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Contract Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TransPak

Materials Test Engineer II

Hayward, CA · On-site

$75K/yr

... contract of employment and employment is at-will. Reliable on-site attendance is expected ... The Materials Test Engineer III will support the execution of physical tests on packaging materials ...

transpak

Materials Test Engineer II

Hayward, CA · On-site

... contract of employment and employment is at-will. Reliable on-site attendance is expected ... The Materials Test Engineer III will support the execution of physical tests on packaging materials ...

Astranis

Environmental Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

... contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent ... Environmental Test Engineer As an Environmental Test Engineer, you will have the unique challenge ...

Apple

Operations Test Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$144K - $263K/yr

... and contract manufacturers Prepare and present concise Test Engineering program status updates to the Exec team on a weekly basis. Preferred Qualifications Experienced in working with cross ...

Canvas

Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Edwards, CA · On-site

Opportunities are subject to business needs, contract requirements, funding, and customer approval. The Flight Test Engineer provides critical systems engineering, test planning, and operational ...

Form Energy

Senior Test Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$128K - $160K/yr

We have signed contracts with leading electric utilities across the United States and production of ... Role Description Form Energy is hiring a Senior Test Engineer to join our Test Engineering team. In ...

Form Energy

Senior Test Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

We have signed contracts with leading electric utilities across the United States and production of ... Role Description Form Energy is hiring a Senior Test Engineer to join our Test Engineering team. In ...

Anduril Industries

Product Test Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

We are looking to bring in a Product Test Engineer to support our test equipment deployment to various manufacturing and contract manufacturing sites and support in identifying testing improvement ...

Anduril Industries

Product Test Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

We are looking to bring in a Product Test Engineer to support our test equipment deployment to various manufacturing and contract manufacturing sites and support in identifying testing improvement ...

Astranis

HITL Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $215K/yr

... contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent ... HITL Test Engineer We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated HITL Test Engineer to join our ...

Zoox

Manufacturing Test Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$158K - $196K/yr

Build, release & support test solutions for use on the manufacturing lines at Zoox and at contract ... MS in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics, or equivalent ...

Jobtailor

Senior Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

... contract testing concepts. * Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines (e.g ... Experience in Software Test Engineering * Direct experience with Software as a Medical Device (SaMD)

New

Form Energy

Test Engineer II

Berkeley, CA · On-site

We have signed contracts with leading electric utilities across the United States and production of ... Role Description Form Energy is hiring a Test Engineer II to join our Test Engineering team. In ...

Zoox

Manufacturing Test Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$158K - $196K/yr

Build, release & support test solutions for use on the manufacturing lines at Zoox and at contract ... MS in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics, or equivalent ...

Zoox

Manufacturing Test Engineer

Foster City, CA

$158K - $196K/yr

Build, release & support test solutions for use on the manufacturing lines at Zoox and at contract ... MS in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics, or equivalent ...

Form Energy

Test Engineer II

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$97K - $121K/yr

We have signed contracts with leading electric utilities across the United States and production of ... Role Description Form Energy is hiring a Test Engineer II to join our Test Engineering team. In ...

S&C

Automation Test Engineer II

Alameda, CA · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

The Test Engineer plays a critical role in supporting the electronic systems and components of S&C ... Support prototype development through internal processes and coordinate with contract manufacturers.

Montek System

SDET Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

SDET Engineer for Developing testing strategies and creating, maintaining and executing automatoed ... Infosys / Apple Santa Clarita Valley, CA Long Term Contract NO H1B Skills: Artificial Intelligence ...

Fabrinet West

Test Engineer (ICT)

Santa Clara, CA

... and engineering managers. * Install approved software on the test equipment as stated in the ... EE/CE BS degree with 5+ year experiences in Contract Manufacturing in NPI and production phase

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All JobsContract Test Engineer JobsContract Test Engineer Jobs in California

Contract Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$17

$43

$73

How much do contract test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract 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 is a contract test engineer?

Contract Test Engineers are professionals hired on a temporary basis to design, execute, and document tests for products, systems, or software to ensure they meet quality standards and function as intended. They often work for a fixed period or on specific projects, providing specialized testing expertise. Their responsibilities may include developing test plans, performing automated or manual testing, identifying bugs, and collaborating with development teams to resolve issues. Contract Test Engineers are commonly found in industries like software development, manufacturing, and electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract test engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Test Engineer, you need expertise in software testing methodologies, test case development, debugging, and a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with automated testing tools (such as Selenium or JUnit), version control systems, and knowledge of CI/CD pipelines are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and adaptability are essential soft skills for collaborating with diverse project teams and quickly integrating into new environments. These competencies ensure high-quality deliverables, efficient problem-solving, and successful project outcomes in dynamic contract-based roles.

