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Drive Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Efficient Computer

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Drive DFT sign-off deliverables and resolve pattern-level issues in coordination with external ... Serve as the primary test engineering interface with OSAT partners and test houses * Manage test ...

Efficient Computer

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Drive DFT sign-off deliverables and resolve pattern-level issues in coordination with external ... Serve as the primary test engineering interface with OSAT partners and test houses * Manage test ...

Peak Energy

Test Engineer

Burlingame, CA

$140K - $215K/yr

Test Engineer, ESS Location: Burlingame, CA Department: Engineering Reports To: Senior Manager ... Drive innovation in testing methodologies and practices * Interface tightly with design, simulation ...

Peak Energy

Test Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$140K - $215K/yr

Test Engineer, ESS Location: Burlingame, CA Department: Engineering Reports To: Senior Manager ... Drive innovation in testing methodologies and practices * Interface tightly with design, simulation ...

Peak Energy

Test Engineer

Sacramento, CA

$150K - $215K/yr

Test Engineer, ESS Location: This role will be based in Sacramento, CA. During the first 3-6 months ... Drive innovation in testing methodologies and practices * Interface tightly with design, simulation ...

Radiant

Test Engineer, Mechanical/Fluids

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

We are seeking a Test Engineer to drive mission-critical test operations for the development, qualification, and acceptance our groundbreaking nuclear microreactor technology. This role offers a rare ...

Peak Energy

Test Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$150K - $215K/yr

Test Engineer, ESS Location: This role will be based in Sacramento, CA. During the first 3-6 months ... Drive innovation in testing methodologies and practices * Interface tightly with design, simulation ...

Peak Energy

Test Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$150K - $215K/yr

Test Engineer, ESS Location: This role will be based in Sacramento, CA. During the first 3-6 months ... Drive innovation in testing methodologies and practices * Interface tightly with design, simulation ...

Peak Energy

Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$140K - $215K/yr

Test Engineer, ESS Location: Burlingame, CA Department: Engineering Reports To: Senior Manager ... Drive innovation in testing methodologies and practices * Interface tightly with design, simulation ...

Peak Energy

Test Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$150K - $215K/yr

Test Engineer, ESS Location: This role will be based in Sacramento, CA. During the first 3-6 months ... Drive innovation in testing methodologies and practices * Interface tightly with design, simulation ...

Peak Energy

Test Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$140K - $215K/yr

Test Engineer, ESS Location: Burlingame, CA Department: Engineering Reports To: Senior Manager ... Drive innovation in testing methodologies and practices * Interface tightly with design, simulation ...

EcoSense Lighting

Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

... drive the development of test processes and systems that ensure all EcoSense products meet performance and quality requirements. While working closely with the design engineers and other members of ...

Form Energy

Senior Staff Test Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$170K - $212K/yr

As part of our Test Engineering Team, you will be involved in mentoring test and analysis engineers ... Drive test execution schedules by partnering cross-functionally between Form Energy test sites ...

EcoSense Lighting

Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... drive the development of test processes and systems that ensure all EcoSense products meet performance and quality requirements. While working closely with the design engineers and other members of ...

Pow.bio

Lead Avionics Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

In this role, you will set technical direction, mentor engineers, and drive test infrastructure, automated test equipment (ATE), integration, validation, and performance characterization across power ...

Form Energy

Senior Staff Test Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

As part of our Test Engineering Team, you will be involved in mentoring test and analysis engineers ... Drive test execution schedules by partnering cross-functionally between Form Energy test sites ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDrive Test Engineer JobsDrive Test Engineer Jobs in California

Drive Test Engineer information

See California salary details

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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

