Top Pasadena Tech Companies by Industry: Who to Watch

Pasadena demonstrates strength in tech. With Caltech and JPL, the city built a deep-tech ecosystem across AI, biotech, robotics, photonics, and space. This guide lists top Pasadena tech companies, what they do, why they matter, and what roles they hire for. This information helps with job hunting, scouting partners, or evaluating investments.

Note: Current as of 2026.

Quick-Scan: Pasadena Tech by Industry

Industry	Company	What They Do	Why It Matters	Hiring Often For
AI / Data	Virtualitics	ML + VR analytics for complex datasets	Faster decisions on enterprise/defense data	Data Scientist, ML Engineer, Product Manager
AI / Health	Deep 6 AI	AI scans records to match patients to trials	Speeds up drug development	NLP Engineer, Data Engineer, Integrations Engineer
AI / Identity	ObEN	Builds AI-generated voice/face/personality personas	Digital reps for brands and entertainment	Applied ML Engineer, Mobile Developer, 3D Pipeline Engineer
Biotech	Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals	RNAi therapies targeting harmful genes	New treatment options for difficult diseases	Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Bioinformatics Scientist
Biotech	Xencor	Engineered antibodies and cytokines	Precision immune system interaction	Protein Engineer, Process Development Scientist, QA Specialist
Biotech	Terray Therapeutics	AI + automation for small-molecule drug discovery	Cuts cost and time to find drug candidates	Computational Chemist, Automation Engineer, Data Scientist
Space	NASA JPL / Caltech	Spacecraft, instruments, Deep Space Network ops	U.S. robotic space exploration	Systems Engineer, Flight Software Engineer, Mission Operations Specialist
Space	Black Moon Energy	Robotic lunar mission for Helium-3 sampling	Commercial space resource exploration	Robotics Engineer, Mission Planning Analyst, Embedded Systems Engineer
Space	Sierra Lobo	Engineering support for JPL projects	Helps large mission teams	Analysis Engineer, Mechanical Engineer/CAD, Test Engineer
Robotics	Embodied	Companion robots for care and wellness	Accessible social engagement and care support	Robotics Software Engineer, Perception Engineer, Product Designer
Robotics	Impossible Metals	Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)	Lower risk subsea operations	Autonomy Engineer, Marine Robotics Engineer, Field Operations
Robotics	Miso Robotics	Kitchen automation for commercial food service	Solves labor gaps, improves consistency and safety	Embedded Systems Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, QA Engineer
Photonics	Rockley Photonics	Chips that move data using light	Faster, more efficient data centers and sensing	Photonics Engineer, ASIC Designer, Test Engineer
Deep Tech	GuRu	Wireless power delivery via mmWave	Removes batteries from IoT sensors and devices	RF Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, Compliance Engineer
Deep Tech	Gigajot Technology	Deep-tech hardware development	Extends local hardware innovation	Hardware Engineer, Firmware Engineer
Fintech / HR	ADP	Payroll, HR, compliance at massive scale	Processes $2.1T annually; high reliability	Data/AI Engineer, Security Engineer, Backend Engineer
Fintech	Green Dot	Banking and payments platform	Banking-as-a-service infrastructure	Risk/Fraud Analyst, Backend Engineer, Compliance Tech
Enterprise SW	Redgate Software	DevOps tooling for database teams	Database version control, deployment automation	.NET/Backend Engineer, Product Manager, Developer Relations
Enterprise SW	Supplyframe	Electronics design-to-source intelligence platform	Solves supply chain disruption	Data Engineer, Product Manager, Enterprise Sales Engineer

AI & Data Analytics

Virtualitics

Virtualitics builds an AI-powered analytics platform. It combines machine learning, natural language processing, and immersive 3D visualization for complex datasets. Enterprise teams and defense organizations use it for faster decisions.

Location: 225 S Lake Ave Ste 120, Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 714-7155
Website: www.virtualitics.com
Funding: $69.4M across five rounds. Some sources reference $103.9M. The latest funding was a $37M Series C round led by Smith Point Capital, with participation from Citi and The Hillman Company.
Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Data Scientist, ML Engineer, Product Manager

• Salary range: $110K–$175K (Pasadena/LA market)

• Key skills: Python, data visualization, MLOps

Deep 6 AI

Deep 6 AI scans electronic medical records using AI to find patients for clinical trials. This reduces manual chart review time from months to hours. That helps speed up drug development.

Location: 1055 E Colorado Blvd Ste 410, Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 585-8586 or +1 626-765-2000
Website: deep6.ai
Funding: $34M across three rounds. Another source cites $180M.
Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: ML Engineer, Data Engineer, Healthcare Integrations Engineer

• Salary range: $120K–$170K

• Key skills: NLP, HL7/FHIR, model evaluation

ObEN

ObEN produces AI-generated digital identities that replicate a person’s voice, face, and communication style. These are used for branded customer experiences, entertainment, and digital representation for public figures.

