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Molecular Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Molecular Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.2K

$135.5K

$193.9K

How much do molecular engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for molecular engineer in California is $135,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,200.00 and $193,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a molecular engineer?

A Molecular Engineer designs and manipulates molecules to develop new materials, medicines, or technologies. They apply principles from chemistry, biology, and engineering to create solutions in fields like healthcare, nanotechnology, and energy. Their work involves laboratory experiments, computer modeling, and collaboration with scientists and engineers.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a molecular engineer?

As a Molecular Engineer, your day-to-day tasks often include designing and synthesizing new molecules or materials, conducting experiments, and analyzing data from advanced laboratory equipment. You may collaborate closely with chemists, biologists, and engineers to develop innovative solutions for fields like drug development, nanotechnology, or materials science. Documentation of experimental results, preparing technical reports, and troubleshooting laboratory protocols are also common parts of the role. This dynamic environment offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to advancements in technology and medicine.

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

To thrive as a Molecular Engineer, you need a strong background in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and materials science, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Proficiency with tools such as molecular modeling software, spectroscopic analysis, and laboratory automation systems is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective teamwork, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly are highly valued soft skills. These attributes enable Molecular Engineers to innovate, ensure experimental accuracy, and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary projects.

What does a molecular engineer do?

A molecular engineer designs and develops molecules and materials at the atomic and molecular levels for applications in fields like pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, and materials science. They use techniques such as chemical synthesis, modeling, and analysis, often working with laboratory equipment and computer simulations to create innovative solutions.

What jobs can you get with molecular engineering?

Molecular engineers can work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology, designing and developing new materials, drugs, and chemical processes. Common roles include research scientist, process engineer, product development engineer, and quality control specialist, often requiring knowledge of chemistry, biology, and laboratory techniques.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Molecular Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Molecular Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Molecular Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,511 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Senior Scientist: Synthetic Biology, Molecular engineering, and NGS

Thousand Oaks, CA โ€ข On-site

$96K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Career CategoryScientificJob Description

At Amgen, if you feel like you're part of something bigger, it's because you are. Our shared mission-to serve patients living with serious illnesses-drives all that we do.

Since 1980, we've helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world's toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas -Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease- we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, you'll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.

Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you'll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.

Molecular Biology, In vitro Molecular Engineering & NGS

Thousand Oaks, CA

Let's do this. Let's change the world.

Amgen Protein Therapeutics is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join our multidisciplinary team in Thousand Oaks, CA. Our group integrates protein engineering and design, synthetic biology, protein chemistry and advanced analytics to develop next-generation biologic therapeutics.

You are a creative, critical thinker with a passion for innovation, with strengths in molecular biology, in vitro synthetic biology, and molecular engineering. In this role, you will help develop and deploy novel molecular biology and sequencing workflows that enable rapid and scalable realization of complex protein designs, central to advancing the frontier of therapeutic biologic development in the service of patients.

At Amgen, you will:

  • Deploy and execute innovative, integrated in vitro synthetic molecular biology and NGS capabilities to advance programs in Amgen's large molecule portfolio.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to enable seamless design-build-test cycles at speed to drive iterative learning at scale.
  • Collaborate to translate early-stage ideas into robust, high-throughput experimental workflows, including opportunities to contribute to automation-enabled pipelines.
  • Work within and contribute towards the success of a supportive, collaborative team engaging with a deep commitment to excellence in scientific rigor and inquiry, high-quality data generation and documentation, and clear, timely and considerate communication.

What we expect of you:

We recognize that strong candidates may bring different combinations of skills and experiences. The scientific professional we seek is curious, resilient, and motivated to tackle complex biological problems, and will have the experience that aligns with many of these qualifications. If you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply - even if you don't meet every qualification listed.

Basic Qualifications

Doctorate degree (PhD) in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field
OR
Master's degree and 3 years of scientific experience
OR
Bachelor's degree and 5 years of scientific experience

Required Qualifications
  • Strong practical and theoretical experience in molecular biology and in vitro synthetic & molecular engineering.
  • Experience in Next Generation Sequencing and enzymes that act on DNA.
  • Demonstrated ability to optimize complex molecular biology experiments and troubleshoot wet-lab workflows with a detail-oriented and thoughtful approach.
  • Clear communicator and collegial collaborator who can work in teams to achieve excellence in fast-paced, cutting-edge laboratory environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience or exposure to laboratory automation and scripting.
  • Laboratory management experience, that may include equipment maintenance, reagent supply, Laboratory Information Management Systems and capacity planning.
  • Experience with NGS data analysis, or high-throughput sample management and large volume data analysis and documentation.

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.

The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:

  • A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
  • A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
  • Stock-based long-term incentives
  • Award-winning time-off plans
  • Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.
Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.

careers.amgen.com

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application deadlineExternal/Internal postings:

Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Internal only posting (or Pre-ID candidate):

Amgen anticipates accepting applications however, we may continue accepting applications beyond this date if we do not receive a sufficient number of candidates.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.

As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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Salary Range

127,121.75USD -171,988.25USD