Efficient Computer

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Efficient is developing the world's most energy-efficient general-purpose computer processor. Efficient's patented technology uses 100x less energy than state of the art commercially available ultra-low-power processors and is programmable using standard high-level programming languages and AI/ML frameworks. This level of efficiency makes perpetual, pervasive intelligence possible: run AI/ML continuously on a AA battery for 5-10 years. Our platform's unprecedented level of efficiency enables IoT devices to intelligently capture and curate first-party data to drive the next major computing revolution
Efficient Computer is a fabless semiconductor startup headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, building energy-efficient processors for edge compute, embedded AI, and high-performance applications. Our team designs, tapes out, and brings up custom silicon across multiple process nodes, working closely with world-class foundry and OSAT partners to deliver differentiated chips from concept to production. Efficient Computer is looking for a Test Engineer with hands-on DFT and fabless semiconductor test experience to join our Operations team. This is a mid-level role sitting at the intersection of Hardware Engineering and Supply Chain and Operations.
The right candidate has worked across the full test lifecycle - from DFT strategy and ATPG pattern generation through ATE bringup, OSAT coordination, and production test - and is equally comfortable working with external suppliers as they are with internal hardware engineers. You will serve as the primary interface between our engineering team and our foundry, OSAT, and test partners, owning test engineering across our active chip programs and scaling that foundation to future products.
What You Will Do
DFT Strategy and Pattern Development
  • Partner with external design partners and internal hardware engineers to define and execute DFT strategy for each chip program
  • Generate, validate, and deliver ATPG patterns including scan, MBIST, JTAG, and embedded memory read and write sequences
  • Develop and maintain STIL and PDL test program files for ATE execution
  • Drive DFT sign-off deliverables and resolve pattern-level issues in coordination with external partners
  • Support setup pattern generation including power-up and power-down sequences, DFT entry sequences, and test mode initialization
  • Understand and define power rail sequencing requirements for ATE execution to ensure safe device bringup

ATE Bringup and Test Program Development
  • Develop and debug test programs on ATE platforms including Advantest and Teradyne systems
  • Execute first silicon bringup on new tapeouts in partnership with hardware engineers and OSAT test teams
  • Characterize device behavior across voltage, temperature, and frequency corners
  • Support load board bring-up and interface hardware validation
  • Define and manage test flows including wafer probe, final test, and bin sort
  • Understand test time optimization strategies such as pattern flow sequencing to minimize unnecessary power cycles

OSAT and Supplier Coordination
  • Serve as the primary test engineering interface with OSAT partners and test houses
  • Manage test program handoff to OSAT including documentation, qualification, and acceptance criteria
  • Coordinate pattern delivery between design partners and OSAT to ensure format compatibility across STIL and SVF as required
  • Track and analyze yield data from probe and final test, escalate anomalies, and drive corrective actions
  • Support die traceability and OTP programming flows in production bin sort
  • Coordinate with supply chain and operations on test capacity planning and lot scheduling

Cross-Program Ownership
  • Own test engineering across multiple active chip programs simultaneously
  • Build scalable test infrastructure and documentation that carries forward to future programs
  • Contribute to DFT reviews, tapeout checklists, and test escape analysis
  • Help define and mature internal test engineering capabilities over time

What You Bring
Required
  • 5+ years of semiconductor test engineering experience in a fabless or IDM environment
  • Hands-on DFT experience including scan insertion, ATPG, MBIST, and JTAG boundary scan
  • Experience generating and validating STIL patterns and working with test pattern delivery packages
  • ATE test program development experience on Advantest or Teradyne platforms
  • Experience supporting wafer probe and final test at an OSAT or test house, including load board bringup
  • Familiarity with power sequencing requirements and DFT entry flows for ATE test program development
  • Ability to work directly with external design partners and OSAT suppliers to coordinate pattern delivery and test execution
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills - this role requires ongoing collaboration with external partners across multiple time zones

Preferred
  • Experience with embedded memory test including characterization and programming of non-volatile memory technologies
  • Exposure to high-speed serial interface test such as memory interfaces or camera and display interconnect protocols
  • Familiarity with DFT tools from major EDA vendors
  • Experience at a fabless startup or small team where test engineering scope is broad
  • Exposure to leading-edge process nodes at 28nm or below
  • Experience with ATE yield analysis and test time optimization
  • Scripting ability in Python or Perl for data analysis and test automation
  • Experience generating VCD from RTL simulation and porting to STIL format

We offer a competitive salary for this role, generally ranging from $150,000 to $190,000, along with meaningful equity and comprehensive benefits. The final compensation package will be based on your experience and location, with some flexibility to ensure we align with the right candidate.
Why Join Efficient?
Efficient offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including 401K match, company-paid benefits, equity program, paid parental leave, and flexibility. We are committed to personal and professional development and strive to grow together as people and as a company.

Apply