Funding: $30.2M across eight funding rounds.
Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Applied ML Engineer, Mobile Developer, 3D Pipeline Engineer

• Salary range: $105K–$160K

• Key skills: Computer vision, speech synthesis, Unity/3D tools

Biotech & Health Tech

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals

Arrowhead specializes in RNA interference (RNAi) therapies. These drugs silence specific genes causing disease, turning down the gene before it causes damage. This helps with diseases where traditional drugs are not effective.

Website: www.arrowheadpharma.com
Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Bioinformatics Scientist

• Salary range: $95K–$165K

• Key skills: Regulatory submissions, RNA biology, clinical trial management

Xencor

Xencor engineers antibodies and cytokines to interact with the immune system precisely. The goal is better targeting: proteins that differentiate between healthy and diseased cells. The company partners with major pharmaceutical companies.

Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Protein Engineer, Process Development Scientist, QA Specialist

• Salary range: $100K–$160K

• Key skills: Antibody engineering, cell culture, GMP manufacturing

Terray Therapeutics

Terray combines ultra-high-throughput experimentation, generative AI, automation, and nanotechnology to find small-molecule drug candidates faster. Their platform runs many experiments simultaneously, more than traditional lab methods.

Location: 129 N Hill Ave #103, Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (617) 905-2349
Website: terraytx.com
Funding: $180M across two funding rounds, including a $60M Series A led by Madrona Venture Group.
Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Computational Chemist, Automation Engineer, Data Scientist

• Salary range: $115K–$175K

• Key skills: Python, cheminformatics, lab automation systems

Space & Aerospace

NASA JPL / Caltech

JPL is managed by Caltech under NASA contract. It conducts spacecraft development, scientific instruments, mission operations, and manages the Deep Space Network. Projects include planetary science, heliophysics, Earth observation, and astrophysics missions like SPHEREx.

Website: www.jpl.nasa.gov
Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Systems Engineer, Flight Software Engineer, Mission Operations Specialist

• Salary range: $100K–$170K

• Key skills: MATLAB/Python, embedded C, spacecraft systems

Black Moon Energy

Black Moon Energy partners with JPL and Caltech for a robotic lunar mission concept. This mission focuses on Helium-3 surface sampling, planned for 2026. JPL provides rover and lander expertise; Black Moon Energy leads the commercial aspects.

Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Robotics Engineer, Mission Planning Analyst, Embedded Systems Engineer

• Salary range: $100K–$155K

• Key skills: ROS, embedded C++, mission design

Sierra Lobo

Sierra Lobo supports JPL through a subcontract called MEDALS. This covers requirements analysis, hardware design, fabrication support, and operations.

Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Analysis Engineer, Mechanical Engineer/CAD, Test Engineer

• Salary range: $90K–$145K

• Key skills: FEA/thermal analysis, SolidWorks, systems verification

Sophia Space

Sophia Space is a Pasadena-based space tech company. It specializes in orbital data centers.

Funding: Secured a $10M Seed round in February 2026, led by Alpha Funds, KDDI Green Partners Fund, and Unlock Venture Partners, for in-orbit computing tests.

Robotics & Autonomy

Embodied

Embodied builds companion robots for social interaction, care support, and wellness engagement. These are social tools for accessibility and engagement.

Location: 385 E Colorado Blvd Ste 110, Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: 855-945-3411
Website: embodied.com
Funding: $87.9M across six funding rounds.
Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Robotics Software Engineer, Perception Engineer, Product Designer

• Salary range: $110K–$165K

• Key skills: ROS, C++, perception/computer vision

Impossible Metals

Impossible Metals manufactures autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for resource missions on the ocean floor. This approach reduces human risk and provides a more controlled method for subsea operations.

Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Autonomy Engineer, Marine Robotics Engineer, Field Operations

• Salary range: $105K–$160K

• Key skills: SLAM, control systems, sensor fusion

Miso Robotics

Miso Robotics builds robotic systems for commercial kitchens. These automate repetitive, high-volume tasks like frying and food preparation. This addresses labor shortages in food service and improves consistency and safety.

Funding: $51.3M across eight funding rounds.
Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Embedded Systems Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, QA Engineer

• Salary range: $95K–$150K

• Key skills: Embedded C/C++, PLC/motion control, testing protocols

Silicon Photonics & Deep Tech Hardware

Rockley Photonics

Rockley builds silicon photonics chips. These chips use light instead of electricity for data transfer. This results in faster data transfer, lower power consumption, and better sensing. Applications include data centers, health monitoring, and autonomous systems.

