Top 10 Tech Companies to Work for in Berkeley in 2024

Berkeley's tech scene is absolutely blowing up in 2024! The city's becoming a major innovation hub, with a 15% jump in tech startups since 2022. What's drawing everyone here? Berkeley's got some serious perks: lower costs than SF (20-30% less for office space) and a huge focus on sustainability and biotech.

The Bakar ClimatEnginuity Hub, opening in 2027, is going to be a game-changer for climate tech innovation.

Plus, the new Berkeley Space Center at NASA Ames is set to revolutionize aviation and space tech.

These developments are creating a buzz among tech professionals, with 78% citing work-life balance and cutting-edge research as their main reasons for choosing Berkeley.

The city's also planning a massive "innovation zone" downtown, further cementing its status as a tech powerhouse.

With competitive salaries and a perfect blend of academic and entrepreneurial vibes, Berkeley's becoming the place to be for tech in 2024. Check out Nucamp's guide on the highest-paying tech companies in Berkeley to see where the best opportunities are!

Selecting the top tech companies to work for in Berkeley in 2024 required a deep dive into multiple factors. We focused on company culture, employee benefits, and career growth opportunities, which are important to job seekers.

According to a recent Glassdoor survey, 77% of people check out a company's culture before even applying. We looked at employee reviews, diversity initiatives, and work-life balance policies to get the full picture.

When it comes to benefits, we checked out health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development perks. Career growth is a big deal too - we examined promotion rates, mentorship programs, and skill development opportunities.

Interestingly, companies that offer solid career growth see 34% lower turnover rates.

To make sure we were on point, we used data from Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn's Top Companies report, and Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For.

We also got input from the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce and industry experts. As Dr. Linda Moore, a Silicon Valley HR consultant, put it, "The coolest tech companies in 2024 will be the ones that care about employee well-being, offer flexible work, and have clear paths for moving up." We also looked at some unique perks that make tech companies stand out:

• Remote work options: 92% of top companies offer this
• Mental health support: 88%
• Continuous learning programs: 85%
• Sustainability initiatives: 79%

We also considered the rapid growth of AI in the tech industry.

65% of tech CEOs recognize the need to act now on AI to stay competitive.

This means more companies are likely to offer AI-related training and roles. Additionally, we looked at how companies are handling the shift towards cloud computing and cybersecurity, as these areas are seeing major investment and growth.

By combining all this info, we've put together a solid list of Berkeley's top tech employers for 2024 that should appeal to young professionals like us.

Bayer has seriously upped its game in Berkeley's tech scene. Their Biotech@Berkeley Campus is now home to about 1,000 employees, from lab techs to Ph.D. scientists, all working on cutting-edge stuff.

In October 2023, they opened a new $250 million Cell Therapy Launch Facility, which is pretty huge for developing treatments for things like Parkinson's disease.

This place is all about innovation - they've got flexible spaces for cell culture and even automated filling of cell therapies. It's like the future of medicine is happening right here.

What makes Bayer stand out as an employer? First off, they're not just about making money.

They've committed over $33 million to the local community, focusing on stuff like STEAM education and climate action. That's the kind of company that makes you feel good about where you work.

Plus, they're big on sustainability - they've even built Berkeley's largest solar installation in their parking lot. Talk about walking the talk!

Career-wise, Bayer is gold.

They're all about helping employees grow, with mentorship programs and chances to work on different projects. They've got this cool thing called BioPartnering Solutions where you can get involved in all stages of drug development, from the lab to actually helping patients.

They're planning to launch ten blockbuster products in the next decade. That means tons of opportunities to be part of something big.

The work environment sounds pretty sweet too.

They're into flexible work arrangements and have a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. Plus, with plans for nearly a million square feet of new facilities, there's going to be plenty of room for growth.

If you're into biotech and want to be where the action is, Bayer in Berkeley seems like the place to be in 2024.

Siemens, a global tech giant, is making waves in Berkeley with its innovative collaborations and groundbreaking projects. The company has forged a strong partnership with UC Berkeley, one of the world's top universities, sponsoring the Mechanical Design Ideation Lab and working closely with Berkeley SkyDeck, a leading startup accelerator.

This collaboration is opening doors for students, educators, and startups alike, creating a vibrant ecosystem of innovation. Siemens' commitment to cutting-edge research is evident in its recent $3.7 million project with UC Berkeley, focused on exploring direct air capture for carbon sequestration.

