ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Automotive Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Elroy Air

Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

The Test Engineer at Elroy Air will play a crucial role in the development, validation, and ... Experience working within the aerospace, UAV, automotive EV, or robotics industries * Familiarity ...

Elroy Air

Test Engineer

Byron, CA

$118K - $190K/yr

The Test Engineer at Elroy Air will play a crucial role in the development, validation, and ... Experience working within the aerospace, UAV, automotive EV, or robotics industries * Familiarity ...

Elroy Air

Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

$118 - $190/hr

The Test Engineer at Elroy Air will play a crucial role in the development, validation, and ... Bonus Points For * Experience working within the aerospace, UAV, automotive EV, or robotics ...

Elroy Air

Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

The Test Engineer at Elroy Air will play a crucial role in the development, validation, and ... Experience working within the aerospace, UAV, automotive EV, or robotics industries * Familiarity ...

Texas Instruments

Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

... automotive, data center, personal electronics and communications equipment. At our core, we have a ... in IC test engineering or a related technical role Preferred qualifications: * Experience ...

Sanmina-SCI Systems de México

Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$75 - $97.50/hr

... and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities ... Execute test procedures, train test engineers and technicians and monitor test results * Document ...

New

Sanmina

Test Engineer

Fremont, CA

$75K - $97K/yr

... and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities ... of test technicians and engineers. Nature of Duties/Responsibilities: Develop test plans and ...

Sanmina-SCI/Viking Interworks

Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

... and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities ... Execute test procedures, train test engineers and technicians and monitor test results * Document ...

Sensata Technologies

Test Engineer

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$103 - $141/hr

The Test Engineer serves as a technical interface between Design Engineering, Manufacturing ... in the automotive, heavy vehicle & off-road, industrial, and aerospace markets. Learn more at ...

Slope

Propulsion Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$129 - $171/hr

As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will own the end‑of‑line static‑fire test operations. The ... Experience in the design and implementation of automotive or aviation control electronics. US ...

New

Sanmina-SCI/Viking Interworks

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

... and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities ... BSEE with 8+ years experience as an Test Engineer, in telecommunications, computer engineering ...

Kett Engineering

Be Seen First

Vehicle Test Operator

Torrance, CA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Experience driving 16 ft or larger vehicles Company Description Established in 1953, Kett Engineering is a leader in the Automotive Test and Personnel Services industry. Our goal is to provide our ...

Anduril Industries

Propulsion Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will own the end-of-line static-fire test operations.The right ... Experience in the design and implementation of automotive or aviation control electronics. US ...

Anduril Industries

Propulsion Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

As a Propulsion Test Engineer, you will own the end-of-line static-fire test operations.The right ... Experience in the design and implementation of automotive or aviation control electronics. US ...

Sanmina-SCI/Viking Interworks

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

... and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities ... test points against expected values, and clearly documenting defects for engineering and repair ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAutomotive Test Engineer JobsAutomotive Test Engineer Jobs in California

Automotive Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$17

$43

$73

How much do automotive test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive test engineer in California is $43.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.98 and $51.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automotive test engineer do?

An Automotive Test Engineer is responsible for evaluating vehicle components, systems, and overall performance to ensure they meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. They design and execute tests for engines, transmissions, electronics, and other critical systems, analyzing data to identify issues and recommend improvements. This role involves working with simulation tools, test benches, and real-world driving conditions. Automotive Test Engineers collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to enhance vehicle reliability and efficiency.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an automotive test engineer?

As an Automotive Test Engineer, your typical day involves designing and conducting tests on prototypes or production vehicles to assess performance, safety, and compliance with regulations. You’ll analyze data, document test results, and collaborate closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to identify and resolve technical issues. Field testing may require travel to test tracks or environmental chambers, depending on the stage of development. This hands-on and analytical work ensures vehicles meet rigorous standards before reaching consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive test engineer?

To thrive as an Automotive Test Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, analytical problem-solving, and data interpretation skills, often backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with automotive diagnostic tools, test automation software, and standards like ISO 26262 is commonly expected, along with certifications in automotive safety or testing. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork enable success in cross-functional environments. These competencies are crucial to ensure vehicle safety, reliability, and compliance with industry standards throughout the development process.

Are automotive test engineers in demand?

Automotive test engineers are in demand due to the increasing focus on vehicle safety, emissions standards, and technological advancements such as electric and autonomous vehicles. Employers seek professionals skilled in testing protocols, data analysis, and relevant tools like CAN bus systems and simulation software, often requiring relevant certifications and experience. The role offers steady opportunities in automotive manufacturing, research, and development sectors.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Test Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Automotive Test Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Test Engineer jobs in California?