Website: www.rockleyphotonics.com
Funding: $249M across six funding rounds.
Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Photonics Engineer, ASIC Designer, Test Engineer

• Salary range: $120K–$180K

• Key skills: Optical design, ASIC design flows, test automation

GuRu

GuRu delivers power wirelessly using millimeter-wave (mmWave) technology. Power is transmitted over the air to devices at a distance. Main targets are IoT sensors, warehouse infrastructure, and industrial devices where battery maintenance is costly.

Funding: $15M across one funding round.
Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: RF Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, Compliance Engineer

• Salary range: $115K–$165K

• Key skills: RF design, antenna engineering, FCC regulatory process

Gigajot Technology

Gigajot is a Pasadena-based deep-tech hardware company.

Funding: $5.4M across three funding rounds.
Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Hardware Engineer, Firmware Engineer

• Salary range: $100K–$150K

• Key skills: PCB design, C/C++, hardware bring-up

Fintech, Payments & HR Tech

ADP

ADP manages payroll, HR, compliance, and workforce analytics. It processes $2.1 trillion annually and serves about one in six U.S. employees. The Pasadena office contributes to product, engineering, and data functions.

Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Data/AI Engineer, Security Engineer, Backend Engineer

• Salary range: $110K–$175K

• Key skills: SQL, distributed systems, security engineering

Green Dot

Green Dot is a public banking and payments platform. It provides banking-as-a-service infrastructure for other companies to embed financial products. Operating since 2010, it maintains a strong focus on compliance, fraud, and risk engineering.

Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Risk/Fraud Analyst, Backend Engineer, Compliance Tech

• Salary range: $100K–$160K

• Key skills: Fraud signal modeling, APIs, Python/SQL

Enterprise Software & Supply Chain

Redgate Software

Redgate builds DevOps tooling for database teams. This includes version control, deployment automation, and performance monitoring for Microsoft SQL Server. It helps teams ship database changes without outages.

Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: .NET/Backend Engineer, Product Manager, Developer Relations

• Salary range: $110K–$165K

• Key skills: SQL Server, CI/CD pipelines, C#

Supplyframe

Supplyframe operates a Design-to-Source Intelligence (DSI) platform for the electronics industry. It links product design, component sourcing, and supply chain data. This allows engineers and procurement teams to make better decisions before supply shocks occur.

Hiring snapshot:

• Roles: Data Engineer, Product Manager, Enterprise Sales Engineer

• Salary range: $105K–$165K

• Key skills: ETL pipelines, search relevance, B2B SaaS experience

codeSpark

codeSpark is a Pasadena-based edtech company.

Funding: $3.9M across two funding rounds.

X1 Technologies

X1 Technologies is a Pasadena-based search tech company.

Funding: $15.1M across three funding rounds.

Eytrix

Eytrix is a Pasadena-based AI video surveillance company.

Funding: $26M across two funding rounds.

Prismpop

Prismpop is a Pasadena-based internet tech company.

Funding: $5M across one funding round.

Why Deep Tech Concentrates in Pasadena

Caltech + JPL = Talent Attraction

Three reasons companies establish near Pasadena:

1. Talent density: Caltech and JPL produce engineers, scientists, and postdocs across aerospace, CS, biology, and physics. Companies recruit from this pool through programs like the Caltech CMS-EE Partners Program.

2. Spinout culture: Many companies on this list originated from Caltech research or were founded by alumni. Examples include Miso Robotics, Terray, and various energy/space startups.

3. Contract access: Proximity to JPL provides subcontracting opportunities and collaborative research relationships.

Recruiting timeline note: For Caltech talent, start outreach 6+ months before a hire is needed.

Local Ecosystem

• The City of Pasadena’s innovation resources also provide programs and support for startups alongside local nonprofit efforts.

• Innovate Pasadena: A nonprofit for the local tech and startup ecosystem. It hosts events, programming, and community building for networking and early-stage visibility.

• Pasadena Angels: An active angel investor group for early-stage companies. They provide funding and mentorship.

Both organizations host events and maintain networks for job seekers, founders, and business development teams. Tip: Bring a notebook; someone will mention a mission acronym you haven’t heard yet.

How to Evaluate a Pasadena Tech Company (60-Second Checklist)

Company Signal Checklist

• Revenue model clarity: Who pays, and why?

• Real proof: Customers, published trials, signed contracts, or peer-reviewed work.

• Consistent hiring: A company repeatedly posting the same role for months may indicate growth or churn.

• Funding stage vs. burn: Seed-stage companies spend differently than at Series B.

