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Research Engineer Entry Level Jobs in California

Actalent

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$32 - $34/hr

Job Title: R&D Design Engineer The R&D Design Engineer develops and maintains detailed 3D models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings while supporting the design and improvement of machinery and ...

Generalist AI, Inc

Research Assistant

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

... engineered the foundations of autonomous driving, built next-generation robots (Atlas, Spot ... This is an entry-level research role for individuals with less than 3 years of research experience ...

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All JobsResearch Engineer JobsResearch Engineer Entry Level JobsResearch Engineer Entry Level Jobs in California

Research Engineer Entry Level information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$104.6K

$140.6K

How much do research engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for research engineer entry level in California is $104,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $102,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research engineer entry level do?

A Research Engineer Entry Level assists in the development and testing of new technologies, products, or processes under the supervision of senior engineers or scientists. Their tasks often include conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing technical reports. These engineers work in various industries such as technology, manufacturing, or academia, and are typically recent graduates with a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a related field. Entry-level research engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve technical problems and contribute to innovative projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level research engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Research Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, data analysis, and problem-solving, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as MATLAB, Python, CAD software, and laboratory instrumentation is typically expected. Strong communication, curiosity, and teamwork skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to new challenges. These skills are vital for conducting innovative research, generating actionable insights, and contributing value to multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What types of projects and technologies do entry level research engineers typically work on, and how do they contribute to a larger team?

Entry-level Research Engineers often support senior engineers and scientists by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing prototypes. They may work on projects involving machine learning, robotics, material science, or software development, depending on the organization's focus. Collaboration is a key part of the role, as entry-level engineers frequently work in interdisciplinary teams, contribute to group meetings, and assist in publishing findings or preparing technical documentation. This environment provides excellent opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues and grow technical expertise.

What is the difference between Research Engineer Entry Level vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Engineer Entry LevelResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree, often PhD in a specialized science
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, technical teamsResearch institutions, labs, academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, engineering firmsUniversities, government agencies, research labs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Research Engineer Entry Level roles focus on applying engineering principles to develop and test new products or systems, often working closely with design and manufacturing teams. Research Scientists typically conduct fundamental scientific research, analyze data, and publish findings. While both roles involve research, engineers are more application-oriented, whereas scientists focus on theoretical and experimental science. The roles often overlap in research settings, but their primary goals and work environments differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Research Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Engineer Entry Level jobs in California?

For Research Engineer Entry Level jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Engineer Entry Level jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Engineer Entry Level jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Research Engineer Entry Level jobs?

Cities in California with the most Research Engineer Entry Level job openings:

Research Engineer Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Engineer Entry Level job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,624 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Forward Deployed Engineer - Entry Level

ORDR, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Ordr Inc., we secure the connected world by bringing visibility, intelligence, and control to every device - from life-saving hospital equipment to robotic arms on factory floors, ATMs in banks, and IoT systems in airports. Our AI-driven platform turns complex network data into real-time security insights for some of the world's largest and most mission-critical organizations.
We're seeking a Forward Deployed Engineer who brings a unique combination of technical coding expertise and customer understanding. You'll work directly with enterprises worldwide to deploy Ordr's AI solutions, ensuring successful adoption and delivering measurable impact.
What You'll Do
  • Collaborate with customers to understand their specific environments, data, and operational needs, translating them into effective AI deployment strategies.
  • Deploy, configure, and optimize Ordr's AI-powered platform to meet each customer's unique use cases - from hospitals and factories to banks and airports.
  • Combine your programming skills and AI/ML knowledge to tailor, automate, and enhance system integrations.
  • Work with Ordr's AI research and engineering teams to fine-tune models, validate results, and ensure production readiness.
  • Build and manage end-to-end ML pipelines for data ingestion, model deployment, and performance monitoring.
  • Present technical findings, results, and demos to both internal stakeholders and customer teams.
  • Gather feedback from real deployments to inform future product and AI model improvements.

Qualifications
Education:
  • BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related field

Technical Skills:
  • Strong foundation in machine learning, data analysis, and applied AI.
  • Proficiency in Python and familiarity with key AI/ML libraries (PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn).
  • Experience with AI development and deployment tools, including:
    • MLflow, Vertex AI, or AWS SageMaker for experiment tracking and deployment
    • Hugging Face or LangChain for LLMs and generative AI
    • Docker, Kubernetes, REST APIs, and CI/CD workflows
  • Understanding of networking, cybersecurity, or IoT data is a plus.
  • Comfort with scripting, debugging, and building automations in customer environments.

Soft Skills & Mindset
  • Unique blend of coding ability and customer empathy - able to translate complex technical concepts into real-world value.
  • Clear, confident communicator who enjoys collaborating with both engineers and customer stakeholders.
  • Highly motivated, adaptable, and eager to learn from fast-paced, real-world challenges.
  • Strong analytical mindset and hands-on problem-solving approach.
  • Passion for applying AI to make a tangible difference in large-scale, real-world systems.

Why Join Ordr
  • Work directly with global customers - from world-class hospitals to industrial and financial leaders - deploying AI solutions that protect their most critical assets.
  • Be part of a cross-functional AI team bridging research, engineering, and customer success.
  • See your work move from prototype to production and real-world impact.
  • Learn from top-tier AI and cybersecurity professionals.
  • Competitive salary, stock options, and comprehensive benefits.

Apply