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Operations Research Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The qualified Research Engineer will be part of a strong team of scientists and engineers in our ... and operation. Experience in hydrodynamics, computational fluid mechanics, and physical ...

Research and experiment with novel techniques, including reinforcement learning, retrieval ... engineering operations. * Shape Agentic AI's Future : Help build the next frontier in enterprise ...

Our goal is to become the foundational AI platform for intelligent financial operations across the ... Proven research and engineering experience with LLMs/VLMs, particularly in meta-learning or ...

Research Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

The qualified Research Engineer will be part of a strong team of scientists and engineers in our ... operation. • Experience in hydrodynamics, computational fluid mechanics, and physical ...

Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Our global network of expert specialists, scalable managed operations, precise talent matching, and ... As a Research Engineer, you'll take a research direction and run with it - finding the right papers ...

Our global network of expert specialists, scalable managed operations, precise talent matching, and ... As a Research Engineer, you'll take a research direction and run with it - finding the right papers ...

Operations Research Analysts

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

IESE Solutions is seeking Operations Research Analysts to support the U.S. Space Forces (USSF ... Team members provide systems engineering development and integration expertise in support of ...

Operations Research Analysts

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

IESE Solutions is seeking Operations Research Analysts to support the U.S. Space Forces (USSF ... Team members provide systems engineering development and integration expertise in support of ...

Showing results 21-40

Operations Research Engineer information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$83.9K

$133.2K

How much do operations research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations research engineer in California is $83,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $92,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an operations research engineer do?

An Operations Research Engineer applies mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and optimization techniques to solve complex business and engineering problems. They use data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance system performance in industries such as logistics, manufacturing, finance, and transportation. By leveraging algorithms, simulations, and predictive analytics, they help organizations make informed decisions. Their work often involves programming, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to implement practical solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations research engineer?

To excel as an Operations Research Engineer, you need a solid grounding in mathematics, statistics, optimization, and analytical problem-solving, typically supported by a relevant engineering or quantitative degree. Proficiency with tools such as MATLAB, Python, R, CPLEX, or simulation software, as well as familiarity with data analysis platforms, is commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability are vital soft skills for presenting findings and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Mastery of these abilities is crucial to developing effective solutions that improve operational efficiency in complex business environments.

What does a typical day look like for an operations research engineer?

A typical day for an Operations Research Engineer involves identifying operational challenges, gathering and analyzing data, developing mathematical models, and simulating scenarios to propose improvements. You will often collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including data scientists, engineers, and business managers—to understand requirements and implement optimal solutions. Expect to spend time both independently conducting research and attending meetings to present your findings and receive feedback. The role provides a good balance of technical work, problem-solving, and teamwork, making each day dynamic and intellectually engaging.

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

The most popular types of Operations Research Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Operations Research Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Operations Research Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Operations Research Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,915 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

$87K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 491 rated business services


Job description

The qualified Research Engineer will be part of a strong team of scientists and engineers in our San Diego office committed to addressing some of our nation's most challenging defense problems. The role requires the use of physical and mathematical principles for the development of algorithms to extract information from multiwavelength data using signal processing techniques such as filtering, data conditioning, and Fourier analysis, as well as modern AI and machine learning-based methods. The successful candidate will have a strong physics and math background and experience in scientific research and data analysis (especially image processing). Experience with visible and infrared sensors and design principles would be a plus.

Primary Responsibilities

Develop innovative signal processing algorithms and data analysis techniques.

Analyze ocean data from multiwavelength sensors.

Perform signal detection and characterization.

Research EO/IR sensor systems and develop requirements

Document results for customers and present results at meetings.

Work collegially within a talented team of peers.

Basic Qualifications

Masters or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related scientific field

Experience in signal processing algorithm development and remote sensing data analysis

Strong knowledge and experience in the areas of statistical analysis, linear algebra and matrix computations, mathematical techniques, and algorithm design.

Proven track record of innovation, problem solving, and achieving successful technical results.

Be self-motivated and a team player, ready for a fast-paced environment and high expectations.

Must be a US citizen and able to obtain a US Government Top Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Programming experience and knowledge of C and/or C++

Knowledge of EO/IR sensor systems, including their basic design and operation.

Experience in hydrodynamics, computational fluid mechanics, and physical oceanography.

Additional software experience such as shell scripting, Perl, Java, Matlab, Python, MPI, Cuda.

Experience with public speaking, client interaction, customer presentations, research documentation, task planning and scheduling.

Current US Government Top Secret security clearance

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:July 23, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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