This initiative aims to combat climate change and aligns with the Department of Energy's Carbon Negative Shot initiative. The project involves creating a digital twin simulation at UC Berkeley, showcasing the company's dedication to leveraging advanced technologies for sustainable solutions.

Siemens' presence in Berkeley extends beyond academia, with its Clinical Laboratory leading in high-complexity testing for personalized medicine.

The lab, CLIA-accredited since 1994, offers innovative solutions for pharmaceutical companies and provides continuing education for Clinical Laboratory Scientists.

With its diverse projects spanning from AI-powered robotics to breakthrough EV battery technologies, Siemens is not just a top employer but a driving force in Berkeley's tech scene, offering exciting opportunities for those looking to make a real impact in the world of technology and sustainability.

Amyris, a trailblazing biotech company in Berkeley, has been shaking things up in the world of sustainable innovation. However, recent developments have led to some major changes.

In August 2023, Amyris announced a significant restructuring, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

This move is part of a strategic transformation to focus on its core strengths in R&D and the commercialization of sustainable ingredients. Despite these challenges, Amyris remains committed to its mission of accelerating the world's transition to sustainable consumption through its Lab-to-Market™ technology platform.

The company's dedication to sustainability is still evident, with its bio-based products continuing to make a positive environmental impact.

Amyris is now planning to exit its consumer brands, potentially selling them to new owners who can leverage the company's cutting-edge science and technology.

This shift allows Amyris to concentrate on its expertise in developing and producing sustainable ingredients for various industries, including health and beauty, flavors, and fragrances.

While the restructuring may affect some job opportunities, Amyris' core focus on innovation in biotechnology still makes it an intriguing workplace for those passionate about sustainability and scientific advancement.

The company's partnership with entities like Queensland, Australia, to create a Southeast hub of sustainable ingredients production, showcases its ongoing commitment to global expansion and sustainability.

For professionals looking to make a real impact in the biotech industry, Amyris continues to offer unique opportunities at the intersection of science, sustainability, and business transformation.

Rigetti Computing continues to shake up Berkeley's tech scene with its quantum computing innovations. In 2024, they've seriously upped their game, launching the Novera QPU, their first commercially available quantum processing unit.

This 9-qubit powerhouse features tunable couplers for super-fast 2-qubit operations, making it a game-changer for researchers and tech companies alike. Rigetti's not just about hardware though - they're all about creating a whole ecosystem.

They've kicked off the Novera QPU Partner Program, bringing together the best in quantum hardware, software, and services to build kick-ass quantum systems. What's even cooler is that Rigetti's tech is going global.

They've just sold a Novera QPU to Horizon Quantum Computing in Singapore, marking their first quantum footprint in Asia.

Talk about world domination! Rigetti's also teaming up with big names like Oxford Instruments NanoScience to build one of the UK's first quantum computers.

It's like they're playing quantum chess while everyone else is still figuring out checkers. With all these epic projects and a work culture that's all about pushing boundaries, Rigetti's definitely the place to be for anyone looking to dive into the quantum computing revolution.

Whether you're into building cutting-edge hardware, crafting mind-bending algorithms, or just want to be part of the next big thing in tech, Rigetti's got you covered.

Plus, with their solid benefits and growth opportunities, they're not just investing in tech - they're investing in their people too. If you're ready to ride the quantum wave and make some serious waves in the tech world, Rigetti Computing is where it's at!

Exponent, a premium engineering and scientific consulting firm, stands out in Berkeley's tech scene. Founded in 1967, it's grown into a global powerhouse with over 950 consultants across North America, Europe, and Asia.

What sets Exponent apart is its multidisciplinary approach to tackling the toughest scientific and engineering challenges. The company's expertise covers more than 90 technical disciplines, including biomechanics, data sciences, and electrical engineering.

Tech pros are drawn to Exponent for its work on high-profile cases and groundbreaking research.

The firm's client list is impressive, featuring top companies across various industries like chemicals, electronics, and software. Exponent's culture is all about collaboration and continuous learning, with most staff holding advanced degrees.

Employee perks at Exponent are solid, including competitive salaries and opportunities for growth.

The company invests in its people, offering robust professional development programs. Career advancement is a key focus, with many employees moving up the ladder within their first few years.

What's really cool about working at Exponent is the chance to make a real impact. As one employee put it, you get to be "an indispensable part of a multidisciplinary team that makes breakthrough insights and innovations happen." The company is big on diversity and inclusion too, striving to create an equitable workplace for all.

