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Research Development Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

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 ...

voyant

Research & Development Chemist

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

Voyant Beauty is a company that specializes in the development and manufacturing, of beauty ... Research, formulate, and reverse engineering of skin, body, and hair care products employing ...

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 ...

Citrotech

Be Seen First

Research & Development Chemist

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline * 3+ years of industrial R&D experience (advanced degrees may substitute for some ...

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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All JobsResearch Development Engineer JobsResearch Development Engineer Jobs in California

Research Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$19.7K

$95.3K

$149K

How much do research development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for research 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Development Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and experimental design, typically supported by at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, data analysis tools, prototyping equipment, and sometimes certifications like Six Sigma or PMP can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, creativity, and effective collaboration and communication skills help set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for innovating, efficiently developing new products or processes, and ensuring successful project outcomes in dynamic R&D environments.

What is a Research Development Engineer?

A Research Development Engineer is a professional who combines engineering principles with research skills to design, develop, and improve products, processes, or technologies. They often work in research and development (R&D) departments, collaborating with scientists and engineers to turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, prototyping, and overseeing product testing. Research Development Engineers play a crucial role in driving innovation and keeping companies competitive in their industries.

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

AspectResearch Development EngineerProduct Development Engineer
Primary FocusInnovating and developing new technologies or materialsDesigning and improving existing products for market readiness
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D centersDesign labs, manufacturing facilities
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, manufacturingConsumer electronics, automotive, industrial products

Research Development Engineers focus on creating new technologies and conducting experiments, while Product Development Engineers work on transforming these innovations into market-ready products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate, but their core objectives differ: innovation versus product realization.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Development Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Research Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative research with practical product development, managing project timelines with evolving requirements, and effectively communicating findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Overcoming these challenges typically involves strong project management skills, a collaborative approach with cross-functional teams, and ongoing professional development to stay updated with new technologies. Building clear documentation and maintaining open lines of communication within the team can also help ensure project objectives are met efficiently.
What are popular job titles related to Research Development Engineer jobs in California? For Research Development Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Engineer jobs in California are:
Research Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,306 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Creative Engineer, Research & Development (R&D)

Creative Engineer, Research & Development (R&D)

Escalon Services, LLC.

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$120K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Creative Engineer, Research & Development (R&D)
Application Deadline: 4 August 2026
Department: Recruiting Done
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Santa Monica
Compensation: $120,000 - $125,000 / year
Description
Our client is seeking a highly curious, hands-on Creative Engineer to lead research, experimentation, and innovation initiatives that shape the future of its products, operations, and AI-powered solutions.
This opportunity is ideal for builders, innovators, and problem-solvers who thrive at the intersection of technology, creativity, and business transformation. You'll research emerging technologies, develop prototypes, validate new ideas, and transform concepts into scalable solutions that deliver measurable business impact.
Working closely with leadership and the R&D team, you'll have the freedom to experiment, challenge conventional thinking, and help define the next generation of products and technology initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Research emerging technologies, AI advancements, automation platforms, and industry trends.
  • Design, build, and test prototypes to validate new concepts and opportunities.
  • Develop proofs-of-concept that evolve into products, internal tools, or client-facing solutions.
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and user experience through innovation.
  • Experiment with AI agents, intelligent workflows, automation systems, and emerging technologies.
  • Translate business challenges into creative technical solutions.
  • Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams to bring innovative ideas to life.
  • Document research findings, recommendations, and implementation strategies.
  • Stay ahead of technology trends and recommend strategic opportunities for adoption.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • Strong technical aptitude and genuine passion for innovation.
  • XR/VR/AR development experience.
  • Experience with real-time neural rendering and reality capture technologies (such as 3D Gaussian Splatting).
  • Experience with Generative AI and 3D rendering.
  • Vision Pro development experience is a plus.
  • Experience with software development, AI tools, APIs, automation, or emerging technologies.
  • Ability to rapidly learn and apply new technologies.
  • Creative thinker with a builder's mindset.
  • Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
  • Comfortable working in ambiguity and experimenting with new ideas.
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Passion for continuous learning and challenging the status quo.

  • Experience with AI, machine learning, or large language models.
  • Proficiency in Python, JavaScript, or modern development frameworks.
  • Experience with automation platforms and workflow orchestration.
  • Product development, startup, or innovation-focused experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to move ideas from concept through execution.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related technical field.
  • Master's degree is a plus.
  • Equivalent hands-on experience, research, or technical expertise will also be considered.

Benefits
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Flexible paid time off (PTO)
  • Competitive annual salary ($120,000-$125,000)
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI, XR/VR, and emerging technologies
  • Collaborative, innovation-driven engineering environment
  • High ownership and autonomy to research, prototype, and build new solutions
  • Career growth and exposure to advanced R&D initiatives
  • Work alongside cross-functional leaders on high-impact projects

Apply