1

Scientific Computing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Research Scientist, AI

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Deep understanding of scientific computing, numerical methods, and computational modeling * Proven ability to translate scientific problems into machine learning approaches * Experience building ...

R&D Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

About the role: We're looking for highly skilled R&D Engineers with expertise in algorithms, mathematical modeling, and scientific computing. The R&D Engineer will perform in-depth research on high ...

Principal DevOps Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$56.25 - $77/hr

... and performance for scientific computing, including Ansys, STAR-CCM+, and Abaqus, covering licensing, environment setup, job orchestration, and results infrastructure. • Triage inbound ...

Expert knowledge of a scientific computing language (such as R or Python) and SQL * Theoretical and applied expertise in statistics, machine learning and experimental design * Excellent written and ...

... and scientific computing workflows • Comfort working with cloud infrastructure and ML tooling (AWS, Docker, CUDA, Conda, PyTorch, TensorFlow) • Located in the SF Bay Area or able to relocate ...

Showing results 41-60

Scientific Computing information

See California salary details

$13

$31

$51

How much do scientific computing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific computing in California is $31.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $39.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does someone working in scientific computing do?

Professionals in Scientific Computing typically spend their days developing and optimizing computational models, writing code to analyze large datasets, and running simulations on high-performance computing systems. They often collaborate closely with scientists, researchers, or engineers to interpret results and improve methodologies. Depending on the industry, they may also be responsible for documenting workflows, troubleshooting complex issues, and staying current with technological advances in their field. Daily work often involves problem-solving, technical meetings, and the continuous improvement of algorithms and computational processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in scientific computing?

To thrive in Scientific Computing, you need a strong background in mathematics, computer science, and scientific principles, often supported by a relevant degree such as physics, engineering, or computational science. Proficiency with programming languages like Python, C++, or MATLAB, experience with high-performance computing (HPC) systems, and familiarity with scientific software and libraries are typically essential. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication skills are important soft skills for this role. These skills enable professionals to develop efficient computational solutions, collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, and drive progress in research and innovation.

What is scientific computing?

A Scientific Computing job involves using advanced computational methods, algorithms, and mathematical modeling to solve complex scientific and engineering problems. Professionals in this field develop and optimize software, perform simulations, and analyze large datasets to support research in disciplines like physics, biology, and engineering. They often work with high-performance computing (HPC) systems and programming languages such as Python, C++, or Fortran. These roles are commonly found in academia, government research labs, and industries like aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and finance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Computing jobs in California? The most popular types of Scientific Computing jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Scientific Computing jobs in California? For Scientific Computing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Scientific Computing jobs? Cities in California with the most Scientific Computing job openings:
Infographic showing various Scientific Computing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,616 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Research Scientist, AI

Substrate

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Research Scientist, AI
Substrate is addressing one of the most important technological problems facing the United States. At the intersection of advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge physics, we are developing technologies that will reshape the semiconductor industry and strengthen America's technological leadership. We are a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and technical experts building technology for the United States.
Summary
As a Research Scientist working with AI, you will accelerate and augment R&D workflows by applying machine learning to scientific simulations and modeling while simultaneously building internal AI capabilities across the organization. This role sits at the intersection of cutting-edge physics and artificial intelligence, and you'll work hands-on to develop AI-augmented tools that enable breakthrough research, and build the infrastructure and expertise that empowers our technical teams to leverage AI in their own work. Whether you are a physicist who has embraced machine learning or an AI expert with deep scientific domain knowledge, you will play a pivotal role in defining how we utilize AI to accelerate our own internal R&D.
Responsibilities
  • Integrate machine learning techniques to accelerate scientific simulations, modeling, and computational workflows
  • Develop AI-augmented tools for materials science, device physics, or accelerator physics applications
  • Build internal AI infrastructure and capabilities to enable research teams across the organization
  • Train and mentor scientists and engineers on integrating AI/ML into their research workflows
  • Implement surrogate models, physics-informed neural networks, or generative approaches for scientific problems
  • Develop data pipelines and frameworks for scientific machine learning across distributed teams
  • Collaborate with computational physicists and experimentalists to identify high-impact AI applications
  • Set AI best practices and establish standards for ML-augmented R&D

Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years professional or academic research experience in physical sciences, engineering, or related field
  • 2-3+ years hands-on experience applying machine learning to scientific or technical problems
  • Strong programming skills in Python and ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, or similar)
  • Deep understanding of scientific computing, numerical methods, and computational modeling
  • Proven ability to translate scientific problems into machine learning approaches
  • Experience building tools, infrastructure, or capabilities used by technical teams

Preferred Qualifications
  • PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or related field
  • Publications applying ML to scientific computing, simulation, or experimental data analysis
  • Experience with physics-informed machine learning or scientific foundation models
  • Background in accelerator physics, semiconductor devices, materials modeling, or related domains
  • Track record of enabling technical teams through tool development or mentorship

Salary Range
$150,000-$275,000 USD
Substrate is an equal opportunity employer. It provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, gender, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Substrate will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.