineers and electrical engineers can earn high salaries, especially with advanced skills, experience, and in specialized fields such as semiconductor design or research. While some senior or highly specialized roles may reach or exceed $500,000 annually, such compensation is typically reserved for top-tier professionals with extensive expertise and often involves leadership or executive responsibilities.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often include bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing that contribute to total compensation.

What is a Microelectronics Engineer job?

A Microelectronics Engineer designs, develops, and tests small electronic components and systems, such as microchips, semiconductors, and circuit boards. They work in industries like consumer electronics, telecommunications, medical devices, and aerospace. Their responsibilities include circuit design, fabrication, troubleshooting, and optimizing electronic performance. They may also collaborate with teams to improve manufacturing processes and innovate new technologies.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and certain aerospace engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management or technical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Microelectronics Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microelectronics Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, semiconductor device physics, and circuit design, often backed by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with CAD tools like Cadence or Synopsys, PCB layout software, and industry certifications such as IPC standards is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help distinguish top candidates in this field. These capabilities are crucial for successfully designing, testing, and optimizing complex microelectronic systems within collaborative, innovative environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microelectronics Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Microelectronics Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Microelectronics Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Microelectronics Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Microelectronics Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Microelectronics Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Microelectronics Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,821 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
Radiation Effects Research Scientist

Radiation Effects Research Scientist

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Job Summary

Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective andtimelydevelopment and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshootvirtually everyaspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The diverseexpertiseof the laboratories' technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems.

The Microelectronics Technology Department (MTD) is part of PSL with specialized laboratoriesfortesting, accelerating, and analyzing, failures in electronics used for space system. MTD iscomprisedof two sections: one that performs radiation effects testing and discrete microelectronics testing, while the other section performs failure analysis on microelectronics using tools that canidentifyanomalies from the macroscopic down to the atomic scale.

MTD is looking aRadiation EffectsResearchScientist(Research Scientist/ Senior Scientist - Microelectronics/Semiconductor Engineering)to support the investigation of radiation effects, reliability- andradiation-hardness-by-design,and physics of failure of advanced CMOS, SiGe, SOI, III-V(GaN, GaAs), II-VI,and other advanced technology for space applications.

Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here:Virtual Tour

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, onsite at our location in El Segundo, CA.

WhatYou'llBe Doing

  • Provide technical support to national security space programs, internal,and academiccollaborators
  • Conduct innovative basic and applied researchon microelectronic device technologies and applications to space systems, including reliability and radiation hardness
  • Present results of assessments/research internally, to customers, at scientific meetings, and publish research in refereed scientific journals
  • Support the adoption and assessment ofnew technologiesand applications, space systems, including reliability and radiation hardness
  • Perform radiation testing on microelectronic and optoelectronic components using gamma-rays, x-rays, neutrons, energetic protons, and energetic heavy ions
  • Innovation, velocity, and accountability will primarily be used to assess job performance

What You Need to be Successful

MinimumRequirements forResearch Scientist - Microelectronics/Semiconductor Engineering:

  • Master'sdegreein Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplineis required
  • A minimum of (6) or more years of increasingly responsible and relevant professional work experience is required
  • Knowledge of microelectronic and/or optoelectronic device physics
  • Experience in testing semiconductor devices
  • Knowledge of radiation environments and the effects of TID and SEE in microelectronics
  • Experience with Python /LabVIEW/MATLABor similar software for data analysis and collection
  • Willing to travel domesticallyup to 10%ofthe year to customer site/radiation test facility/conferences(as needed)
  • This position requires ability to obtain andmaintaina security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship isrequiredto obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, theminimumrequirements forSenior Scientist - Microelectronics/Semiconductor Engineeringinclude:

  • A minimum of (12) or more years of increasingly responsible and relevant professional work experience is required
  • Experience working directly with government space programs - NASA, DoD, etc.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • PhD degreein Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplineis strongly desired
  • (15)years of experienceradiation effects testing and analysisis preferred
  • Previous publication records anddemonstratedability to develop and execute innovative research projects especially those related to microelectronics
  • Experience with radiation hardness-by-design and reliability-by-design test chip development
  • Demonstrated success with modeling / simulation of radiation effects or radiation transport using TCAD tools, MCNP, SRIM, GEANT4, or CREME96
  • Experience reviewing test plans, test reports, or other technical deliverables for U.S. government programs
  • Strong proficiency in writing andsubmittingproposals for internal or external project funding (grants, IRADs, etc.)

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$129,000.00 - $249,600.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.