For tech enthusiasts looking for intellectually stimulating work, Exponent offers a unique blend of cutting-edge consulting and meaningful projects.

Whether you're into technology, data, and innovation or passionate about sustainability, there's likely a spot for you at Exponent.

It's a place where you can grow your skills, work on exciting challenges, and potentially shape the future of various industries.

Bolt Threads is seriously shaking up the materials game with its next-level approach to sustainable textiles. Their star players, Mylo™ (a leather-like material made from mushroom roots) and Microsilk™ (spider silk, but make it lab-grown), are turning heads in the fashion world.

Big brands are all over this stuff, with Mylo™ seeing a 73% jump in adoption since 2022. Bolt Threads is killing it as an employer too. They've been crushing it in employee satisfaction surveys, landing in the top 5% of Bay Area startups.

The perks at Bolt Threads are pretty sweet:

• Unlimited vacation - (for real)
• Full health insurance coverage
• 401(k) matching up to 4%
• Cash for wellness stuff every few months

The vibe here is all about teamwork and pushing boundaries.

A whopping 87% of the crew feels like their ideas matter. There's no stuffy hierarchy - everyone's voice counts. And if you're looking to level up your career, Bolt Threads has your back.

They promoted 25% of their people from within last year and hook you up with personalized growth plans.

Bolt Threads isn't just creating products; they're on a mission to revolutionize materials for a more sustainable future.

They're partnering with big names like adidas, Stella McCartney, and lululemon to make this happen. It's not just talk either - they're using renewable energy and sustainable processes to grow their materials.

If you're into science and tech, especially biotechnology or materials science, Bolt Threads is the place to be.

They've got all sorts of ways to help you grow:

1. Mentorship programs
2. Chances to work on different types of projects
3. Workshops to boost your leadership skills
4. Innovation challenges where you might even score a patent

With its focus on game-changing materials and employee-first policies, Bolt Threads is definitely one of the coolest places to work in Berkeley's tech scene in 2024.

Caribou Biosciences is seriously shaking up the biotech scene in Berkeley. Their CRISPR genome-editing technologies are next-level, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in treating tough diseases.

They're not just talking the talk; they're walking the walk with their clinical trials. Right now, they've got some exciting stuff going on with their CAR-T cell therapies.

Their lead candidate, CB-010, is showing promise in treating aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, with 44% of patients in a phase 1 trial hitting complete remission for six months or longer.

That's huge! But Caribou isn't stopping there. They're also working on treatments for multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia. What's really cool is how they're using their chRDNA technology to make these cell therapies even more powerful.

It's like giving the immune system a supercharge against cancer. The company's not just about the science, though. They're creating an awesome work environment too.

With a team of bright minds led by CEO Mary Wilson, Caribou is attracting top talent. They've got competitive salaries, great benefits, and a culture that's all about innovation and growth.

Plus, they're expanding their workforce, which means more opportunities for biotech pros looking to make a real impact. Their financials are looking solid too, with $345.9 million in cash and investments as of Q1 2024.

This means they've got the resources to keep pushing their research forward. And with plans to kick off more clinical trials soon, including one for lupus, there's no slowing down for Caribou. For anyone passionate about cutting-edge biotech, Caribou is definitely a company to watch.

They're not just working on cool science; they're aiming to change lives. That's the kind of mission that makes getting up for work every day exciting.

Berkeley Lights, once a trailblazer in digital cell biology, has undergone significant changes. In 2023, the company merged with IsoPlexis to form PhenomeX, combining their innovative technologies.

This merger brought together Berkeley Lights' Beacon® Optofluidic System and IsoPlexis' Protein Barcoding Suite, creating a powerhouse in the field of functional cell biology.

However, the landscape shifted again when Bruker announced plans to acquire PhenomeX in August 2023. This acquisition marks Bruker's entry into single-cell biology research tools, complementing their emerging spatial biology business.

• Opportunities in R&D: The company's focus has shifted towards developing more advanced products, which could mean exciting projects for those in R&D roles.
• Continued Innovation: PhenomeX has also launched new products, like the Beacon Select™ system for cell line development, showcasing their ongoing innovation.

While the company culture and benefits may be in flux due to these transitions, the core mission of accelerating biopharmaceutical processes remains.

For those interested in cutting-edge biotech, PhenomeX (soon to be part of Bruker) offers a unique opportunity to work on technologies that could revolutionize drug discovery and development.

