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Product Development Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Spin Master

Product Development Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$78K - $88K/yr

As a Product Development Engineer (PDE), you are responsible for driving the technical execution of global toy and game portfolios from concept through production. You will provide engineering ...

KLA Corporation

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

The selected Product Development Engineer will work within the Broadband Plasma products. This role will involve requirements analysis, system design and testing of complex inspection systems using ...

Senior plc

Product Development Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

Summary: The Product Development Engineer (PDE) is a manufacturing expert who interprets engineering prints and develops the process flow to ensure the product gets made correctly and all ...

Orbotech

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$117K - $200K/yr

The selected Product Development Engineer will work within the Broadband Plasma products. This role will involve requirements analysis, system design and testing of complex inspection systems using ...

Orbotech

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA

... development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company ...

Spin Master

Product Development Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$78K - $88K/yr

As a Product Development Engineer (PDE), you are responsible for driving the technical execution of global toy and game portfolios from concept through production. You will provide engineering ...

KLA Corporation

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$117K - $200K/yr

... development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company ...

KLA Corporation

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$117K - $200K/yr

... development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company ...

Orbotech

Product Development Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$117K - $200K/yr

... development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The RAPID division is the world leading provider of reticle inspection solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company ...

Micron

Product Development Engineer

San Jose, CA

$145K - $193K/yr

Leverage in-house engineering equipment to support product characterization and electrical fault analysis. Develop high-quality and cost-effective mobile DRAM testing strategies. Utilize state-of-art ...

Micron Technology

Product Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$145K - $193K/yr

Leverage in-house engineering equipment to support product characterization and electrical fault analysis. Develop high-quality and cost-effective mobile DRAM testing strategies. Utilize state-of-art ...

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All JobsProduct Development Engineer JobsProduct Development Engineer Jobs in California

Product Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$39K

$86.7K

$130.8K

How much do product development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development engineer in California is $86,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $98,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Product Development Engineer do?

A Product Development Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing new products or improving existing ones. They work closely with cross-functional teams such as design, manufacturing, and marketing to bring innovative products from concept to production. Their tasks often include prototyping, conducting feasibility studies, addressing technical challenges, and ensuring that products meet quality and safety standards. Product Development Engineers play a crucial role in transforming ideas into market-ready products that fulfill customer needs.

What jobs can DT get you?

A Product Development Engineer can qualify for roles such as product manager, design engineer, manufacturing engineer, or quality engineer, depending on their skills and experience. These positions often involve working with cross-functional teams, using CAD software, and understanding product lifecycle processes. Certifications like PMP or Six Sigma can enhance career prospects in related fields.

What do product development engineers do?

Product development engineers design, develop, and test new products or improve existing ones, often working with cross-functional teams to ensure functionality, manufacturability, and quality. They use tools like CAD software and may require knowledge of materials, engineering principles, and project management to bring products from concept to production.

What Is a Product Development Engineer?

A product development engineer designs manufactured goods by integrating market research to deliver products that will meet company goals. As a product development engineer, you will be working on all stages of the production process, from research and development to prototype testing and quality assurance. You may work in any number of fields, from the automotive industry or medical device manufacturing to developing new soaps or food products. Typically, you work as part of a team, sometimes leading a group of engineers through the design and production process. Your duties include creating drafts and blueprints, assessing proper materials, setting goals, and researching competitive products.

How does a Product Development Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product lifecycle?

Product Development Engineers work closely with teams such as design, manufacturing, marketing, and quality assurance throughout the product lifecycle. They often facilitate communication to ensure that product specifications align with customer needs and production capabilities. Regular meetings and collaborative problem-solving sessions are common, as these engineers help translate technical requirements into actionable plans. This collaborative approach not only streamlines development but also fosters innovation and ensures the final product meets both technical and market expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Product Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, product design, and project management, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, electrical, or related engineering fields. Proficiency with CAD software, prototyping tools, and familiarity with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across teams and innovate solutions. These skills and qualities are essential for efficiently developing market-ready products that meet user needs and business objectives.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in leadership roles or high-demand industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

What is the difference between Product Development Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectProduct Development EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Industrial, or related engineering; often some experience in product designBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; licensure optional for certain roles
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing settings, cross-functional teamsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, research labs
Industry UsageProduct design, consumer electronics, automotive, aerospaceMechanical systems, HVAC, manufacturing equipment, automotive

Product Development Engineers focus on designing and developing new products, often working closely with cross-functional teams to bring concepts to market. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on mechanical systems and components across various industries. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Product Development Engineers typically emphasize product design and innovation, whereas Mechanical Engineers may work on a wider range of mechanical systems.

More about Product Development Engineer jobs
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What cities in California are hiring for Product Development Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Product Development Engineer job openings:
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Product Development Engineer jobs near you
Product Development Engineer

Product Development Engineer

KLA Corporation

Milpitas, CA

$117K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world's leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow's electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Group/Division

With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Broadband Plasma Division (BBP) provides market-leading patterned wafer optical inspection systems for leading-edge IC manufacturing. Logic, foundry, and memory customers depend on BBP products to detect yield-critical defects for process debug and excursion monitoring at advanced process nodes. BBP flagship products include the 29xx and 39xx series which leverage Broadband Plasma technology to capture a wide range of defects with ultimate sensitivity at the optical inspection speeds needed for inline defect monitoring.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Responsibilities:

The selected Product Development Engineer will work within the Broadband Plasma products. This role will involve requirements analysis, system design and testing of complex inspection systems using expertise from multiple technical disciplines. The selected candidate will:

  • Work with marketing and engineering teams to define system architecture, and create and execute test plans to validate system performance.

  • Collaborate with functional groups to define and review designs to solve customer problems.

  • Support internal and external customers in implementing processes to build and use the tool effectively and solve intricate problems to optimize tool performance.

  • Occasional travel up to 10% will be required

Qualifications:

  • Strong background in engineering or the physical science and demonstrated analysis and problem-solving skills

  • Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills in optics, opto-mechanics, and motion control systems

  • Understanding of Optical, Electromechanical and Software systems and their interactions in the context of complex industrial equipment is a plus.

  • Familiarity with scientific and statistical analysis tools and SW tools such as Matlab, and JMP is beneficial.

  • Experience with scripting languages, such as Python

  • Enthusiastic communicator to provide detailed guidance to colleagues to solve problems, and technical summaries for internal and external customers.

  • Familiarity with image analysis methods is nice plus.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's + 3 yrs, OR Bachelor's + 5 yrs experience

Base Pay Range: $117,800.00 - $200,300.00 AnnuallyPrimary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLAKLA's total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified 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 attalent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA's Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.

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