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Startup Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apply process engineering principles to support the design, specification, installation, startup, and validation of process equipment and systems * Assists with project activities by performing ...

Apply process engineering principles to support the design, specification, installation, startup, and validation of process equipment and systems * Assists with project activities by performing ...

Engineer I

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$88 - $119/hr

Apply process engineering principles to support the design, specification, installation, startup, and validation of process equipment and systems Assists with project activities by performing ...

New

Applied AI Architect, Startups

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$74.25 - $97.75/hr

Build technical credibility with founders, founding engineers, and startup engineering teams by speaking their language, understanding their build patterns, and guiding technical architecture ...

Applied AI Architect, Startups

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$74.25 - $97.75/hr

Build technical credibility with founders, founding engineers, and startup engineering teams by speaking their language, understanding their build patterns, and guiding technical architecture ...

Our team is a quickly growing group of committed researchers, engineers, policy experts, and business leaders working together to build beneficial AI systems. About the role As the Manager, Startup ...

As Startup Program Manager, you'll own the day-to-day execution of the program: building and ... Design and deliver founder-facing programming that provides genuine value. * Be a consistent ...

The technician will work closely with customers, contractors, engineers, project managers, electricians, mechanics, and DXP personnel to identify and resolve startup issues and ensure equipment ...

Showing results 21-40

Startup Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do startup engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for startup engineer in California is $100,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a startup engineer?

Startup engineers are versatile software or hardware engineers who work at early-stage companies to design, build, and scale new products or technologies. They often wear many hats, handling everything from coding and infrastructure to product design and sometimes even customer feedback. Startup engineers thrive in fast-paced environments where adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving are essential. Their work is crucial in turning innovative ideas into viable products quickly, often with limited resources and tight deadlines.

What are some typical challenges a startup engineer faces when working in an early-stage company?

Startup Engineers often encounter rapidly changing priorities and ambiguous requirements as the company pivots to find product-market fit. They may need to balance building scalable solutions with the need for quick prototyping, sometimes working with limited resources or incomplete documentation. Collaboration across disciplines—such as product, design, and business teams—is frequent, so adaptability and strong communication skills are essential. These challenges can be demanding but also provide valuable opportunities to learn and grow quickly within a dynamic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a startup engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Startup Engineer, you need strong programming abilities, a solid understanding of software architecture, and versatility across tech stacks, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with cloud platforms (like AWS or GCP), version control systems (such as Git), and rapid prototyping tools is commonly required. Adaptability, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for efficiently building scalable products and adapting to the evolving needs and constraints of early-stage startups.

What cities in California are hiring for Startup Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Startup Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Startup Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Engineer I

Amgen, Inc.

Thousand Oaks, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Career Category
Engineering
Job Description
Join Amgen's Mission of Serving Patients
At Amgen, if you feel like you're part of something bigger, it's because you are. Our shared mission-to serve patients living with serious illnesses-drives all that we do.
Since 1980, we've helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world's toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas -Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease- we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, you'll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.
Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you'll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.
Engineer I
What you will do
Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role you will support manufacturing processes in Thousand Oaks Pilot Plant. Responsibilities include providing operational support, troubleshooting, and optimization for assigned equipment; advising and applying engineering principles to the design and implementation of new equipment (Stainless and Single Use Systems).
  • Support system reliability and operational optimization efforts. Identify system performance risks (e.g. single point of failure or obsolescence) and implement risk reduction strategies. Lead and execute improvement efforts, including identifying cycle reduction time opportunities, efficiency gains, and yield improvement opportunities.
  • Support technical investigations, root cause analysis, and equipment troubleshooting activities. Apply structured problem-solving methodologies with guidance.
  • Analyze data and assist in developing engineering solutions using data techniques and methodologies (e.g. Statistical Process Control, Six Sigma, predictive maintenance analysis, etc.)
  • Support new product and technology introductions by assisting with engineering assessments, equipment modifications, and execution of engineering runs.
  • Collect, organize, analyze, and present results for operational issues and engineering projects of small scope and complexity
  • Provide onsite day-to-day technical support for equipment and process troubleshooting.
  • Apply process engineering principles to support the design, specification, installation, startup, and validation of process equipment and systems
  • Assists with project activities by performing engineering studies and assessments for process equipment systems
  • Translate user and process requirements into engineering documentation and support design development in alignment with standard engineering practices.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, cross-functional teams, and support staff to escalate issues and contribute to solutions.
  • Support a safe working environment by aligning with all pertinent environmental health/safety practice, rules and regulations.

What we expect of you
We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The dynamic professional we seek is a motivated individual with these qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
Master's degree 2 years of Engineering experience
OR
Bachelor's degree and 4 years of Engineering experience
OR
Associate's degree and 6 years of Engineering experience
OR
High school diploma / GED and 8 years of Engineering experience
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Bioengineering preferred
  • Direct experience with regulated environments (e.g. FDA, cGMP, OSHA, EPA, etc.) is preferred.
  • Subject Matter Expert and hands-on experience with complex manufacturing process equipment including sophisticated troubleshooting, reliability and performance improvements, and design optimization.
  • Direct experience in equipment engineering and problem solving for cleaning, centrifuges, chromatography systems, and/or filtration systems.
  • Have a foundational knowledge of Maximo or equivalent Asset Management System for managing equipment maintenance and asset lifecycle.
  • Solid understanding and experience with cGMP procedures and engineering practices on pharmaceutical/biotech production processes, facilities, and equipment. Candidate should be experienced in corrective and preventative actions, and commissioning practices.
  • Experience supporting design and startup engineering directly related to bulk biopharmaceutical production including process equipment and facilities design, procurement, construction, startup, and validation is preferred.
  • Demonstrates independence, strong self-motivation, and organization, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a project-based environment; effective in communication, facilitation, and collaboration.
  • Demonstrates a strong team-oriented mindset and actively contributes to a collaborative culture that supports effective decision-making.
  • Applies a continuous improvement mindset in daily activities and promotes a strong commitment to safety in all aspects of work.
  • Ability to apply sophisticated and diverse engineering principles to the design and implementation of major system modifications, introduction of new equipment, processes, and capital projects. Develop technical solutions to sophisticated problems requiring the regular use of resourcefulness and creativity.
  • Develops contingency plan for potential obstacles or setbacks
  • Mentorship experience with peers or new team members on complex systems, equipment, machines, and/or processes within their area of expertise.
  • Demonstrates interest in continuous learning opportunities around new tools, techniques, and configurations to enhance their analytical abilities.
  • Strong leadership, technical writing, and communication/presentation skills are required.
  • Required flexibility to support 24/7 operations, including scheduled weekend shifts, after-hours coverage, and on-call rotation.

What you can expect of us
As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.
The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:
  • A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
  • A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
  • Stock-based long-term incentives
  • Award-winning time-off plans
  • Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.
Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.
careers.amgen.com
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Application deadline
Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.
As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.
Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Salary Range
88,281.00USD -119,439.00 USD