ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research And Development Engineer Jobs in California

Endologix

Sr. R&D Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA

$114K - $156K/yr

Join our innovative, patient-focused Research & Development team as a Sr. R&D Engineer at Endologix! WHO WE ARE: Endologix LLC is a California-based global medical device company dedicated to ...

Endologix

Sr. R&D Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$114K - $156K/yr

Overview Join our innovative, patient-focused Research & Development team as a Sr. R&D Engineer at Endologix! WHO WE ARE: Endologix LLC is a California-based global medical device company dedicated ...

Endologix

Sr. R&D Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA

$114K - $156K/yr

Overview Join our innovative, patient-focused Research & Development team as a Sr. R&D Engineer at Endologix! WHO WE ARE: Endologix LLC is a California-based global medical device company dedicated ...

Flowserve

Specialist R&D Engineer

Temecula, CA · On-site

The Specialist Research and Development (R&D) Engineer for Pumps and Seals is responsible for leading advanced research initiatives, developing innovative solutions, and optimizing the design and ...

Flowserve

Specialist R&D Engineer

Temecula, CA · On-site

The Specialist Research and Development (R&D) Engineer for Pumps and Seals is responsible for leading advanced research initiatives, developing innovative solutions, and optimizing the design and ...

O Positiv

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field * 3-6 years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch And Development Engineer JobsResearch And Development Engineer Jobs in California

Research And Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$19.7K

$95.3K

$149K

How much do research and development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development engineer 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 the difference between Research And Development Engineer vs Product Development Engineer?

AspectResearch And Development EngineerProduct Development Engineer
Primary FocusInnovating and exploring new technologies or conceptsDesigning, developing, and improving specific products
Work EnvironmentLabs, research facilities, early-stage projectsManufacturing, testing, and product launch phases
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, research experience, possibly advanced degreesEngineering degree, practical product design experience

Research And Development Engineers focus on creating new technologies and exploring innovative ideas, often working in labs and research settings. Product Development Engineers concentrate on transforming concepts into market-ready products, working closely with manufacturing and testing teams. Both roles require engineering backgrounds, but their core objectives and work environments differ significantly.

How much money do R&D engineers make?

Research and Development (R&D) engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior R&D engineers with specialized skills or advanced degrees can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.

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

To thrive as a Research and Development Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and often an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and project management systems is typically required, along with knowledge of industry-specific standards. Creativity, effective communication, and collaboration are crucial soft skills for innovation and teamwork. These skills enable R&D Engineers to design cutting-edge solutions, efficiently manage projects, and drive technological advancements in their industry.

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 expertise and certifications.

What Is a Research and Development Engineer?

A research and development engineer is responsible for conducting experiments and analyzing processes to determine better approaches to solving problems or product building. You can have this career in industries such as petroleum, aerospace, and mechanics. Your job duties include analyzing processes to find areas of improvement, conducting experiments to determine better approaches, and documenting findings so they can be shared with others. You may be required to use sophisticated tools such as computer-aided design software to create simulations and advanced microscopes for observing chemical reactions.

How does a Research and Development Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development cycle?

Research and Development Engineers often work closely with teams such as product management, quality assurance, and manufacturing throughout the product development process. They contribute technical expertise during brainstorming sessions, share progress updates in regular meetings, and incorporate feedback from other departments to refine prototypes. Effective communication and teamwork are key, as R&D Engineers must ensure that their designs align with project requirements, regulatory standards, and production capabilities. This collaborative environment helps facilitate innovation while maintaining project timelines and product quality.

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 involves leadership roles, bonuses, stock options, or working in high-demand industries requiring advanced certifications and expertise.

What does a research and development engineer do?

A research and development engineer designs, develops, and tests new products, processes, or technologies to improve existing offerings or create innovative solutions. They often work with scientific principles, use tools like CAD software, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring concepts to production. R&D engineers typically require strong problem-solving skills and may hold degrees in engineering or related fields.

What are Research and Development Engineers?

Research and Development (R&D) Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test new products, processes, or technologies. They work to innovate and improve existing products, often collaborating with other engineers, scientists, and product managers. Their responsibilities include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring that new developments meet industry standards and customer needs. R&D Engineers play a crucial role in keeping companies competitive by driving innovation and technological advancement.
More about Research And Development Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Engineer jobs in California? For Research And Development Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research And Development Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Research And Development Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research And Development Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Research And Development Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Engineer jobs in CA? For Research And Development Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Research And Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,306 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Principal Research & Development (R&D) Engineer

