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Performance Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anthropic

Performance Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$280K - $850K/yr

As a Performance Engineer, you'll be responsible for identifying these problems, and then ... We view AI research as an empirical science, which has as much in common with physics and biology ...

TaylorMade Golf

Fitting Research Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$90K - $103K/yr

Golf fitting sits at the intersection of performance science and personalization-and TaylorMade is committed to continue pushing and advancing that intersection into a competitive advantage. The ...

Qualcomm

Senior SoC Performance Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$196K/yr

MS in Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineer with 3 years of experience in SoC performance/power modeling * Strong grasp of the computer architecture fundamentals especially in the ...

Qualcomm

SoC Performance Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$167K - $250K/yr

As a SoC Performance Architect, you will create performance and power models for the fabric NoC ... OR PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Systems ...

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All JobsPerformance Science JobsPerformance Science Jobs in California

Performance Science information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$98.2K

$151.5K

How much do performance science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for performance science in California is $98,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,600.00 and $124,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Performance Science vs Sports Scientist?

AspectPerformance ScienceSports Scientist
Required CredentialsDegree in exercise science, sports science, or related fields; certifications in performance or strength coachingDegree in sports science, exercise physiology, or related fields; certifications in sports performance
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, athletic training facilities, performance centersSports teams, athletic clubs, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by sports organizations, research institutions, and performance centersCommonly employed by sports teams, universities, and sports medicine clinics

Performance Science and Sports Scientist roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but Performance Science often emphasizes research and data analysis to optimize athletic performance, while Sports Scientists focus more on direct athlete testing and training programs. Both roles are vital in sports performance but differ slightly in scope and application.

What is performance science?

Performance science is an interdisciplinary field that studies the factors influencing high-level performance in areas such as sports, the arts, business, and other domains. It combines insights from psychology, physiology, neuroscience, and other disciplines to understand and improve how individuals and teams perform under various conditions. Performance scientists often work to enhance training methods, optimize mental and physical preparation, and develop strategies for achieving peak performance. Their work can involve research, coaching, and collaboration with professionals to implement evidence-based practices.

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

To thrive as a Performance Scientist, you typically need a strong background in exercise science, physiology, data analysis, and often a related degree such as sports science or kinesiology. Familiarity with performance monitoring tools, data collection software, and certifications like CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) are commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills help you translate data into actionable insights for athletes and coaches. These skills are crucial for optimizing athletic performance, preventing injuries, and supporting evidence-based training decisions.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in Performance Science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Performance Science often encounter challenges such as translating complex data into actionable insights for athletes or teams, managing the expectations of coaches and stakeholders, and staying current with evolving technologies and research. Addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, continuous professional development, and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Building trust with athletes and staff and presenting data in a clear, practical manner are also key to ensuring that scientific recommendations are successfully implemented.
What are popular job titles related to Performance Science jobs in California? For Performance Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Performance Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Performance Science jobs in California are:
Performance Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Performance Science job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,224 per year, or $47.2 per hour.
LA Kings - Director of Strength & Performance Science

