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Research And Development Engineer Jobs in California

Abbott

R&D Engineer_Human Factors

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$70 - $72/hr

Title: R&D Engineer_Human Factors Location: Milpitas, California Duration: 12Months 100% Onsite Years Experience: * Minimum of 8+ years of relevant human factors/usability engineering experience in ...

O Positiv

Research & Development Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $160K/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 ...

Jj

R&D Engineer 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

Job Function: R&D Product Development Job Sub Function: R&D Mechanical Engineering Job Category: Scientific/Technology All Job Posting Locations: Irvine, California, United States of America About ...

Bolt Graphics

R&D Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

The R&D Engineer will perform in-depth research on high-performance computing algorithms, evaluate competitive approaches, and help translate complex mathematical concepts into computationally ...

Align Technology

Staff R&D Engineer-Algorithm

San Jose, CA · On-site

$210K - $288K/yr

Staff R&D Engineer-Algorithm Department: Research & Development Employment Type: Full Time Location: US-California-San Jose Compensation: $210,100 - $288,900 / year Description We are looking for a ...

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred). * 6 ...

Abbott

R&D Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Title: R&D Engineer Location: Menlo Park, CA Duration: 12 Months 100% Onsite Experience: * plus 0-6 years of related work experience with a complete understanding of specified functional area, Skills:

New

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

The Manager, Research & Development will be responsible for supporting the development and ... Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred). * 6 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 9, 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.

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.

Is research and development engineer a good career?

A research and development engineer is a valuable role focused on innovating and improving products or processes, often requiring strong technical skills and knowledge of engineering principles. It can offer good job stability, opportunities for advancement, and involvement in cutting-edge projects, making it a promising career choice for those interested in innovation and problem-solving.

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 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 from idea to prototype or production. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering fundamentals are essential in this role.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,306 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

R&D Engineer_Human Factors

Abbott

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$70 - $72/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Abbott rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

179th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

Title: R&D Engineer_Human Factors
Location: Milpitas, California
Duration: 12Months
100% Onsite
Years Experience:
  • Minimum of 8+ years of relevant human factors/usability engineering experience in hardware-software systems product development;
  • prefer 10+ years experience

Skills:
  • Proven ability to work with multidisciplinary teams that may including other human factors experts
  • Proven ability to interface with customers in a highly professional manner
  • Proven ability to apply user-centered design and human factors/usability engineering principles to product research, development and design; experience in medical device development;
  • Proven ability to quickly assimilate advanced domain knowledge and guide program teams on Human Factors strategy, HF deliverables for program scope, research strategy across the product development lifecycle and successful deliverable completion within project timelines
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
  • Team player: navigates complexity of advocating for user needs while building relationships within program teams

Education:
  • M.S. degree in Human Factors Engineering or Cognitive Psychology or M.S. degree in Biomedical Engineering with extensive human factors coursework

Duties:
  • Experienced R&D Engineer_Human Factors to apply human factors and ergonomics expertise to the definition, design, and evaluation of products within the R&D division of Diabetes Care; apply knowledge of human factors principles (human performance and limitations - perceptual, cognitive, motor skills, anthropomorphic) and techniques (knowledge acquisition, user-interface design, usability evaluation) to diabetes care systems product development;

Deliverables include, but are not limited to:
  • Usability engineering files;
  • Task analyses;
  • Usability risk analyses;
  • Usability testing throughout the product development process, from formative testing of early prototypes through usability validation of final designs.
  • Design novel methods to understand breadth of user performance and expectations
  • Identify meaningful unmet needs and design opportunities
  • Influence program teams to respond to study findings and improve overall product solution to adequately meet user needs
  • Develop collaborative working relationships with other functions across the organization, including but not limited to the following;
  • Work with Design, Product Management, Tech Leadership to advocate for user needs and capabilities and refine product definition and detailed design
  • Work with regulatory affairs to develop strategies for new product submissions, create submission packages, and respond to questions from regulatory agencies;
  • Work with design quality to ensure that the company's usability engineering processes and methodologies meet and surpass the latest expectations of regulatory agencies and provide tangible value for our customers and our business.

Consultants Eligible Benefits Upon Waiting Period:
  • Medical and Prescription Drug Plans
  • Dental Plan
  • Vision Plan
  • Health Savings Account (for High-Deductible Health Plans)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Health, Limited Purpose, Dependent Care, Commuter Parking and Commuter Transit)
  • Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability (coverage varies by state)
  • Long Term Disability
  • Critical Illness, Hospital coverage, Accident Insurance
  • MetLife Legal, MetLife ID Fraud, and MetLife Pet Insurance
  • 401(k)

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional and branded generic medicines.
Working together, Abbott and Talent Solutions partner to deliver top talent for contingent roles at Abbott, building better and healthier lives. Abbott believes all employees are essential to creating life-changing breakthroughs, performing key duties to create life-changing breakthroughs.
  • Published on 16 Jul 2026, 6:24 PM

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