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Contract Test Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

CesiumAstro

Principal RF Test Engineer I

Austin, TX

We are looking to add a Principal RF Test Engineer I to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup ... CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any ...

CesiumAstro

Senior RF Test Engineer II

Austin, TX · On-site

We are looking to add a Senior RF Test Engineer II to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup ... CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any ...

TEKsystems

Product Safety Test Engineer

Austin, TX

$45 - $75/hr

We are seeking a Product Safety Test Engineer to support the safety testing, certification, and ... Experience Level Intermediate Level Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of ...

CesiumAstro

Manufacturing Test Engineer II

Austin, TX · On-site

We are looking to add a Manufacturing Test Engineer II to our team. If you enjoy working in a ... CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any ...

CesiumAstro

Manufacturing Test Engineer II

Austin, TX · On-site

We are looking to add a Manufacturing Test Engineer II to our team. If you enjoy working in a ... CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any ...

Skyways

Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis ... S. government contract requirements, this role is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent ...

Skyways

Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis ... S. government contract requirements, this role is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent ...

Skyways

Senior Subsystem Test Engineer

Austin, TX

Mentor junior test engineers and raise the bar for how test programs, fixtures, and data analysis ... S. government contract requirements, this role is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent ...

Graphcore

Staff SLT Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Support transfer of SLT solutions into OSAT and contract manufacturing environments and provide ... Computer Engineering, or related field. Desirable * Experience with System-Level Test (SLT ...

Graphcore

Staff SLT Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Support transfer of SLT solutions into OSAT and contract manufacturing environments and provide ... Computer Engineering, or related field. Desirable * Experience with System-Level Test (SLT ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Test Engineer JobsContract Test Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

Contract Test Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

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$43

$74

How much do contract test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract test engineer in Austin, TX is $43.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.12 and $51.92 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 Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Test Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Contract Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Contract Test Engineer job openings:

Contract Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Test Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,218 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Principal RF Test Engineer I

CesiumAstro

Austin, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
 
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.  

We are looking to add a Principal RF Test Engineer I to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing critical test systems for leading-edge satellite, spacecraft, and aerospace communication systems, we would like to hear from you.
 
In this position, you are responsible for the design, analysis, and implementation of engineering test plans and procedures. The ideal candidate possesses a strong combination of hardware and software knowledge with proficiencies in RF measurements, test equipment (VSAs, VSGs, VNAs, etc.), test architectures, and automation. The successful candidate will work closely with multi-disciplinary teams to address company-wide hardware test needs. Experience with phased array testing is preferred.
 
Core day-to-day responsibilities include collaborating with design and test engineering teams to develop test requirements, mapping requirements to reusable test architectures and procedures, implementing test plans and procedures, and logging and presenting results to key stakeholders. Additional responsibilities include lab and equipment management and guiding key equipment purchase decisions.
 
Principal-level test engineers are distinguished by an ability to architect RF test systems, to draw insightful conclusions from test results, and to participate in “design for test” planning and review from the early stages of RF product development. Test engineers are core members of the Cesium technical team.
 
The successful candidate will present engineering design review materials to our customers and executive team, as well as participate in proposal-writing efforts. As such, excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) or higher degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering from an accredited university or institution.
  • Minimum of 9 years of industry or university research experience in design, analysis, and implementation of RF test systems. 
  • High proficiency with RF measurements (Linearity, NSD, EVM, etc.).
  • Test architecture design and development including scripting, test executives, hardware, and measurement abstraction layers.
  • Proficient in performing conducted RF measurements including S-parameters, AM/PM, compression, noise figure, harmonics/spurious emission, phase noise, switching speed, bit error rate, adjacent channel power, and group delay.
  • Hands-on experience with lab instruments such as digital oscilloscopes, multimeters, electronic loads, source measurement units, RF signal generators, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and vector signal analyzers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Familiarity or hands-on experience with phased array over the air range testing, including phase/amplitude calibration, EIRP, G/T, axial ratio, scan loss and pattern cuts.
  • Programming or scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, etc.)
  • Understanding of RF and mixed-signal hardware (e.g. amplifiers, filters, ADCs/DACs, antennas) and its effects on test design.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.  
 
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
 
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

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.