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Automotive Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astranis

Environmental Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Environmental Test Engineer As an Environmental Test Engineer, you will have the unique challenge ... or automotive industries. * Creative, passionate problem solver who thrives in demanding ...

CSG

Staff Systems Test Engineer (Contract)

Fremont, CA · On-site

What We're Looking For Strong experience in systems test engineering within aerospace, automotive, or another complex engineering environment. Hands-on experience with HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop ...

Qualcomm

#Systems SoC Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Systems Test Engineering General Summary: *** This position ... and automotive platforms. * Design, develop, and execute end-to-end validation solutions for ...

Specter

Hardware Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Qualifications * 5+ years of hardware test and qualification experience in automotive, aerospace ... engineering and leadership audiences. * Hands‑on proficiency with environmental chambers ...

Compal

Software Test Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... automotive safety. The company is committed to improving vehicle awareness and recognition ... The Test Equipment Software Development Engineer will develop optical test and calibration systems ...

Kett Engineering

Be Seen First

EVOC Triage Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$46/hr

Company Overview Kett Engineering is a 60-year-old company with over 28 years of experience in the automotive test industry. We support vehicle testing, development, personnel management, and ...

Rivian VW Group

Sr. EMC Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The right candidate brings 10+ years of EMC testing and engineering experience in the automotive ... Maintain EMC Test Plans currency through design revision cycles -- revising EMC Test Plans in ...

New

jobr.pro

Hardware Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Applied Intuition services the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture ... About the Role: * We're looking for a Hardware Test Engineer to join our Compute Hardware team. You ...

Decisive Point

Hardware Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Applied Intuition services the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture ... About the Role: * We're looking for a Hardware Test Engineer to join our Compute Hardware team. You ...

Zoox

Manufacturing Test Engineer

Foster City, CA

$158K - $196K/yr

Zoox is looking for a manufacturing test engineer to be responsible for manufacturing testing of ... Experience in automotive sensors, ECUs, ethernet & communication protocols such as CAN * Knowledge ...

Zoox

Manufacturing Test Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$158K - $196K/yr

Zoox is looking for a manufacturing test engineer to be responsible for manufacturing testing of ... Experience in automotive sensors, ECUs, ethernet & communication protocols such as CAN * Knowledge ...

Zoox

Manufacturing Test Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$158K - $196K/yr

Zoox is looking for a manufacturing test engineer to be responsible for manufacturing testing of ... Experience in automotive sensors, ECUs, ethernet & communication protocols such as CAN * Knowledge ...

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All JobsAutomotive Test Engineer JobsAutomotive Test Engineer Jobs in California

Automotive Test Engineer information

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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.

Environmental Test Engineer

Astranis

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe- large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.
Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world's best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.
Environmental Test Engineer
As an Environmental Test Engineer, you will have the unique challenge of working at the intersection of all engineering disciplines to ensure our hardware meets the highest level of quality and reliability. You will be responsible for planning and executing environmental test campaigns for components, subsystems, and spacecraft, working directly with production and engineering teams to drive hardware from design through qualification.
Role
  • Develop and implement test procedures, standard operating procedures, and tools for environmental test operations and related processes.
  • Define environmental test equipment specifications, identify vendors, qualify equipment, and implement into production.
  • Design and build test setups, fixtures, and support hardware required to safely and effectively test flight hardware.
  • Manage test schedules, track milestones, and communicate progress and risk to program leadership.
  • Operate environmental test equipment and instrumentation; collect, process, and analyze test data, and prepare test reports for stakeholder review.
  • Support troubleshooting, root cause, and corrective action efforts for environmental test process, equipment, procedure, and fixture related issues.
  • Support Design for Test efforts to optimize environmental test production processes.
  • Work closely with and provide direction to technicians during test execution and hardware handling operations.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline.
  • 2+ years of working experience in testing electronics, electro-mechanical assemblies, or integrated systems.
  • Experience performing one or more types of environmental testing (thermal, thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, acoustic, EMI/EMC, or similar).
  • Experience developing and executing test plans and procedures from engineering requirements.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and drive tasks to completion in a cross-functional environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly document and present test results.
  • Must be onsite 5 days a week.
Bonus
  • Experience operating and maintaining thermal chambers, TVAC chambers, or vibration shakers.
  • Hands-on experience using data acquisition systems, instrumentation, or test automation tools (e.g., thermocouples, accelerometers, pressure transducers, Keysight, etc.).
  • Experience with space flight components and spacecraft environmental testing.
  • Experience designing and building electrical harnesses and connectors.
  • Experience operating cranes, man lifts, forklifts, and other handling equipment.
  • Experience in a fast-paced, iterative design environment within the consumer electronics, medical devices, aerospace, marine, or automotive industries.
  • Creative, passionate problem solver who thrives in demanding, autonomously-driven environments.
  • Strong sense of accountability, integrity, and team focus with excellent multitasking and organizational skills.

What we offer:
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.
Base pay is just one component of Astranis's total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.
Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.
Base Salary
$120,000-$130,000 USD
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

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