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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 ...

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 ...

Sees

Technician, Research & Development

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$28/hr

Summary: The Research & Development (R&D) Technician supports R&D management in developing new ... engineering or other relevant category of food manufacturing/consumer goods industry. * Previous ...

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 ...

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 ...

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

San Francisco, CA

$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 ...

Apply Early

Kinder's

Research & Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA

$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 ...

Apply Early

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Showing results 1-20

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 2, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,306 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Sr. R&D Engineer, New Products

Sr. R&D Engineer, New Products

Align Technology

San Jose, CA • On-site

$136K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Sr. R&D Engineer, New Products
Department: Research & Development
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: US-California-San Jose
Compensation: $136,700 - $188,000 / year
Description
We are seeking a Sr. R&D Engineer, New Products to lead the research, design, development, and launch of innovative medical devices from concept through commercialization. In this role, you will partner closely with cross-functional teams across R&D, Product Management, Clinical, Quality, Regulatory, and Operations to identify unmet needs, evaluate new technologies, develop and test prototypes, and translate insights into robust product solutions. This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who thrives in fast-paced product development environments and enjoys solving complex technical challenges from early feasibility through product launch and post-launch improvement.
Role expectations
  • Lead product development workstreams from concept through launch, including planning, execution, and cross-functional coordination
  • Design, prototype, and evaluate product concepts using biomechanical models, benchtop methods, and experimental testing
  • Develop and execute verification and validation activities to assess product performance and design robustness
  • Design, build, and verify test hardware, fixtures, and systems, including automation tools, as needed to support product development
  • Apply sound mechanical and engineering principles to understand, model, and solve problems involving complex systems
  • Perform statistical analysis and interpret data to guide technical decisions and product improvements
  • Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and product insights effectively to stakeholders at all levels
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to incorporate design inputs, technical requirements, and user needs into product prototypes and final designs
  • Partner with Clinical Affairs and cross-functional teams to support clinical studies and other product investigations
  • Generate clear, complete technical documentation in compliance with FDA, ISO, and internal medical device development requirements, including protocols, reports, and design documentation
  • Contribute to invention generation, intellectual property development, and patent disclosures
  • Prioritize and execute work effectively in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities and critical timelines
  • Provide broad engineering support as needed

What we're looking for
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field with 8+ years of experience in biomedical research and/or product development
  • M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field with 6-7 years of experience in biomedical research and/or product development
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field with 3-5 years of experience in biomedical research and/or product development
  • Higher or lower years of experience will be considered for this role, with job level and title adjusted accordingly
  • Strong theoretical and experimental background in structural mechanics and biomechanics
  • Experience with 3D CAD solid modeling and mesh-based modeling tools
  • Test method development, verification, and validation
  • Data analysis, scripting, and automation for experimental and design workflows
  • Additive manufacturing (3D printing) for test fixtures, prototypes, and end-use product applications
  • Experience in the medical device industry

Pay Transparency
If provided, base salary or wage rate ranges are the range in which Align reasonably expects to set a candidate's pay for the posted position. Actual placement depends on the individual skills and experience level of a candidate plus the total compensation and equity across team members. For other locations outside of the primary location, the base salary range will be adjusted geographically.
For Field Sales roles, the salary listed is the base pay only and does not include the applicable incentive compensation plan. A cost of living adjustment may be added to base pay for higher cost areas in the U.S.
Our internship hourly rates are a standard pay determined based on the position and your location, year in school, degree, and experience.
General Description of All Benefits
We are pleased to provide a general description of the benefits Align offers to full-time employees in this position.
Family Benefits. Align offers employees and their eligible dependents medical (with a Health Savings Account option for some plan offerings), dental, and vision in accordance with those plans. Align also offers to employees:
  • Discounts on Invisalign and Vivera to employees and their eligible dependents after 90 days of employment
  • Back-up Child/Elder Care and access to a caregiving concierge
  • Family Forming Benefits - Available to Employees, and their spouse or domestic partner, covered under one of Align's health plans
  • Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Hinge Health Virtual Physical Therapy - Available to all employees and eligible dependents (age 18+) enrolled in an Align medical Plan

Employee benefits. Align offers its employees:
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance in accordance with those plans.
  • Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment. Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse/Domestic Partner, and Child(ren) are available for purchase in accordance with those plans.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts- Employees may be eligible to participate in a health care account (including a limited health FSA if enrolled in a HDHP), dependent care account, and a pre-tax commuter benefit plan.
  • 401k plan (with a discretionary Company match of 50% up to 6% of eligible earnings up to a maximum match of 3%.). Employer match vests after two years - 25% year one and 100% at year two. Align offers traditional, Roth, and after-tax options.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (Employees must work 20 hours or more and be employed on purchase date to be eligible).
  • Paid vacation of up to 17 days during the first full year of employment (currently accrued at the rate of 5.24 hours each pay-period), which carries over to a maximum cap of 30 days. Annual paid vacation time accrual increases based on tenure. Both exempt and non-exempt employees who work 32 hours or more per week receive prorated vacation accrual based on their regularly scheduled work hours and tenure.
  • Sick time is accrued throughout the year at the rate of one hour for every thirty worked. Employees can carry over unused sick leave each year, up to a maximum balance of 80 hours.
  • 11 Company-designated paid holidays throughout the year.
  • If employed for at least 12 consecutive months, Align will grant up to 6 weeks of paid Parental Leave. If employed for less than 12 consecutive months, Align will grant up to 4 weeks of paid Parental Leave. All parental leave must be completed within one year of the birth or placement of the child. Parental leave is in addition to any state and/or local parental leave benefits. Three days of paid bereavement leave. In some cases, due to travel the amount of paid leave may be extended to 5 paid days off. To the extent applicable state or local law offers more generous benefits, Align complies with any such law.
  • Non-exempt employees will receive full pay for up to 10 days of jury duty. Exempt employees will receive their full salary during any week they serve and perform any work. Other insurance such as legal, critical illness, voluntary accident, long-term care, auto, home and pet insurance are available for purchase.

To the extent applicable state or local law offers more generous benefits, Align complies with any such law.

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