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Think Tank Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Automat

Applied AI Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

Automat was founded by a diverse group of creative technologists from teams like Google Creative Lab and Samsung's Innovation Think Tank. We're building a future where intelligent agents run real ...

Automat

Founding Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Automat was founded by a diverse group of creative technologists from teams like Google Creative Lab and Samsung's Innovation Think Tank. We're building a future where intelligent agents run real ...

Tencent

Associate, Global AI Policy

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Stakeholder Engagement * Assist in managing relationships with think tanks, academic institutions, trade associations, and policy organizations. * Support Tencent's participation in AI policy forums ...

The Advance Group, Inc.

$16 - $21.25/hr

Our interns have gone on to work for elected officials, think tanks, the media and government agencies. For those that are able to participate in person, we offer access to a variety of events and ...

The Advance Group, Inc.

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Our interns have gone on to work for elected officials, think tanks, the media and government agencies. For those that are able to participate in person, we offer access to a variety of events and ...

The Advance Group, Inc.

$16 - $21.25/hr

Our interns have gone on to work for elected officials, think tanks, the media and government agencies. For those that are able to participate in person, we offer access to a variety of events and ...

The Advance Group, Inc.

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Our interns have gone on to work for elected officials, think tanks, the media and government agencies. For those that are able to participate in person, we offer access to a variety of events and ...

The Advance Group, Inc.

$15 - $19.75/hr

Our interns have gone on to work for elected officials, think tanks, the media and government agencies. For those that are able to participate in person, we offer access to a variety of events and ...

The Advance Group, Inc.

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Our interns have gone on to work for elected officials, think tanks, the media and government agencies. For those that are able to participate in person, we offer access to a variety of events and ...

The Advance Group, Inc.

$16 - $21.50/hr

Our interns have gone on to work for elected officials, think tanks, the media and government agencies. For those that are able to participate in person, we offer access to a variety of events and ...

The Advance Group, Inc.

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Our interns have gone on to work for elected officials, think tanks, the media and government agencies. For those that are able to participate in person, we offer access to a variety of events and ...

The Advance Group, Inc.

$15.75 - $21/hr

Our interns have gone on to work for elected officials, think tanks, the media and government agencies. For those that are able to participate in person, we offer access to a variety of events and ...

Automat

Forward Deployed Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$145K - $200K/yr

Automat was founded by a diverse group of creative technologists from teams like Google Creative Lab and Samsung's Innovation Think Tank. We're building a future where intelligent agents run real ...

Automat

Head of Sales

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Automat was founded by a diverse group of creative technologists from teams like Google Creative Lab and Samsung's Innovation Think Tank. We're building a future where intelligent agents run real ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsThink Tank JobsThink Tank Jobs in California

Think Tank information

See California salary details

$13

$19

$33

How much do think tank jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for think tank in California is $19.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do think tanks do?

Think tanks are organizations dedicated to research and analysis on public policy issues. They gather experts to develop ideas, provide insights, and offer recommendations to policymakers, businesses, and the public. Their work often includes publishing reports, hosting events, and engaging in advocacy to influence decision-making on topics such as economics, security, healthcare, and education. Think tanks can be independent, affiliated with universities, or associated with political parties, and they play a key role in shaping public debate.

What is a think tank?

A think tank is an institute or organization that performs advocacy and research on one or more topics. Think tanks frequently address topics like proposed political and social policies, economic matters, use of technology, and culture. The structure and goals of a think tank often reflect its source of support, which can be anything from a non-profit to a government-, corporation-, or university-sponsored guarantee of support. Think tanks range from large and diversified groups to smaller setups focused on specific and specialized topics. Some think tanks provide help with writing legislation, finding experts on particular issues, determining what topics should be studied, or bringing people together.

What is the difference between Think Tank vs Policy Analyst?

AspectThink TankPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in political science, public policy, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with a focus on specific policy areas
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often non-profit or think tank organizationsGovernment agencies, NGOs, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for research, policy development, and advocacyUsed for analyzing, developing, and recommending policies

While both roles require advanced education and involve policy work, a Think Tank primarily conducts research and advocacy within specialized organizations, whereas a Policy Analyst often works within government or consulting firms to analyze and develop policies based on research findings.

How do I get a job at a think tank?

