Research & Development Engineer 1

As an aspiring engineer, you know that great products don’t start with a finished design - they start with curiosity, disciplined experimentation, and the drive to turn ideas into real systems. Our client, Industry Descriptor, is seeking a Research & Development Engineer 1 to join their team in San Jose, CA. In this role, you’ll support an AI-focused effort by helping evaluate materials, processes, and prototypes while applying modern AI application development practices to move concepts toward practical outcomes. If you enjoy problem-solving, collaborating across teams, and documenting your work with precision, this is your chance to build momentum in R&D. Job Title: Research & Development Engineer 1 Location: San Jose, CA Pay Range: $43-$47 on W2 What's the Job?

• Identify and analyze customer needs, market trends, and technology advancements to propose new product research and development projects.
• Plan and execute experimental test programs to evaluate materials, processes, and prototype models.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, and marketing to assess feasibility, cost implications, and market potential.
• Document each phase of the R&D process to ensure findings are recorded for patent applications and compliance with regulation.
• Use engineering software to simulate, model, and visualize designs, then improve solutions based on test results. What's Needed?
• 0–2 years of experience in engineering or a closely related technical field.
• Master’s degree with experience with AI, or a bachelor’s degree with relevant experience.
• Software background with hands-on experience in AI application development using AI models.
• Familiarity with fine-tuning and reinforcement learning, plus experience with agentic AI and machine learning.
• Experience using open-source AI models and frameworks such as PyTorch, vLLM, or SGLang, along with scripting skills (e.g., Python or Java). What's in it for me?
• Opportunity to contribute to an AI project while applying core R&D engineering practices from concept through testing and iteration.
• Hands-on experience working with open-source AI models and modern inference-focused tooling.
• Cross-functional collaboration with teams across manufacturing, quality, and marketing to validate feasibility and impact.
• A structured environment that values clear documentation for compliance and patent-related recordkeeping.
• Motivating work that rewards analytical thinking, creativity, and continuous improvement based on experimental results.

Upon completion of waiting period consultants are eligible for:

• Medical and Prescription Drug Plans
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Health Savings Account
• Health Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Business Travel Insurance
• 401(k), Plus Match
• Weekly Pay If this is a role that interests you and you'd like to learn more, click apply now and a recruiter will be in touch with you to discuss this great opportunity. We look forward to speaking with you! About ManpowerGroup, Parent Company of: Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells. ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. We develop innovative solutions for hundreds of thousands of organizations every year, providing them with skilled talent while finding meaningful, sustainable employment for millions of people across a wide range of industries and skills. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Jefferson Wells – creates substantial value for candidates and clients across more than 75 countries and territories and has done so for over 70 years. We are recognized consistently for our diversity - as a best place to work for Women, Inclusion, Equality and Disability and in 2023 ManpowerGroup was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 14th year - all confirming our position as the brand of choice for in-demand talent.