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Strain Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Structures Test Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$75K - $123K/yr

S. in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant discipline. * 0-2 years of work experience in relevant ... Experience using sensors such as strain gages, potentiometers, accelerometers, etc. (including ...

Senior Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$130 - $150/hr

Review engineering documents with a high standard of rigor. * Identify and lead new test capability ... Experience with mechanical test equipment, load cells, strain gages, actuators, universal test ...

... test engineering. * Proficiency in CAD (Siemens NX). * Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, hydraulic actuators, and instrumentation (Load Cells/Strain Gauges). * Experience with data ...

New

S. in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant discipline. * 0-2 years of work experience in relevant ... Experience using sensors such as strain gages, potentiometers, accelerometers, etc. (including ...

Review engineering documents with a high standard of rigor. * Identify and lead new test capability ... Experience with mechanical test equipment, load cells, strain gages, actuators, universal test ...

Showing results 41-60

Strain Engineering information

See California salary details

$74K

$112.8K

$150.5K

How much do strain engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for strain engineering in California is $112,834.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is strain engineering?

A Strain Engineering job involves modifying microbial or cellular strains to optimize their genetic and metabolic pathways for improved performance in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or industrial applications. Strain engineers use techniques such as genetic engineering, CRISPR, adaptive evolution, and fermentation optimization to enhance traits like yield, stability, or resistance. They work in research labs, biotech companies, or pharmaceutical firms to develop strains for drug production, biofuel generation, or sustainable materials manufacturing.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a strain engineer?

As a Strain Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include designing and executing experiments to engineer new microbial strains, analyzing genetic data, and documenting results for ongoing projects. You’ll collaborate closely with microbiologists, fermentation scientists, and process engineers to optimize strain performance for various applications, such as biopharmaceutical production or biofuel development. Depending on the project stage, your work may also involve troubleshooting experimental outcomes and maintaining laboratory equipment. This collaborative and experimental environment keeps the role dynamic and provides ample opportunities to contribute to innovative solutions.

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

To excel in Strain Engineering, you typically need a strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, or chemical engineering, along with hands-on experience in genetic manipulation and strain optimization. Familiarity with bioinformatics tools, laboratory automation systems, and quality control protocols is highly valued, and certification in relevant biosafety protocols may be required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaboration are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies are important to ensure safe and efficient development of microbial strains for industrial, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology applications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Strain Engineering jobs in California?

The most popular types of Strain Engineering jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Strain Engineering jobs in California?

For Strain Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Strain Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Strain Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Strain Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 87% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,834 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Engineering Associate - Mechanical Engineering

Omni Inclusive

Sunnyvale, CA

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Contract Engineer Specializing in Prototyping & Fabrication Location: Sunnyvale, California, United States Category: Science & Technology Class: Contractor, full-time, 6-month minimum contract (potential to convert to DuPont employee) INTRODUCTION The DuPont Silicon Valley Technology Center's (SVTC) Applications Engineering Laboratories are focused on supporting rapid prototyping and applications development for customer-driven projects, in addition to internal R&D initiatives. The laboratories serve a range of high impact business sectors, including advanced packaging and microfabrication, rigid and flexible printed circuit boards, thermal management, optics, and high-speed communication. THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES The engineer specializing in prototyping & fabrication is expected to be the on-site subject matter expert in a diverse range of prototyping and fabrication techniques, including the development of advanced and Client fabrication methods serving a diverse and dynamic project portfolio of applications development work typical for SVTC. Fabrication and prototyping methods will span chemical, mechanical, thermal, subtractive, and additive techniques. The successful candidate will lead fabrication components of critical projects and assist in the testing and characterization of fabricated products. KEY SKILLS & RESPONSIBILITIES: • Engineer specializing in prototyping and fabrication techniques, including development of advanced/non-standard methods for unique applications • Adept at hands-on lab work, creative thinking, problem solving in a unique and fast-paced applications engineering laboratory environment • Ability to conduct hands-on experimental work, interpret data, and suggest modifications • Perform tasks and lead fabrication projects involving laminations, coatings, laser ablation, 3D printing, ion milling +SEM analysis, dispensing, CNC milling, large format routing, etc. • Lead additional prototyping and fabrication applications development initiatives relevant to strategic goals as they arrive • Work closely with team of engineers / technical specialists in support of a broad project portfolio, including optical, thermal, and mechanical characterization • Basic data analysis and statistics experience is expected • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member with a diverse group of people
QUALIFICATION PROFILE: • Required: B.S. degree in engineering, preferably mechanical or other curriculum that required significant hands-on training • Preferred: 1-3 years of post-degree hands-on experience working in a laboratory with fabrication/prototyping equipment • Experience with a diverse range of instruments, spanning chemical, mechanical, thermal characterization, and experience working with basic materials characterization and metrology equipment, such as stress-strain testers, confocal microscopes, SEMs, etc. is preferred • Preferred experience using CAD and CAM software, such as SolidWorks, including the ability to produced professional engineering drawings • Well organized, attention to detail, excellent presentation/communication skills • Curiosity and excitement to learn beyond assignments, excellent problem-solving skills
About DuPont At DuPont, we have an unbridled commitment to deliver essential innovations that enrich people's lives, enable sustainable development, and foster human potential for generations to come. On May 22, 2024, we announced a plan to separate our Electronics and Water businesses in a tax-free manner to its shareholders. On January 15, 2025, we announced that we are targeting November 1, 2025, for the completion of the intended separation of the Electronics business (the "Intended Electronics Separation") *. We also announced that we would retain the Water business. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and successful separation process for the Future Electronics business. We look forward to welcoming new talent interested in contributing to the continued success and growth of our evolving organization. (1) The separation transactions are subject to satisfaction of customary conditions, including final approval by DuPont's Board of Directors, receipt of tax opinion from counsel, the filing and effectiveness of Form 10 registration statements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, applicable regulatory approvals, and satisfactory completion of financing. For further discussion of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could impact the achievement, expected timing and intended benefits of the separation transactions, see DuPont's announcement Innovations developed from highly engineered products and naturally sourced ingredients shape industries and everyday life. From smarter homes to more efficient cars, from better ways of digitally connecting to new tools that enable active and healthy lifestyles... in all these areas and many more, we are working with customers to transform their ideas into real world answers that help humanity thrive. For additional information on our unbridled commitment to deliver essential innovations that enrich people's lives, enable sustainable development, and foster human potential for generations to come, please access the following link to better understand & appreciate DuPont's Journey: https://careers.dupont.com/us/en Coupled with core values and excellent compensation & benefits... Together, we are turning possibilities into real world answers that help humanity prosper! DuPont is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information.