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Embedded Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RF Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

You will work closely with RF, embedded, software, and mechanical engineers to develop test infrastructure, automate validation workflows, and help characterize system performance across a range of ...

QA Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$48.50 - $66/hr

Linux application development experience on both PC's and embedded mobile environments. Windows programming, MS Visual Studio, Networking, BT, BLE, WiFi experiences are major pluses. QA Test Engineer ...

QA Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$48.50 - $66/hr

Linux application development experience on both PC's and embedded mobile environments. Windows programming, MS Visual Studio, Networking, BT, BLE, WiFi experiences are major pluses. QA Test Engineer ...

Strong troubleshooting skills across hardware, software, and embedded systems. * Solid ... Systems Test Engineer 1 : $85,000-$105,000 * Systems Test Engineer 2: $100,000-$120,000

You will work closely with RF, embedded, software, and mechanical engineers to develop test infrastructure, automate validation workflows, and help characterize system performance across a range of ...

You will be embedded within the test operations team, supporting propulsion, fluids, mechanical ... Develop structural and civil engineering designs for test facility modifications, expansions, and ...

Firmware Test Engineers at Lyft collaborate closely with firmware, hardware, operations, and ... Experience with testing embedded systems, including hardware and software interactions.

Firmware Test Engineers at Lyft collaborate closely with firmware, hardware, operations, and ... Experience with testing embedded systems, including hardware and software interactions.

RF Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

You will work closely with RF, embedded, software, and mechanical engineers to develop test infrastructure, automate validation workflows, and help characterize system performance across a range of ...

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Embedded Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$20.7K

$100.8K

$148K

How much do embedded test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded test engineer in California is $100,808.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,400.00 and $122,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded Test Engineers when verifying embedded systems, and how can they be addressed?

Embedded Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as limited visibility into system behavior, hardware-software integration issues, and timing constraints unique to embedded devices. To address these, engineers typically use specialized debugging tools, simulators, and hardware-in-the-loop setups to observe and validate system performance. Effective communication with hardware and firmware teams is crucial to quickly resolve issues. Additionally, staying updated on testing frameworks and automation tools can help streamline verification processes and improve test coverage.

What are Embedded Test Engineers?

Embedded Test Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and execute tests for embedded systems—specialized computing systems that are part of larger devices, such as cars, medical devices, or consumer electronics. Their main responsibility is to ensure that the hardware and software components of these systems function correctly and reliably. They create test plans, automate test cases, identify bugs, and work closely with development teams to resolve issues. By thoroughly testing embedded systems, they help guarantee product safety, quality, and performance before the product goes to market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Test Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of embedded systems, software testing methodologies, and proficiency in programming languages like C/C++ or Python, often backed by a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with test automation frameworks, hardware debugging tools, and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure robust and reliable embedded products by enabling precise identification and resolution of defects throughout the development lifecycle.

What is the difference between Embedded Test Engineer vs Firmware Test Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Test EngineerFirmware Test Engineer
CertificationsRelevant certifications like ISTQB, embedded systems coursesSimilar certifications, often with firmware or embedded systems focus
Work EnvironmentEmbedded hardware and software testing in embedded systemsTesting firmware within embedded devices or systems
Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, consumer devicesConsumer electronics, IoT, embedded systems
Search & ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping skills in embedded systems testingRelated but more firmware-specific

Embedded Test Engineers focus on testing both hardware and software components of embedded systems, ensuring integration and functionality. Firmware Test Engineers specialize in testing the firmware that runs on embedded devices, often working closely with developers to validate code. While both roles require knowledge of embedded systems, the Embedded Test Engineer has a broader scope including hardware testing, whereas the Firmware Test Engineer concentrates on firmware validation.

What are popular job titles related to Embedded Test Engineer jobs in California? For Embedded Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Embedded Test Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Embedded Test Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Embedded Test Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,808 per year, or $48.5 per hour.
RF Test Engineer

RF Test Engineer

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

RF Test Engineer
Department: Assembly, Integration & Test
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Compensation: $105,000 - $135,000 / year
Description
As an RF Test Engineer at Impulse Space, you will support the development, integration, and testing of wireless spacecraft and ground communication systems. You will work closely with RF, embedded, software, and mechanical engineers to develop test infrastructure, automate validation workflows, and help characterize system performance across a range of communication hardware.
This role is focused on RF test automation, fixture development, and hands-on testing of wireless systems and modulated communication waveforms.
Responsibilities
  • Design and support RF test fixtures and supporting test infrastructure
  • Develop Python software and scripts for automated RF testing, instrumentation control, and data collection
  • Operate and integrate common RF lab equipment including spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and software defined radios
  • Support testing and characterization of modulated RF waveforms and communication links
  • Work with RF and embedded software engineers to debug and validate wireless hardware performance
  • Develop and document RF test procedures for engineering and production environments
  • Support RF hardware bring-up, integration, troubleshooting, and system-level validation testing
  • Assist with system-level RF testing including coexistence (CoEx), desense, and over-the-air (OTA) test activities
  • Collaborate across hardware, software, and manufacturing teams to improve test coverage and reliability

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
  • 2+ years of experience writing Python for test automation, data analysis, or hardware validation
  • Familiarity with RF lab equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and network analyzers
  • Understanding of RF fundamentals and wireless communication systems
  • Exposure to modulated waveforms and RF measurement techniques
  • Familiarity with RF system parameters such as channel power, EVM, Es/N0, C/N0, modulation quality, and bandwidth
  • Experience documenting test procedures or validation results
  • Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills
  • Comfortable working hands-on in a lab environment

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience developing automated test systems or RF test fixtures
  • Familiarity with SDR platforms or GNU Radio
  • Experience testing wireless communication systems or digital modulation schemes
  • Familiarity with embedded Linux, microcontrollers, or FPGA-based systems
  • Experience with beamforming, phased arrays, or multi-antenna RF systems
  • Familiarity with satellite communication protocols such as CCSDS or DVB-S2
  • Experience with RF production, integration, environmental, or OTA testing
  • Experience working in a fast-paced development environment

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.