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Drive Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Broadcom Inc.

Test Engineer (ATE)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120 - $192/hr

You will collaborate with design, product, and quality engineering teams to drive test coverage, optimize test time, and deliver solutions from early silicon bring-up through high-volume ...

Next Matter

Senior Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Senior Test Engineer, Solid Rocket Motors & Hypersonic Systems We are seeking a Senior Test ... Drive continuous improvement in test processes, safety protocols, and efficiency while integrating ...

Broadcom

Test Engineer (ATE)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $192K/yr

You will collaborate with design, product, and quality engineering teams to drive test coverage, optimize test time, and deliver solutions from early silicon bring-up through high-volume ...

Kindredventures

Senior Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$137 - $193/hr

Drive test campaign logistics including hardware readiness, facility integration, procedural ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or ...

Inversion

Senior Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Drive test campaign logistics including hardware readiness, facility integration, procedural ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or ...

Inversion

Senior Test Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

Drive test campaign logistics including hardware readiness, facility integration, procedural ... Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or ...

Strategic Employment

Senior Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

... Engineer to design test hardware and full test program sets for programs spanning military and ... develop the software logic that drives test execution - working with instrumentation like ...

Micross

Test Engineer I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Test Engineer I Location: San Jose HiRel, On Site Department: Engineering Reports To: Product ... Drive test optimization to increase manufacturing throughput and reduce the cost without ...

HEICO

Electrical Test and Product Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

... Test and Product Engineer to join our lean, high-performing engineering team. Role: In this role ... Propose and implement solutions to enhance testing reliability, increase coverage, and drive down ...

Heico

Electrical Test and Product Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

... Test and Product Engineer to join our lean, high-performing engineering team. Role: In this role ... Propose and implement solutions to enhance testing reliability, increase coverage, and drive down ...

HEICO

Electrical Test and Product Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

... Test and Product Engineer to join our lean, high-performing engineering team. Role: In this role ... Propose and implement solutions to enhance testing reliability, increase coverage, and drive down ...

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All JobsDrive Test Engineer JobsDrive Test Engineer Jobs in California

Drive Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$17

$43

$73

How much do drive test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for drive 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 drive test engineer?

A Drive Test Engineer is a telecommunications professional responsible for testing and optimizing wireless networks. They conduct field measurements by driving through designated routes with specialized equipment to collect data on signal strength, call quality, and network coverage. This data helps network operators identify issues such as dead zones, dropped calls, or weak signals, enabling them to improve network performance. Drive Test Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring reliable mobile communication and enhancing user experience.

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

To thrive as a Drive Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of wireless communication systems, RF principles, and a relevant engineering degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with drive test tools like TEMS, Nemo, or SwissQual, as well as proficiency in data analysis software, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and convey findings clearly. These abilities ensure accurate network performance assessments, which are crucial for optimizing wireless networks and improving user experience.

What are some common challenges faced by drive test engineers during fieldwork, and how can they be addressed?

Drive Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as fluctuating signal quality, unpredictable weather conditions, and navigating unfamiliar terrains during fieldwork. To address these, it's important to prepare thoroughly by reviewing test routes, ensuring all equipment is calibrated and functional, and maintaining clear communication with the network operations team. Additionally, adaptability and strong problem-solving skills help in quickly resolving on-site issues, leading to efficient data collection and accurate reporting.

What is the difference between Drive Test Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectDrive Test EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in telecommunications, electronics, or related field; certifications like RF or wireless certifications are commonSimilar credentials; often holds degrees in electrical engineering and RF certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork involving driving to test sites, collecting signal data, and analyzing network performancePrimarily office-based or lab work focused on designing, testing, and optimizing RF systems
Industry UsageUsed in telecom companies for network testing and optimizationUsed across telecom, electronics, and wireless industries for system design and testing

Drive Test Engineers and RF Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their roles differ in work environment and focus. Drive Test Engineers primarily perform field testing to evaluate network performance, while RF Engineers focus on designing and optimizing RF systems in labs or offices.

Are drive test engineers in demand?

Drive Test Engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for network optimization and infrastructure testing in telecommunications. They typically require knowledge of wireless technologies, testing tools, and certifications, and employment opportunities are often available in regions with expanding or upgrading network coverage.

How much does a drive test engineer get paid?

A drive test engineer's salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented with benefits and overtime pay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drive Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drive Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Test Engineer (ATE)

Broadcom Inc.

San Jose, CA • On-site

$120 - $192/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Broadcom rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 161 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Job Description

Broadcom is seeking a highly motivated Test Engineer to join our Semiconductor Test Engineering team. In this role, you will focus on development of production, characterization, and qualification test programs to ensure the delivery of reliable, high-performance products for Broadcom’s diverse portfolio of SoCs and ASICs. You will collaborate with design, product, and quality engineering teams to drive test coverage, optimize test time, and deliver solutions from early silicon bring-up through high-volume manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, debug, and maintain ATE test programs for production, characterization, and qualification on the Advantest 93K test platform.
  • Perform pattern processing and conversion from design environments into tester-compatible formats.
  • Execute silicon characterization and validation across process, voltage, and temperature corners; analyze results to drive yield and performance improvements.
  • Work with DFT, design, and product engineering teams to define test requirements, improve test coverage, and close gaps.
  • Optimize test flows and methodologies to reduce overall test time and cost while ensuring high quality.
  • Drive correlation between simulation, bench, and tester environments.
  • Support high-volume manufacturing ramps, addressing test escapes, yield excursions, and test program robustness.
Qualifications

Required:

  • BS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 8+ years of related experience, or MS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering and 6+ years of related experience.
  • Strong knowledge of digital and high-speed test methodologies, scan/DFT concepts, and pattern processing.
  • Hands-on experience with ATE platforms (Advantest or equivalent).
  • Proficiency in scripting/programming languages such as Python, or C/C++.
  • Solid understanding of semiconductor device physics and characterization methods.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred:

  • Experience with SoC, AI accelerators, networking, or high-speed SerDes devices.
  • Familiarity with tester load board / probe card design, bring-up, and debug.
  • Experience supporting high-volume production test and manufacturing transfer.
Compensation and Benefits

The annual base salary range for this position is $120,000 - $192,000. This position is also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in accordance with relevant plan documents, and equity in accordance with equity plan documents and equity award agreements. Broadcom offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package: medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k) participation including company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave and vacation time. The company follows all applicable laws for Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Broadcom is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability status, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We will also consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records consistent with local law.

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