• Regulation exposure: Healthcare, aerospace, and fintech companies face compliance costs that affect timelines and headcount.

Role-Fit Quick Guide

• Best for software generalists: ADP, Green Dot, Redgate, Supplyframe , stable, scaled, process-mature environments.

• Best for deep specialists: JPL, Rockley Photonics, Arrowhead, Terray , these roles require depth in a specific subject.

• Best for builders who combine skills: Virtualitics, Deep 6 AI, Embodied , these roles use applied ML and product thinking.

FAQ

Who is the largest employer in Pasadena, CA?

The City of Pasadena and its institutions are the largest employers by headcount. JPL (managed by Caltech) is one of the largest single tech employers with thousands of staff. ADP also has a significant local workforce.

Who are the Big 5 tech companies?

The “Big 5” refers to Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet (Google), and Meta. None are headquartered in Pasadena, though some have offices or recruit from the LA/Pasadena area.

What companies are in Pasadena?

Pasadena hosts deep-tech startups and scaled companies including Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Xencor, Terray Therapeutics, Virtualitics, Deep 6 AI, Embodied, Miso Robotics, Rockley Photonics, GuRu, ADP, Green Dot, Redgate Software, Supplyframe, and JPL/Caltech.

What are the Big 7 technology companies?

The “Magnificent Seven” refers to Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta, and Tesla. These are the seven largest U.S. tech companies by market cap.

What counts as a “tech company” in Pasadena?

For this guide, a “tech company” is defined as any company where technology forms the core product or is a critical enabler. This includes software companies, hardware/deep tech firms, biotech platforms using AI or automation, and aerospace companies building systems.

Are most Pasadena tech jobs in-office, hybrid, or remote?

This depends on the company and role. Deep tech, hardware, robotics, and biotech jobs usually require physical presence. Software, data, and product roles might be hybrid. JPL has its own policies. Check each company’s career page. Short answer: it depends.

Which Pasadena tech industries are growing fastest?

AI/ML, biotech (especially drug discovery platforms), robotics and autonomy, and silicon photonics are showing active hiring and funding. Smart city infrastructure is an emerging area.

Best ways to find Pasadena tech jobs?

Start with company career pages for JPL, Arrowhead, and local startups. Use the Caltech Career Center if you are a student or alum. Check Innovate Pasadena for events. Local media and job resources can help you discover companies to watch. LinkedIn searches filtered by Pasadena and industry are also effective.

Innovate Pasadena Offerings

Innovate Pasadena supports the local tech and startup ecosystem with:

• Friday Coffee Meetup (FCM): Monthly in Old Pasadena. Features presentations by tech leaders, Q&A, and networking. Co-hosted by CALE at Caltech. Yes, there’s actual coffee.

• Pasadena Tech Happy Hour: Monthly networking event at various Pasadena locations. Connects founders, investors, engineers, and designers.

• Connect Week: Innovate Pasadena’s annual event. It features workshops, presentations, and networking for technology, design, science, and entrepreneurship.

• Targeted Workshops: Specialized workshops, such as the 2024 Spacetech/Deeptech Entrepreneurship Workshop for founders.

For current dates, locations, and registration, visit innovatepasadena.org/events or platforms like Luma/Meetup.

Pasadena Angels Offerings

Pasadena Angels focuses on investment and mentorship:

• Investment and Mentorship: Provides seed and seed-plus investments, facilitating over $75 million in more than 250 funding rounds. Members invest individually and mentor supported startups. They also run PA Fund III (established 2024 with $1.5 million) for co-investment.

• Pitch Opportunities: Startups can contact Pasadena Angels members directly for pitch opportunities.

Pasadena Angels does not list public events or programs for job seekers. To apply for funding, visit pasadenaangels.com.

Other Local Events

• LA Small Business Expo: September 30, 2026, at the Pasadena Convention Center, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Registration available via Eventbrite.

• CA Supplier Diversity Symposium: March 18, 2026.

JPL/Caltech Partnership Information

Information on initiating new subcontracting or collaborative research relationships with JPL/Caltech is not available in this article. External organizations should consult JPL’s official supplier engagement or business development resources.

Who to Watch This Year

Three steps to monitor the Pasadena tech scene:

1. Select 3–5 companies from different industries. Choose based on active hiring, recent funding, or announced partnerships. Diversify across sectors.

2. Bookmark their career pages and check monthly. Set a recurring calendar reminder. Roles at smaller companies fill quickly. Future you will thank you.

3. Use the checklist before applying or partnering. Consider revenue model, evidence of success, hiring patterns, funding stage, and regulatory exposure.

Pasadena’s tech scene offers challenging and innovative work. The list above is a starting point for further validation.