LA Kings - Director of Strength & Performance Science

AEG Worldwide

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Anschutz Entertainment Group rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Company Information
For more than 20 years, AEG has played a pivotal role in transforming sports and live entertainment. Annually, we host more than 160 million guests, promote more than 10,000 shows and present more than 22,000 events around the world. We are committed to innovation, artistry, and community, and leverage the power of our 300+ venues, leading sports franchises, marquee music brands, integrated entertainment districts, premier ticketing platform and global sponsorship activations, to create memorable moments that give the world reason to cheer.
Our business is interwoven with the human mind and heart, and we strive to build a diverse and inclusive company that reflects the artists, athletes, and fans that we host; reach beyond traditional boundaries to support the communities in which we operate; and minimize our impact on the environment by adopting sustainable practices throughout our business operations.
If you want to be challenged to up your game and make a difference, then join us in giving the world reason to cheer!
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Los Angeles Kings are seeking a highly accomplished, analytically driven Director of Strength & Performance Science to lead and integrate the organization's sports science and strength & conditioning programs across all levels, from the NHL roster to the AHL affiliate.
This individual will serve as a senior leader within an integrated, multidisciplinary performance staff dedicated to evidence-based practice, collaborative decision-making, and the long-term health and development of every player in the organization. This is a leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a performance culture that maximizes player health, longevity, and competitive output throughout the full calendar year.
This individual serves as the primary point of contact for player performance, integrated sports science, and return-to-play processes. The position reports directly to the Director of Player Health and Performance. Working in close collaboration with team physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, performance staff, and coaching personnel, they ensure all decisions affecting player preparation, recovery, and readiness are evidence-based, individualized, and aligned with the Kings' competitive goals
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Leadership & Program Architecture
  • Establish, oversee, and continuously evolve an integrated performance system encompassing strength and conditioning, sports science, athlete monitoring, and recovery across the organization
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary performance staff including strength and conditioning coaches, sports scientists, and performance analysts
  • Define the program's philosophy, annual periodization structure, and performance standards in alignment with coaching and medical staff objectives
  • Serve as the primary liaison between hockey operations, the coaching staff, medical staff, and analytics on all performance-related matters
  • Oversee performance operations at both the NHL level and AHL affiliate (Ontario Reign), ensuring system-wide consistency and player development continuity
Sports Science & Athlete Monitoring
  • Continue to analyze and enhance our current comprehensive athlete monitoring system using GPS/wearable technology, force plates, heart rate variability, and other validated tools to track workload, readiness, and fatigue
  • Further develop and manage our data infrastructure for collecting, analyzing, and reporting performance metrics to coaching staff and front office in actionable formats
  • Integrate internal performance data with external analytics and game data to generate insights that influence roster management and player development decisions
  • Lead research initiatives and stay current with emerging technologies and evidence-based practices in elite sport performance, recovery, and injury risk reduction
  • Oversee sleep education, and recovery modalities as part of a holistic performance program
Strength & Conditioning
  • Design and oversee individualized on- and off-ice training programs for all NHL roster players during the preseason, regular season, and off-season, with attention to positional demands and player history
  • Collaborate with the medical and athletic training staff to manage return-to-play progressions, injury risk reduction programming, and load management protocols
  • Oversee performance evaluation protocols, interpreting results to inform player readiness assessments and development targets
  • Develop and manage a summer performance program that ensures players report to training camp at peak readiness
  • Work closely with the AHL performance staff to maintain developmental programming standards and ensure smooth transitions between organizational levels
Player Relations & Communication
  • Build trusted, individualized relationships with NHL players to drive buy-in, engagement, and adherence to performance programming
  • Communicate effectively with players, agents, and coaching staff regarding performance expectations, progress, and recommendations
  • Educate players and staff on the rationale behind programming decisions, fostering a player-driven performance culture
Operations & Administration
  • Manage the performance department budget, including equipment procurement, technology subscriptions, and staffing resources
  • Oversee facility standards, equipment maintenance, and the safe operation of all performance spaces at the Toyota Sports Performance Center
  • Represent the Kings in league-wide performance working groups, conferences, and collaborative industry initiatives
  • Maintain thorough documentation of all programs, athlete data, and outcomes in compliance with league and organizational standards

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Science, or a closely related field; Master's degree or Ph.D. strongly preferred
  • Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in elite sport performance, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role at the professional or high-performance national team level
  • Current Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification through the NSCA
  • Deep technical expertise in periodization theory, athlete monitoring, sports science methodology, and evidence-based strength and conditioning practice
  • Demonstrated proficiency with performance technology platforms (e.g., Catapult, Polar, Vald, Hawkin Dynamics, Smartabase, or equivalent systems)
  • Strong data literacy and experience translating complex performance data into clear, actionable communication for coaches and front office
  • Proven ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary performance staffs in a professional sport environment
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build authentic relationships with elite athletes
  • Proven ability to design and execute long-term player health strategies across a full season and offseason cycle
  • Experience operating within high-performance environments with playoff expectations
  • Strong decision-making under pressure in high-visibility, real-time game scenarios
  • Advanced knowledge of hockey-specific injury mechanisms and NHL scheduling demands

Preferred
  • Prior experience working in the NHL or another major professional hockey league
  • Familiarity with the specific physiological and biomechanical demands of ice hockey, including skating mechanics, energy system requirements, and in-season load management
  • Experience working collaboratively with hockey operations, analytics, and medical departments in an integrated high-performance model

Payscale: $200,000 - $230,000
Bonus: This position is eligible for a bonus under the current bonus plan requirements.
Benefits Full-time: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick time, company paid basic life insurance, voluntary life insurance, parental leave, 401k Plan (with a current employer match of 3%), flexible spending and health savings account options, and wellness offerings.
AEG reserves the right to change or modify the employee's job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. AEG may require an employee to perform duties outside their normal description.
AEG's policy is to hire the most qualified applicants, and we comply with all applicable federal, state and local employment laws in making hiring and employee decisions. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, marital status, disability, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status recognized by applicable federal, state or local law.
#LI-LAKings #LI-Onsite

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