Principal Research & Development (R&D) Engineer

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Motorola Solutions rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Company Overview
At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We're a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.
Department Overview
Silvus Technologies, a leading provider of advanced MANET and MIMO communications systems, is reshaping mesh network technology for mission-critical applications - on the ground, in the air and at sea. Its battle-proven StreamCaster family of MANET radios and proprietary MN-MIMO waveform provides the vital communications link for defense, law enforcement and public safety agencies around the world, and in the toughest operational environments.
With deep roots in DARPA research, Silvus Technologies develops world-class advanced communications technologies that are reshaping the tactical communications landscape. From pure line-of-sight to extreme non-line-of-sight, Silvus radios form a self-healing, self-forming mesh network, enabling secure and reliable connectivity, including video and high-bandwidth data.
Silvus Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Job Description
Would you like to join an incredibly talented group of people, doing very challenging work, with the prime directive of "Keeping Our Heroes Connected"?
THE OPPORTUNITY
Silvus is seeking a Principal Research & Development (R&D) Engineer who will report to the Vice President of Research & Development on the R&D team. The successful individual in this role will oversee and participate in the planning, design, implementation, prototyping, and verification of wireless technology projects.
This position is based at Silvus Technologies' headquarters in the heart of vibrant West Los Angeles, CA, and is on a hybrid schedule. A minimum of 3 days onsite per week is expected. On-site days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
The following is a list of at least some of the current essential job functions of the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time at its discretion.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Technical management of Research and Development projects and programs to include:
    • Responsibility for overall system design and requirement specification.
    • Setting and tracking development schedules and tasks.
    • Participating in the hands-on design, simulation, and verification work.
    • Overseeing relevant simulation, software, FPGA, and testing efforts.
    • Customer-facing engagement and technical material preparation when needed.
    • Reporting to management, as required for strategic planning and assessment.
  • Participate in Research and Development business development and capture efforts to include:
    • Whitepaper and proposal preparation.
    • Understand current technology and pitch future enhancements and strategies.
    • Communicate (telephone/email/in-person) engagement with government and industry.
  • Work collaboratively within the senior Research and Development team on the following:
    • Executing larger, team-wide projects.
    • Setting a comprehensive team-wide technology portfolio and pipeline.
  • Supervisory/Management Responsibilities
    • Supervise a team of engineers to fulfill functions or project needs.
    • Participate in the drafting of job descriptions and screening/ interviewing engineering candidates.
  • Travel Requirements - Infrequent travel to support customer interactions, test and demonstration events, or for team meetings at Los Angeles, CA headquarters or other locations.
  • Perform other related duties of which the above are representative.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related communication and/or engineering technology field (i.e., wireless communications, signal processing, networking, RF design, etc.).
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in the design and development of wireless systems.
  • 5 years of demonstrated experience in technical project leadership (i.e., principal investigator, technical program management, etc.).
  • Participation in the complete technology development cycle: design to field testing.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen due to clients under U.S. government contracts.
  • All employment is contingent upon the successful clearance of a background check and drug test.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Simulation and prototyping software: C/C++, MATLAB, Python, etc.
  • Radio frequency propagation, channel modeling, digital communication.
  • Wireless ad-hoc mesh networking, medium access, and routing algorithms.
  • Signal processing algorithms, MIMO, OFDM, beam-nulling, etc.
  • Cognitive radio congested and contested spectrum, interference mitigation.
  • Radio frequency sensing, signal detection, classification, etc.
  • Technical writing, proposal preparation, and technical presentation.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Office environment.
  • Occasional exposure to heat, cold, and allergens while performing tests or demonstrations in the field.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to do the following:

- Lift equipment up to 20 lbs. for the set-up of demonstrations and testing.
- Perform bending and reaching movements to place items on lower and higher shelves.
- Kneeling or squatting to access lower shelves.
- Walking/Moving in the labs
#silvuscareers
COMPENSATION: $180,000 - $250,000 / annually
Consistent with Motorola Solutions values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Pay within this range varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate.
NOTE - As a US Federal Contractor, Silvus Technologies requires that ALL candidates being considered for employment for any position (regardless of level) MUST be a U.S. Person (permanent resident or citizen). Stricter U.S. Citizen ONLY requirements (needed for some Engineering or R&D roles) will be included in the Required Qualifications section of the posted position. This does NOT apply to international positions; only job postings for positions located in the US.
Basic Requirements
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related communication and/or engineering technology field (i.e., wireless communications, signal processing, networking, RF design, etc.).
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in the design and development of wireless systems.
  • 5 years of demonstrated experience in technical project leadership (i.e., principal investigator, technical program management, etc.).
  • Participation in the complete technology development cycle: design to field testing.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen due to clients under U.S. government contracts.

Travel Requirements
10-25%
Relocation Provided
Domestic
Position Type
Experienced
Referral Payment Plan
Yes
Our U.S. Benefits include:
  • Incentive Bonus Plans
  • Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
  • 401K with Company Match
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Generous Paid Time Off Packages
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Paid Parental & Family Leave
  • and more!

EEO Statement
Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.
We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you'd like to join our team but feel that you don't quite meet all of the preferred skills, we'd still love to hear why you think you'd be a great addition to our team.
We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete this Reasonable Accommodations Form so we can assist you.

What Motorola Solutions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Motorola Solutions logo

About Motorola Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with safety. It's the constant that empowers people to confidently move forward. It can fill a flight or sell out a stadium. It can care for a patient or graduate a class. As a global leader in public safety and enterprise security, we create and connect the technologies that help to keep people safe where they live, learn, work and play. Our integrated technology ecosystem unifies critical communications, video security and access control, and command center software, enabling collaboration in more powerful ways. At Motorola Solutions, we're ushering in a new era in public safety and security. Bring your passion, potential and talents to a career that matters.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1928

View All Motorola Solutions Jobs

Apply