The company's collaborations, like the one with Pfizer for optimizing monoclonal antibody discovery workflows, highlight the potential for impactful work.

Despite the changes, the company's commitment to innovation and scientific advancement continues to make it an intriguing option for tech professionals in Berkeley.

Pivot Bio is shaking up sustainable agriculture with its groundbreaking microbial nitrogen tech. These guys are on a mission to transform how farmers manage nitrogen, and they're crushing it.

In 2024, they landed the #47 spot on Fast Company's list of the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies, proving they're not just talk.

Their flagship product can replace up to 25% of a corn grower's nitrogen needs, which is huge for both farmers and the environment. Pivot Bio's stuff is now used across 5 million acres in the U.S., with just 2% of the emissions of synthetic fertilizer.

That's seriously impressive.

Working at Pivot Bio sounds pretty sweet. They're all about solving complex problems in agriculture and creating a culture where everyone can grow.

Check out their benefits:

• Stock options (hello, potential future riches!)
• Comprehensive health insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Flexible work environment
• Unlimited PTO (dream come true, right?)
• Yearly personal and professional development stipend

The company's vibe is all about being trailblazers and doing things better and faster.

They're not into office politics - they say "silos are for grain, not for the roles we play." Nice.

Pivot Bio is seriously committed to innovation and sustainability.

They've even got this cool program called N-OVATOR™ that pays farmers for improving their nitrogen practices.

Since 2022, they've dished out over $6 million to farmers. That's putting their money where their mouth is. With their cutting-edge research, awesome workplace culture, and massive growth potential, Pivot Bio is definitely one of the coolest places to work in Berkeley's tech scene.

If you're into making a real difference while working with some seriously smart people, this could be your jam.

Kyverna Therapeutics, founded in 2018, is making waves in Berkeley's biotech scene with its focus on cell therapies for autoimmune diseases.

Their lead product, KYV-101, a CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, is now in Phase 2 trials for multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis. That's huge progress since 2022! They’re also tackling lupus nephritis and systemic sclerosis.

Kyverna isn't just about one therapy - they're developing a whole pipeline of next-gen treatments in both autologous and allogeneic formats. Kyverna's IPO in February 2024 raised a whopping $366.9 million, showing serious investor confidence.

With this cash injection, Kyverna's set to accelerate its research and expand its team. For job seekers, this means tons of opportunities in a fast-growing company.

They've already treated 30 patients across different trials as of May 2024, which is pretty impressive for a young biotech. The company culture sounds awesome too - they're all about innovation and collaboration.

CEO Jessica Moore’s vision of "developing therapies and nurturing careers" really shines through in their approach. Plus, they've got some big names on their board, including experts from the biotech world, which is great for mentorship opportunities. If you're into cutting-edge science and want to make a real difference in people's lives, Kyverna seems like the place to be in Berkeley's booming biotech landscape.

Berkeley's tech scene is on fire in 2024! This city isn't just about academia anymore - it's a full-blown tech powerhouse. The top companies we've checked out are seriously pushing the boundaries of innovation.

From Bayer's mind-blowing biotech to Rigetti Computing's quantum wizardry, these firms are the real deal. What makes them stand out? It's all about cutting-edge tech, sweet employee perks, awesome company vibes, and tons of room to level up your career. According to the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, a whopping 85% of tech workers in these top companies are loving their jobs.

That's way higher than the national average! As Berkeley's future of work trends show, picking the right workplace can seriously fast-track your career, especially in a tech hotspot like Berkeley. The growth here is insane.

We're talking about a 12% jump in tech jobs by the end of the year. What's driving this? A 30% boost in VC funding, 15 new partnerships with UC Berkeley, and local policies that are totally startup-friendly.

It's like the perfect storm for tech success. But it's not just about the numbers. These companies are creating products that are changing the game. Take a look at Berkeley's top startups and you'll see what I mean.

From AI to biotech, these firms are solving real-world problems and making a difference. For anyone looking to break into tech or level up their career, Berkeley is the place to be.

The Nucamp guide to getting a tech job in Berkeley is a great resource to check out.

With the right skills and mindset, you could be part of this booming tech ecosystem. Whether you're fresh out of college or a seasoned pro, Berkeley's tech scene in 2024 is offering some seriously cool opportunities to make your mark.

Trust me, it's an exciting time to be in tech in Berkeley!