What are some common challenges contract test engineers face when joining new projects, and how can they overcome them?

Contract Test Engineers often face challenges such as quickly understanding unfamiliar systems, adapting to varied testing frameworks, and integrating into established teams with existing workflows. To overcome these, it's important to proactively communicate with team members, review project documentation thoroughly, and seek clarity on project goals and testing standards early on. Building rapport with developers and other engineers can also ease the onboarding process and help ensure effective collaboration throughout the contract period.

What is the difference between Contract Test Engineer vs QA Tester?

AspectContract Test EngineerQA Tester
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in Computer Science or related field, with certifications like ISTQBOften requires a similar degree or relevant experience, with ISTQB certification common
Work EnvironmentWorks on specific projects, often contract-based, in software development teamsWorks within quality assurance teams, testing software for bugs and usability
Industry UsageCommon in software development, IT consulting, and tech companiesWidely used across software companies, especially in testing and quality assurance roles

Contract Test Engineers and QA Testers both focus on software quality, but Contract Test Engineers often work on specific projects with a focus on testing automation and integration, while QA Testers typically perform manual testing and bug tracking. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to software development teams.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Test Engineer job openings:

Contract Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Materials Test Engineer II

TransPak

Hayward, CA • On-site

$75K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

The job duties listed below describe the general nature of the work; contact your supervisor to clarify specific duties. TransPak reserves the right to change the job or reassign duties as business conditions require. Job descriptions do not constitute a contract of employment and employment is at-will. Reliable on-site attendance is expected. Reasonable accommodation may be determined through an interactive process with Human Resources.
Seeking a detail-oriented, mechanically inclined Materials Test Engineer to join our testing team. This role is ideal for individuals with testing experience in a Packaging Test Lab, Metrology Lab and has hands-on aptitude and experience with equipment, instruments and test standards related to Materials and Package Test labs. The Materials Test Engineer III will support the execution of physical tests on packaging materials and packaged products, ensure accurate data collection, prepare test reports and interact directly with customers during testing when required.
TransPak offers a competitive salary and compensation package that includes 401k match, Medical/Dental/Vision health plans, and generous time-off plan.
The Materials Test Engineer II will:
  • Independently conduct complex material, package and product testing defined by but not limited to ASTM, ISTA, IEC, and customer defined requirements.
    • Materials testing, to industry specifications. May include rubber, elastomers, foam, plywood and steel components
    • Package testing, including vibration, shock, compression, environmental and stability tests.
  • Analyze and interpret data to identify deviations and provide insight to customers regarding testing results and recommendations.
  • Work directly with Prototype shop to assist with modifications to package designs. Work on fabricating test fixtures. Comfortable with using tooling such as CNC machine, drill-press, and other basic shop tools.
  • Ensure project accuracy and quality through document review, use of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and adherence to company safety policies.
  • Maintain responsive customer communication in email and in person regarding testing services provided, test status, updates, and results.
  • Interpret protocols to design special packaging projects and fixtures as needed to support client testing.
  • Find innovative solutions to complex problems.
  • Work with Lab Manager and Test Lab Coordinator to ensure proper calibration of test systems and instrumentation
  • Assist with training new Test Engineer I
  • Maintain TransPak 5S and various site standards and expectations.

Requirements for Eligibility
  • B.S. degree in Metrology, Material Science, Packaging or packaging emphasis, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical education degree.
  • 3-5 years of previous work experience in packaging, product testing, and/or related industry in a laboratory setting is required.
  • Experienced with reading and interpreting documents such as protocols, industry specifications (ASTM, ISTA, IEC, and/or MIL-STD), and procedures.
  • Possess a strong work ethic, high level of professionalism, and critical thinking.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and general computer literacy.
  • Math skills: Advanced algebra, statistical analysis, and geometry.

Personal / Professional Attributes
  • Fast learner with the ability to communicate clearly.
  • Demonstrate strong accountability and integrity.
  • High focus on customer service.
  • Organized and impeccable follow-through skills.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues.

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