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Phd Computer Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Computer Vision Engineer

Burlingame, CA

$183K/yr

MS or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, or related field * Publication track record at conferences such as CVPR, NeurIPS, ECCV, ICCV, ICML About Meta: Meta builds ...

JT4 LLC

Computer Scientist - openMCT

Edwards, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Or a PhD in an associated discipline. In addition, a Computer Scientist III must possess the following qualifications: Experience with computer-based systems and applications Programming skills in ...

JT4 LLC

Computer Scientist III

Edwards, CA · On-site

$127K - $145K/yr

... PhD in an associated discipline CompTIA Security Plus Certification Required or must be obtained ... In addition, a Computer Scientist III must possess the following qualifications: Programming skills ...

JT4, LLC

Computer Scientist III

Edwards, CA · On-site

$127K - $145K/yr

A PhD in an associated discipline CompTIA Security Plus Certification Required or must be obtained within six months from hire date. In addition, a Computer Scientist III must possess the following ...

Meta

Computer Vision Engineer

Burlingame, CA

$183K/yr

PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Robotics or related technical field * Experience productizing and deploying ML models on edge devices (mobile phones, AR/VR headsets ...

JT4 LLC

Computer Scientist - openMCT

Edwards, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Or a PhD in an associated discipline. In addition, a Computer Scientist III must possess the following qualifications: Experience with computer-based systems and applications Programming skills in ...

JT4, LLC

Computer Scientist - openMCT

Edwards, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Or a PhD in an associated discipline. In addition, a Computer Scientist III must possess the following qualifications: * Experience with computer-based systems and applications * Programming skills ...

Meta

Computer Vision Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$154K - $217K/yr

... Master's or PhD in engineering, physics, or computer science • Background in AR/VR • Familiarity with procedural rendering engines, ray tracing, and path tracing About Meta Meta builds ...

JT4, LLC

Computer Scientist I

Edwards, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Or a PhD in an associated discipline. In addition, a Computer Scientist III must possess the following qualifications: * Experience with computer-based systems and applications * Programming skills ...

Meta

Computer Vision Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$183K/yr

PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Robotics or related technical field * Experience productizing and deploying ML models on edge devices (mobile phones, AR/VR headsets ...

Genesis10

Computational Scientist

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$65.18/hr

PhD degree in quantitative field (e.g., Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics) or in the physical or life sciences (e.g., Chemistry, Biology) with a strong ...

Apple

Machine Learning/Computer Vision Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$130K - $154K/yr

Preferred Qualifications MS or PhD in computer vision, computer graphics, machine learning, computer science, computer engineering or related fields. Comprehensive understanding of diffusion models ...

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Phd Computer Science information

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$55.8K

$82K

$96.7K

How much do phd computer science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd computer science in California is $82,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $92,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a PhD worth it for CS?

A PhD in Computer Science can lead to careers in academia, research, or specialized industry roles requiring advanced expertise. It typically involves several years of study and research, and is valuable for positions that demand deep technical knowledge or innovation, but may not be necessary for most industry jobs that prioritize skills and experience. The decision depends on career goals and the value placed on research and academic credentials.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD Computer Science students during their research?

PhD Computer Science students often encounter challenges such as defining a clear and impactful research problem, managing long-term projects with limited guidance, and coping with the pressure to publish in top-tier conferences or journals. Balancing coursework, teaching responsibilities, and research can also be demanding. Effective time management, networking with peers and mentors, and seeking regular feedback can help students navigate these challenges and achieve their academic goals.

What is the salary of a computer PhD?

A computer science PhD typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and experience level. Academic roles may have lower salaries, while industry positions in tech companies tend to offer higher compensation, often including bonuses and stock options.

What is a PhD in Computer Science?

A PhD in Computer Science is the highest academic degree in the field, focused on advanced research and the creation of new knowledge in computing. It typically involves several years of coursework followed by original research culminating in a dissertation. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, research, or advanced industry roles that require deep technical expertise and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in Computer Science, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD in Computer Science, you need advanced expertise in algorithms, programming, and research methodologies, typically supported by a doctoral degree in computer science or a related field. Mastery of programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++), data analysis tools, and familiarity with version control systems like Git are commonly required, along with experience in publishing academic research. Critical thinking, problem-solving, strong written and verbal communication, and perseverance are vital soft skills for success in research and collaboration. These skills and qualifications are essential for making significant contributions to the field, driving innovation, and effectively sharing knowledge with the academic and professional community.

Which CS has the highest salary?

In computer science, roles such as machine learning engineers, data scientists, and AI specialists tend to have the highest salaries due to high demand for expertise in artificial intelligence and data analysis. Senior positions with advanced skills in programming, algorithms, and cloud computing typically command top compensation, especially in tech hubs and large organizations.

What jobs can I get with a PhD in computer science?

A PhD in computer science qualifies individuals for advanced roles such as research scientist, data scientist, machine learning engineer, or university professor. These positions often require strong analytical skills, programming expertise, and knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and AI tools. Graduates may work in academia, industry research labs, or technology companies focusing on innovation and development.
What are popular job titles related to Phd Computer Science jobs in California? For Phd Computer Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Phd Computer Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Phd Computer Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Phd Computer Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Phd Computer Science job openings:
Phd Computer Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Computer Science job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,020 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Software Engineer, Systems Research, PhD, Early Career

Software Engineer, Systems Research, PhD, Early Career

Google

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$239K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 215 rated software companies

Job description

Job Summary:
Google is a leading technology company focused on advancing the state of the art in computing. They are seeking a Software Engineer in Systems Research to explore emerging technologies and contribute to innovative projects within the AI and Infrastructure team.
Responsibilities:
• Explore emerging technologies and systems as an individual contributor in the research and development team.
• Participate in team projects to carry out system design, analysis, and building of prototypes to demonstrate advantages and reveal challenges of these technologies for a broad range of applications in the data center and modern Cloud environments, including machine learning.
• Create strategies that will lead to innovative projects and follow-on products for the future.
• Operate across research and engineering teams in order to influence products or integrate research results into products.
Qualifications:
Required:
• PhD degree in Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience coding in one of the following programming languages including but not limited to: C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, or Golang.
• Research experience in an area of computer systems design and implementation.
Preferred:
• PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in Research areas such as storage systems, memory systems, distributed systems and networks, novel I/O systems, computer architecture and accelerators, databases and analytics, cloud computing, sustainability, privacy, or other emerging technologies.
• Experience in authoring/co-authoring of papers in venues in the systems field (e.g., SOSP, OSDI, ISCA, ASPLOS, MICRO, ASPLOS, PLDI, SIGCOMM, NSDI, SIGMOD, etc.).
• Experience in systems for Machine Learning (ML).
• Experience designing and implementing an experimental system in a research or product development environment.
Company:
Google specializes in internet-related services and products, including search, advertising, and software. It is a sub-organization of Alphabet. Founded in 1998, the company is headquartered in Mountain View, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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