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Science Fiction Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Director, Software Engineering

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$297K/yr

Our work opens up new universes to explore, enables outstanding creativity and discovery, and powers what were once science fiction inventions from artificial intelligence to autonomous cars. NVIDIA ...

Research Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $220/hr

That sounds a little like science fiction, which is part of why we think it is worth doing. But it is also a very practical engineering and research problem. The role We are hiring a Research ...

Director, Software Engineering

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$297K/yr

Our work opens up new universes to explore, enables outstanding creativity and discovery, and powers what were once science fiction inventions from artificial intelligence to autonomous cars. NVIDIA ...

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Science Fiction information

See California salary details

$11

$22

$33

How much do science fiction jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for science fiction in California is $22.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a science fiction job?

A Science Fiction job typically involves creating, analyzing, or promoting content related to the science fiction genre. This can include writing novels, screenplays, or comics, as well as working in publishing, film production, or gaming. Some roles focus on research, critique, or academia, studying the genre’s impact and evolution. Others may work in design or special effects to bring futuristic concepts to life.

What are some common challenges faced by science fiction writers and how can they overcome them?

Science fiction writers often face the challenge of balancing scientific accuracy with imaginative storytelling, ensuring their worlds are believable while still original and engaging. Another frequent difficulty is staying updated with rapidly evolving scientific and technological developments, which can impact the relevance of storylines. Successful writers overcome these challenges by conducting thorough research, networking with experts, attending writing workshops, and continually reading within and beyond the genre. Embracing constructive criticism and being open to revisions are also crucial for improving and refining their work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the science fiction position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Science Fiction Writer, you need strong storytelling abilities, a deep understanding of speculative concepts, and proficiency in creative writing, often supported by a degree in English, Creative Writing, or a related field. Familiarity with word processing software, manuscript formatting tools, and publishing platforms is typical for this role. Imagination, persistence, and the ability to accept and integrate feedback are valuable soft skills for success. These qualities help Science Fiction Writers create compelling, original narratives that engage readers and meet industry standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science Fiction jobs in California?

The most popular types of Science Fiction jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Science Fiction jobs in California?

For Science Fiction jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Science Fiction jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Science Fiction jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Science Fiction job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,361 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Controls Engineer, Locomotion

Fluency Digital, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

A micro-team building autonomous insectoid robots for extreme infrastructure and future space expansion.

You are the engineer who sees elegance in six-legged gait cycles and dreams of machines that can scale vertical steel canyons without human intervention. Your daily work involves crafting robust Python control stacks that allow bio-inspired hardware to navigate complex industrial environments with total autonomy. This is a rare chance to define locomotion logic from the ground up within a tiny, mission-obsessed group tackling problems most consider science fiction.

What we're looking for:
  • 5 to 10 years of hands-on experience developing control systems for dynamic legged robots or similar multi‑contact platforms.
  • Deep proficiency in Python for implementing real‑time motion planning, state estimation, and feedback control loops.
  • Proven ability to bridge the gap between high‑level autonomy algorithms and low‑level hardware actuation on physical systems.
  • A practical mindset geared toward solving novel mechanical challenges in unstructured, high‑stakes environments.
  • Must be based in the United States.
Tech stack:

Python

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