To get a job at a think tank, candidates typically need a strong background in policy analysis, research, or related fields, often demonstrated through relevant degrees or experience. Building expertise in specific policy areas, developing research skills, and networking with professionals in the field can improve chances. Familiarity with data analysis tools and a track record of published work or policy contributions are also valuable.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in think tanks, and how can new hires best navigate them?

Professionals in think tanks often face challenges such as tight deadlines for delivering research, the need to balance rigorous analysis with clear communication, and staying current with rapidly evolving policy landscapes. New hires can navigate these challenges by cultivating strong time management skills, actively seeking feedback from senior researchers, and engaging in continuous learning through seminars and networking events. Collaboration is key, as projects often require input from experts in various disciplines, so building relationships within and outside the organization is essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a think tank researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Think Tank Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, research expertise, and advanced degrees in relevant fields such as political science, economics, or public policy. Familiarity with data analysis tools, academic databases, and sometimes statistical software like Stata or R is common. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills set standout candidates apart in producing and presenting impactful research. These abilities are crucial for generating credible policy recommendations and influencing decision-makers in fast-evolving policy landscapes.

Who gets hired at think tanks?

Think tanks typically hire individuals with strong research skills, relevant academic backgrounds, and expertise in policy areas such as economics, international relations, or public policy. Candidates often have advanced degrees, experience in research or analysis, and proficiency with data analysis tools or policy writing. Hiring also considers communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative environment.

What jobs are there in a think tank?

Jobs in a think tank include research analyst, policy analyst, program manager, communications specialist, and administrative staff. These roles often require strong analytical skills, expertise in specific policy areas, and proficiency with research tools and data analysis software.
More about Think Tank jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Think Tank jobs in California? The most popular types of Think Tank jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Think Tank jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Think Tank jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Think Tank jobs? Cities in California with the most Think Tank job openings:
Think Tank jobs near you
Infographic showing various Think Tank job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, and 39% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,905 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Applied AI Engineer

Automat

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Who are the people that make up Automat?
Automat was founded by a diverse group of creative technologists from teams like Google Creative Lab and Samsung's Innovation Think Tank. We're building a future where intelligent agents run real business operations, not just support them. Automat Workforce puts AI coworkers directly inside a company's existing tools to handle day-to-day operational work, and our Studio platform gives customers a fully managed way to build, deploy, and monitor their own agents and automations.
We encourage anyone to apply - while this is a senior position we think talent, passion and your unique perspective can outweigh years of experience. We are really looking for someone who can hit the ground running on day one and contribute at a rapid pace, while also being someone from whom we ourselves can learn from.
The Role
We're looking for an Applied AI Engineer who thrives at the intersection of product, engineering, and research. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with forward-deployed engineers and end users, developing innovative tools for both internal teams and external customers. You will actively shape technical solutions, influence strategic direction, and contribute meaningfully to our culture.
What You'll Do:
  • Collaborate with product and engineering to deeply understand customer challenges
  • Research and deploy real-world applications of cutting-edge AI models
  • Design and implement impactful solutions across internal tools and customer-facing products
  • Influence our engineering practices, shape product direction, and contribute to company culture

What drives you
  • Curiosity, creativity, and a drive to rapidly learn and adapt
  • Building full-stack apps that bring AI to life
  • Staying on top of the latest in AI and LLM prompting techniques
  • Pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI agents
  • Working in fast-moving, collaborative teams

What's in your toolbox
  • Strong understanding of ML & AI best practices
  • Proficiency in Python and Typescript
  • Experience working with LLM APIs (e.g. OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, etc.)
  • Knowledge of LLM frameworks like Vercel AI SDK
  • Experience building with frameworks like Next.js and working with REST APIs
  • Familiarity with "computer-use" models (e.g., Operator, Computer Use, Browser Use)
  • Experience using AI tools effectively (e.g. Cursor, Windsurf, lovable, etc.)

What we are looking for
  • Ability to rapidly prototype and iterate on ideas
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity and wearing multiple hats
  • Passion for creating intuitive, user-friendly experiences
  • A proactive mindset and a bias toward action
  • Experience in startups or other dynamic, high-growth settingsExperience in startups or other dynamic, high-growth settings
  • 3-6+ years of experience working as an IC collaborative teams

Apply