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Phd Electrical Engineer Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

Staff Electrical Engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$210K - $250K/yr

... PhD + 3 years) * Recognized expert across the electrical engineering domain with deep specialization in critical areas (actuation/mobility, sensors, power/energy management, wireless systems, or ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$155K - $195K/yr

... + 4 years, PhD + 3 years) * A hands-on senior electrical engineer that has owned a PCBA and shipped hardware * Broad experience across analog and digital design, power systems, and embedded ...

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Showing results 1-20

Phd Electrical Engineer information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$56.3K

$123.8K

$187.3K

How much do phd electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd electrical engineer in San Rafael, CA is $123,834.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,500.00 and $147,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a PhD electrical engineer do?

A PhD Electrical Engineer conducts advanced research, designs, and develops electrical systems or components, often pushing the boundaries of technology. They may work in academia, leading research projects and teaching, or in industry, developing innovative solutions for complex engineering problems. Their expertise is critical in areas like communications, power systems, electronics, and signal processing. PhD-level engineers also contribute to scientific publications and may secure patents for new inventions.

What is the difference between Phd Electrical Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectPhd Electrical EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Electrical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsDesign, development, and testing in industry or construction
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, high-tech companiesManufacturers, utility companies, consulting firms

The main difference between a Phd Electrical Engineer and an Electrical Engineer lies in their education level and typical work environment. A Phd Electrical Engineer usually holds a doctoral degree and focuses on research, development, and advanced problem-solving, often in academia or R&D. In contrast, an Electrical Engineer typically has a bachelor's or master's degree and works on practical design, implementation, and maintenance in industry settings.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD electrical engineers when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

PhD Electrical Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to faster-paced project timelines, aligning research expertise with immediate business needs, and working within multidisciplinary teams. Unlike academic environments that may prioritize theoretical advances, industry roles usually focus on practical applications, product development, and measurable outcomes. Building strong communication skills and learning to collaborate with professionals from non-engineering backgrounds can help ease this transition and foster career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD electrical engineer?

To thrive as a PhD Electrical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in electrical engineering principles, research methodologies, and a doctoral degree in the field. Proficiency with simulation software (such as MATLAB or SPICE), programming languages, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with experience in publishing academic research. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you excel in both collaborative and independent research environments. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, advancing technology, and contributing valuable insights in both academic and industry settings.
What job categories do people searching Phd Electrical Engineer jobs in San Rafael, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Phd Electrical Engineer jobs in San Rafael, CA are:
What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Phd Electrical Engineer jobs? Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Phd Electrical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Phd Electrical Engineer job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $123,834 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Health Sensing Hardware - Electrical Engineer

Apple

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

The Health Sensing Hardware team is looking for a highly-motivated engineer to work with research scientists and engineers on the next generation of health sensors. You will assist with conceiving, modeling, and prototyping new sensor solutions. This role requires engineering excellence, creativity, and the ability to work in cross-functional teams.
Description
Our team develops temperature sensors for health applications. You will bring electrical engineering or biomedical engineering expertise to the team. Regardless of your background, you will have sufficient technical breadth to be able to collaborate with cross-functional teams on activities such as mechanical design, algorithm development, tester design and user studies.
Minimum Qualifications
Deep understanding of electrical engineering or physics fundamentals
Experience modeling, building and testing complex systems
Proficiency in Python or MATLAB
Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with the following is a plus:
Temperature sensing or thermal design
Health sensor design
Statistics
MS or PhD in EE, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or related field.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976