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R&D Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ALIGN Executive Search

R & D Engineer

Tustin, CA

Build preliminary sketches, 3D models, detailed design concepts, and engineering prototypes. [1] * Testing & Validation: Plan and run benchtop tests, verification and validation (V&V), and pre ...

New

R.D. Olson

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality + Multifamily This isn't just another construction job. It's your launchpad. At R.D.

R D Olson Construction

Project Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Project Engineer - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Sedona, AZ & Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality + Multifamily This isn't just another construction job. It's your launchpad. At R.D.

JRG Partners

Director of R & D

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

Our client, a leading Food Technology Company is seeking a R & D Director. This is a fast growing ... Bachelor's degree in food engineering, food science or a similar discipline; Master's degree or MBA ...

The Gill Corporation

R & D Manager (85690)

El Monte, CA · On-site

$161K - $194K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related technical discipline required; Master's degree or other advanced degree preferred. Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry or a ...

The Contingent Plan

Technical Writer II

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Collaborate with multiple departments, including Q&R, R&;D, Engineering, and document control, to establish standardized procedures and work instructions in accordance to PIL, PQMS, and Excellence ...

R.D. Olson

Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$96K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Project Manager - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality ... engineering wins and track profitability ✔ Mentor PEs and APMs -- grow the next generation ✔ ...

R.D. Olson

Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Project Manager - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality ... engineering wins and track profitability ✔ Mentor PEs and APMs -- grow the next generation ✔ ...

R D Olson Construction

Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$96K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Project Manager - R.D. Olson Construction | SoCal Southern California | Commercial GC | Hospitality ... engineering wins and track profitability • Mentor PEs and APMs - grow the next generation • ...

Unigen

Senior Hardware Design Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

R & D Engineering Job Overview: The Senior Hardware Design Engineer architectures, designs, and validates the next generation of high-performance computing platforms tailored for deep-learning ...

GFF

R & D Product Development Specialist

La Puente, CA · On-site

$75K/yr

Designs & creates new products or alters & improves existing products; use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, & other sciences to study the principle underlying the processing & deterioration of ...

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R D Engineering information

See California salary details

$19.7K

$95.3K

$149K

How much do r&d engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for r&d engineering in California is $95,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an R&D engineer?

An R&D (Research and Development) Engineering job involves designing, testing, and improving products, processes, or technologies. Engineers in this role work on innovation by researching new materials, methods, or techniques to enhance performance and efficiency. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop prototypes. The goal is to bring cutting-edge solutions from concept to production while ensuring feasibility and compliance with industry standards.

Is R&D engineering a good career?

R&D engineering is a valuable career that involves developing new products and technologies, often requiring strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles. It offers opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, with roles typically requiring a bachelor's or higher degree in engineering or related fields. Job stability and growth depend on industry demand and individual expertise.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an R&D engineer?

To thrive in R&D Engineering, you need a solid understanding of scientific principles, problem-solving abilities, and an engineering degree, often with specialization in a particular discipline like mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, data analysis tools, prototyping equipment, and project management systems is typically expected, and certifications like Six Sigma or PMP can be advantageous. Strong collaboration, creativity, and effective communication skills help R&D engineers excel when tackling complex problems in multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are essential for driving innovation, ensuring technical feasibility, and efficiently bringing new products or processes from concept to reality.

What does an R&D engineer do?

A typical week in R&D Engineering involves a blend of hands-on experimentation, data analysis, team meetings, and documentation. You may spend part of your time designing experiments or prototypes, troubleshooting technical issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams (such as product development, manufacturing, or marketing), and presenting findings. In addition to technical tasks, you will likely participate in brainstorming sessions, literature reviews, and strategic planning. The pace can be dynamic and project timelines might shift based on new discoveries or business objectives, but the variety keeps the role engaging and intellectually stimulating.

What are the most commonly searched types of R&D Engineering jobs in California?

The most popular types of R&D Engineering jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to R&D Engineering jobs in California?

For R&D Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching R&D Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for R&D Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for R&D Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most R&D Engineering job openings:

R D Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various R&D Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,306 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

R & D Engineer

ALIGN Executive Search

Tustin, CA

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Essential Job Functions

  • Design & Prototyping: Build preliminary sketches, 3D models, detailed design concepts, and engineering prototypes. [1]
  • Testing & Validation: Plan and run benchtop tests, verification and validation (V&V), and pre-clinical studies, writing clear protocols and reports. [1]
  • Tooling: Make tools, jigs, and fixtures to help with testing, prototyping, and manufacturing. [1]
  • Documentation: Write product drawings, risk analysis, specifications, and keep the Design History File (DHF) updated for regulatory compliance. [1]
  • Collaboration: Help with product transfer, scale-up activities, and share new ideas to grow the company's patent and intellectual property base. [1]
  • Lab Support: Keep the R&D lab clean and organized for smooth prototype development. [1]

Job Requirements

  • Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Biomedical, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering. [1]
  • Experience: Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience in product development or manufacturing within a regulated medical device industry. [1]
  • Technical Skills: Strong working knowledge of SolidWorks for 3D modeling and engineering drawings. [1]
  • Core Skills: Good problem-solving abilities, strong technical writing skills, and familiarity with FDA submissions, ISO standards, and Quality System Regulations (QSR)