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Factory Test Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Honda of Pasadena

Technician

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$16 - $36/hr

... test, and valid driver license. Benefits: Major medical, dental and vision 401k Paid factory training PTO Job Type: Full-time Salary: $16.00 to $36.00 /hour

Honda of Pasadena

Technician

Pasadena, CA · On-site

... test, and valid driver license. Benefits: * Major medical, dental and vision 401k Paid factory training PTO Job Type: Full-time Salary: $16.00 to $36.00 /hour

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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.

Lead IC - Driver Development & High-Speed Transceiver Test Automation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

II-VI Incorporated
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about II-VI Incorporatedexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Lead IC - Driver Development & High-Speed Transceiver Test Automation group. This position is dual-focused:
1.    Leadership of a high-performing engineering team, and
2.    Direct technical contribution in embedded driver development, automation, test platform design, data analysis, and manufacturing deployment.
This role is accountable for architecting next-generation test automation platforms, accelerating production cycles, improving yields, and supporting the deployment of automated test solutions at U.S. contract manufacturing sites.
 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Technical Strategy

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of driver developers, embedded firmware engineers, and test automation engineers.
  • Define and communicate roadmap for embedded driver development, automation architecture, DSP-based test workflows, and system integration.
  • Provide architectural oversight of test software, firmware platforms, and high-speed transceiver evaluation frameworks.
  • Partner cross-functionally with hardware design, systems engineering, and global manufacturing teams to ensure alignment of technical direction and deliverables.

Hands-On Technical Responsibilities (Individual Contributor)

  • Design and develop embedded firmware and low-level software drivers for STM32-based and custom Coherent test platforms using C/C++, C#, and VB.NET.
  • Develop automated test solutions for high-speed transceiver modules, including waveform analysis, DSP-driven measurements, and ML-enabled optimization.
  • Integrate new test boards into the existing software architecture and ensure seamless deployment across engineering and manufacturing.
  • Support U.S. contract manufacturers with test implementation, system bring-up, debugging, troubleshooting, and sustaining support.
  • Perform advanced statistical analysis (SPC, GR&R, correlation studies) to qualify automated testers and validate system performance.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineering on debugging, functional validation, and release of new instruments and boards into production.
  • Work hands-on with laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, DMMs, logic analyzers, and high-speed signal analyzers.

Education & Experience

  • BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in embedded systems, driver development, or test automation, with at least 3-5 years in leadership, technical management, or team-lead capacity.
  • Proven experience developing firmware and low-level drivers in C, C++, C#, and VB.NET, with strong preference for STM32 microcontroller experience.
  • Strong understanding of high-speed digital signaling, transceiver testing (NRZ, PAM4), and DSP concepts.
  • Experience building and deploying automation frameworks and factory-level test systems.
  • Proficiency in instrument communication protocols: GPIB, SCPI, IC, UART.
  • Experience with Python, .NET platforms, MATLAB, or ML-based test optimization is a strong plus.

Skills

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Excellent project-management skills with a track record of driving complex cross-functional initiatives.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and documentation skills.
  • Able to collaborate effectively with contract manufacturers to support test deployment and continuous improvement.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of balancing strategic leadership with hands-on technical execution.

Working Conditions

  • This position is predominantly onsite
  • May require occasional off-site meetings or travel
  • Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
  • Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job
  • May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive's needs

Physical Requirements

  • Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
  • Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
  • Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
  • Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


 

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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