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Sensor Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Mechanical Design Engineer

Burbank, CA

$73K - $88K/yr

The successful candidate will have sensor design experience, a strong understanding of aerospace and AS9100 requirements, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

New

Apple

Camera System Integration Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $143K/yr

You'll design and develop groundbreaking ideas for everything involved in our camera systems, from sensor to lens. You'll collaborate with teams across Apple to research, design, develop, test, and ...

OSI Engineering, Inc.

Lead Sensor Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$300K - $400K/yr

Lead PPG system development from architecture through production, including sensor selection, optical front-end design, skin interface development, and motion-robust heart-rate and HRV algorithms.

Apple

Hardware System EE Architect

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$285K/yr

... sensor design highly preferred Ability to take a methodical and insightful approach to data analysis Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill

Apple

Motion Sensing Hardware Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$175K - $308K/yr

Strong fundamentals in sensors and experience on integrating sensor into product, connecting user-level requirements to component-level requirements. Experience in architecture, design ...

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All JobsSensor Design JobsSensor Design Jobs in California

Sensor Design information

See California salary details

$77.5K

$127.5K

$188K

How much do sensor design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for sensor design in California is $127,526.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,100.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Sensor Design roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Sensor Design often encounter challenges such as balancing sensitivity and selectivity, minimizing noise and interference, and ensuring manufacturability at scale. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—such as mechanical, electrical, and software engineers—can help address integration issues and optimize performance. Keeping up with rapid technological advances is also key, so continuous learning and prototyping are essential parts of the role. Open communication and iterative testing are important strategies to overcome these challenges and deliver reliable sensor solutions.

What is sensor design?

Sensor design is the process of developing devices that detect and respond to physical stimuli such as heat, light, motion, or pressure. This field involves engineering the materials, electronics, and structures that allow sensors to accurately convert real-world signals into measurable electrical outputs. Sensor designers work on optimizing sensitivity, reliability, and integration with other systems, which are critical for applications in industries like automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and certain aerospace or electrical engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare expertise and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sensor Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sensor Design Engineer, a solid background in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field is essential, along with experience in sensor technology and circuit design. Familiarity with CAD tools, simulation software (like COMSOL or ANSYS), and relevant industry certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can be highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top performers apart. These skills ensure the ability to create innovative, reliable sensors that meet technical requirements and function seamlessly in their intended applications.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior sensor design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in electronics and signal processing, and often working in specialized industries or at large technology companies can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such roles typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, often including stock options or bonuses. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What is the difference between Sensor Design vs Sensor Testing?

AspectSensor DesignSensor Testing
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized knowledge in sensor developmentEngineering or technical degree, focus on testing procedures
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, development teamsTesting labs, quality assurance departments, field testing sites
Employer & Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, aerospace, consumer devicesManufacturers, quality assurance firms, research institutions

Sensor Design involves creating and developing new sensor technologies, focusing on innovation and functionality. Sensor Testing, on the other hand, evaluates sensor performance to ensure quality and reliability. Both roles are essential in the sensor industry but differ in their focus—designing versus validating sensors.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain electrical or computer hardware engineering roles can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and may involve leadership responsibilities or working in competitive markets.

What skills do you need to be a sensor engineer?

Sensor engineers need strong knowledge of electronics, materials science, and signal processing. Proficiency in programming languages such as C or Python, experience with CAD tools, and understanding of sensor calibration and testing are also important. Additionally, problem-solving skills and the ability to work with interdisciplinary teams are essential for success in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Sensor Design jobs in California? For Sensor Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sensor Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Sensor Design jobs in California are:
Sensor Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensor Design job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,526 per year, or $61.3 per hour.
iPhone Touch Sensing Electrical Design Engineer

iPhone Touch Sensing Electrical Design Engineer

Apple

Bodega Bay, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 674 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

The goal of the iPhone Touch Sensing Technology team is to enable the world’s best User Experiences through state-of-the-art sensing solutions. The team designs, develops, and delivers high-precision, low-latency MultiTouch solutions that are the gold standard in the smartphone/mobile industries. New challenges arise every day that require innovation across several technical disciplines, including EE, Math, Physics, and Algorithms. Come join us in delivering technology from proof-of-concept through ultra-high-volume production! Our team features a collaborative and hands-on environment that cultivates engineering excellence and creativity.
Description
As a iPhone Touch Sensing Electrical Design Engineer you will play a key role in designing, developing, integrating, and launching next-generation touch sensing technologies.","responsibilities":"Own the design and release of Touch sensing hardware components to deliver world class user experience.
Drive Touch sensing hardware design and validation, collaborate with cross-functional partners and manufacturers to achieve sensing performance, coexistence, and reliability readiness for mass production.
Spearhead the development and deployment of innovative calibration and test strategies.
Lead failure mode analysis from root cause diagnosis to corrective action through the product life cycle.
Shape next-generation touch technology through performance optimization, emerging sensor exploration, and proof-of-concept investigations.
Business travel may be required to support product development.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with sensor design and systems integration.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and solid teamwork.
Experience with high-volume mass production is a plus.
Attention to detail with proven collaboration and leadership skills.
Ability to thrive in ambiguity, independently converge technical issues, and align efforts across teams.
MS or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
Minimum Qualifications
Hands-on experience in system-level EE design, architecture, characterization and validation.
Fundamental knowledge of physics, analog circuit and signals analysis, circuit design, linear algebra and statistics.
Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, SPICE, or similar simulation and modeling tools.
BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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