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Factory Test Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

K2 Space

Integration & Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Acting as a satellite controller, you'll be in the driver's seat of the satellite; all satellite ... Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test ...

Lyte

Embedded Software Tools Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$154K - $203K/yr

Target-side firmware, bootloaders, kernels, and drivers * Build automation for: * * Build, test, and deployment pipelines * Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and system-level testing * Factory and ...

K2 Space

Integration & Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $140K/yr

Acting as a satellite controller, you'll be in the driver's seat of the satellite; all satellite ... Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test ...

K2 Space

Integration & Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Acting as a satellite controller, you'll be in the driver's seat of the satellite; all satellite ... Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test ...

Qualcomm

IOT Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Strong expertise in device driver and bare-metal software development, including register-level ... Implement and extend test firmware used for platform validation, manufacturing test, and factory ...

Qualcomm

IOT Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134K - $202K/yr

Implement and extend test firmware used for platform validation, manufacturing test, and factory ... Strong expertise in device driver and bare‑metal software development, including register‑level ...

Hark

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

Own BSP development, peripheral driver integration (SPI, I2C, UART, I2S), and RTOS task scheduling ... Develop factory test and calibration firmware for manufacturing * Debug complex hardware-software ...

Hark

Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

Own BSP development, peripheral driver integration (SPI, I2C, UART, I2S), and RTOS task scheduling ... Develop factory test and calibration firmware for manufacturing * Debug complex hardware-software ...

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All JobsFactory Test Driver JobsFactory Test Driver Jobs in California

Factory Test Driver information

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How much do factory test driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for factory test driver in California is $18.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a factory test driver?

Factory test drivers are automotive professionals responsible for testing new vehicles during and after the manufacturing process to ensure they meet quality, safety, and performance standards. They drive pre-production or newly assembled vehicles under various conditions, identifying issues such as handling problems, mechanical defects, or safety concerns. Their feedback is vital for engineers and manufacturers to make final adjustments before cars are released to the public. This role requires strong driving skills, mechanical knowledge, and attention to detail to spot even minor issues that could affect the end user.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a factory test driver?

To thrive as a Factory Test Driver, you need a valid driver's license, expert driving skills, and a thorough understanding of vehicle mechanics and safety regulations. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, data logging systems, and sometimes specialized certifications in automotive testing or advanced driving courses are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to follow precise testing protocols make candidates stand out in this role. These skills are essential to accurately evaluate vehicle performance, ensure product quality, and maintain workplace safety.

What are some common challenges faced by factory test drivers during vehicle testing, and how are they addressed?

Factory Test Drivers often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing test protocols, identifying subtle performance issues, and ensuring safety while pushing vehicles to their limits. They address these challenges by maintaining clear communication with engineers, following strict safety guidelines, and utilizing diagnostic tools to provide precise feedback. Continuous training and collaboration with the quality assurance team help them stay current with new vehicle technologies and testing procedures, leading to more accurate and efficient testing.

What is the difference between Factory Test Driver vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectFactory Test DriverQuality Control Inspector
Required CredentialsDriver's license, technical knowledge of vehiclesInspection certifications, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentTest tracks, manufacturing plantsProduction lines, warehouses
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturing, testing facilitiesManufacturing, quality assurance departments

Factory Test Drivers primarily focus on testing vehicles or equipment on test tracks, ensuring performance standards. Quality Control Inspectors evaluate products during manufacturing to identify defects. While both roles require attention to detail, Factory Test Drivers need driving skills and vehicle knowledge, whereas Quality Control Inspectors focus on inspection certifications and quality standards.

How do you become a factory test driver?

To become a factory test driver, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and experience driving high-performance or specialized vehicles. Some positions require a background in automotive engineering or mechanics, and familiarity with testing procedures and safety protocols is essential.

How much does a factory test driver earn?

A factory test driver typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of testing tasks. They may also receive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, and often need a valid driver's license and knowledge of vehicle systems.

How to become a factory test driver for cars?

To become a factory test driver for cars, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and experience driving high-performance or specialized vehicles. Automotive knowledge, mechanical skills, and the ability to follow safety protocols are also important, and some positions may require a background in engineering or related fields. Training is often provided by the employer, and the job involves testing vehicles in controlled environments or on test tracks.

What cities in California are hiring for Factory Test Driver jobs?

Cities in California with the most Factory Test Driver job openings:

Factory Test Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Factory Test Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,286 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Principal Integration & Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

K2 Space
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about K2 Spaceexternal

$175K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

The Role 

As a Principal Integration & Test Engineer, you will help hone K2's approach to subscale and full vehicle production, qualification testing, and operation. Your work will span most technical disciplines at the company and will require building consensus from disparate stakeholders. You will be asked to help mentors others while serving as a critical driver for on-time delivery and mitigating mission risk. Our goal is to develop a fully autonomous constellation and that starts on the ground. You'll be the driver of constellation-level control to realize this goal.  

Responsibilities 

  • Develop company-wide standards for vehicle test (manual and automated) used to confirm spacecraft hardware and software flightworthiness
  • Operate spacecraft (interpret telemetry, send commands) during system tests at the factory, test facilities, launch sites, and during pre-launch operations 
  • Act as a test conductor (and sometimes POC) for environmental test campaigns
  • Mentor more junior members of the team
  • Interface with customers to scope testing performed on their payloads, based on expected functions and failure modes of interest
  • Manage relationships with launch vehicle providers, including contractual deliverables such as interface control documents and environmental test plan justifications 
  • Lead high-visibility (proto)qualification campaigns for development and flight hardware 
  • Assess risks associated with different integration and test approaches, justify test reductions and optimize vehicle build/test flows for at-rate production 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, aerospace, mechanical, computer, or other relevant engineering discipline 
  • 8+ years of experience in an integration/test/automation engineering role  
  • 5+ years of experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft and their related components and systems, including subsystem checkouts and system acceptance testing 
  • Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal vacuum or random vibration 
  • Experience working in a clean room and with ESD-sensitive equipment 
  • Hands-on experience using electrical test equipment (PSU, Oscilloscope, DMM, etc.) 
  • Hands-on experience with HITL/HWIL or Flatsat software verification testbeds 
  • Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills 

Nice to Have 

  • Proficient in Python and/or Rust 
  • Experience with Linux systems 
  • Experience managing contractual interfaces (e.g. customer, launch vehicle) 

Compensation and Benefits 

  • Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company 
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level 
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks 
K2 Space logo

About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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