For Automotive Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Test Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Test Engineer jobs in California are:

Automotive Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Test Engineer

Elroy Air

Byron, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

At Elroy Air, we build autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) cargo drones to change the way the world moves goods. Transporting cargo by air is faster and more direct than by land or sea, but it has been prohibitively expensive for medium-size loads. We've set out to expand middle-mile logistics possibilities across multiple sectors, with our sights on a $420Bn global total addressable market for cargo logistics across defense, commercial and rapid response.
We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe that the defense, commercial, and rapid response communities need faster, better logistics solutions. We are seeing increasing demand as customers and prospects respond enthusiastically to the systems we've built. As we mature and deploy our offerings, we are looking for people like you: motivated collaborators, enthusiastic about our mission and ready to roll up their sleeves and make a big impact to improve how logistics works around the world. You will play an important role in establishing the Elroy Air Chaparral as the industry standard in this massive market.
We believe diverse perspectives at all levels of the organization are critical to innovation and employee development. This includes but is not limited to gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, age, ability, parenthood status, veteran status, educational background, citizenship status, or any combination of these characteristics.

The Test Engineer at Elroy Air will play a crucial role in the development, validation, and certification of Chaparral, our autonomous VTOL cargo aircraft. In this role, you will bridge the gap between design and reality by planning, setting up, and executing rigorous tests on components, sub-systems, and integrated aircraft systems. Whether working on mechanical fixtures, electrical test benches, or environmental chambers, you will ensure our hardware meets performance, reliability, and safety standards. This role requires an adaptable engineer from an electrical, mechanical, or aerospace background who thrives in a hands-on environment and is eager to advance the future of middle-mile logistics.
Responsibilities
  • Test Planning & Execution: Develop detailed test plans, procedures, and safety hazard analyses for structural, mechanical, environmental, and electrical components
  • Rig & Fixture Design: Design, build, and commission custom test fixtures, automated test equipment, and ground-support equipment using CAD and rapid-prototyping methods
  • Instrumentation & Data Acquisition: Select, install, and calibrate sensors such as strain gauges, thermocouples, accelerometers, and pressure transducers. Configure data acquisition (DAQ) systems to capture critical test data
  • Data Analysis & Diagnostic Troubleshooting: Process raw test data to evaluate system performance against design requirements. Investigate, diagnose, and document root-cause failures when components do not perform as expected
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Design, Systems, and Flight Test engineering teams to translate high-level aircraft requirements into verifiable, concrete physical test criteria
  • Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Maintain a safe testing environment by adhering to strict laboratory and field safety protocols, ensuring all documentation supports our FAA and UAS certification pathways
Our Ideal Candidate
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • 2+ years of professional experience in a dedicated engineering test environment (e.g., hardware verification, environmental qualification, or physical lab testing)
  • Hands-on experience with electric motors, propulsion systems, battery systems, EV systems
  • Hands-on experience setting up and operating data acquisition hardware (e.g., National Instruments, Dewesoft) and associated instrumentation
  • Strong mechanical or electrical troubleshooting skills-comfortable parsing engineering schematics, 3D CAD models, or wiring diagrams to diagnose issues
  • Proficiency in data processing and analysis using software tools such as Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW
  • Excellent communication skills, with a track record of authoring clear, concise, and professional test reports
Bonus Points For
  • Experience working within the aerospace, UAV, automotive EV, or robotics industries
  • Familiarity with hardware qualification standards such as DO-160G, military standards (MIL-STD-810), or automotive equivalents
  • Experience with automated testing or hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing platforms
  • Experience designing structural load-cells or thermal/environmental testing setups
What We Offer
  • Competitive salary
  • Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced aerospace company
  • Comprehensive medical benefits
  • 401(k) with company contribution + Roth IRA
  • Free daily lunch provided onsite
  • Flexible time-off policy
  • 3 months of paid parental leave
  • Employee assistance program with 24/7 support
  • High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
  • Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
  • You'll work with a motivated, kind, and highly skilled team
  • You'll help shape and define our company culture and values
  • You'll help build and scale a new category of aerospace / logistics technology
$118,000 - $190,000 a year

We encourage you to apply even if you aren't an exact match for our open role as many of our team members come from nontraditional backgrounds.
Elroy Air is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to an inclusive, harassment-free workplace and we gladly provide reasonable accommodations to support our team.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder). All employees will be screened through E-Verify.

Elroy Air does not engage with external recruiting agencies/individual recruiters that we do not have a written agreement with and all employment activities are managed through our internal team. We reserve the right to make use of any unsolicited resumes received without being responsible for payment of any fees asserted from the use of unsolicited resumes.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
apply for this job

Apply