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Junior Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inversion

Senior Avionics Test Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$137K - $193K/yr

Mentor junior test engineers, standardizing data-driven analysis techniques and automated test suite architectures. Required Qualifications * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S ...

Inversion

Senior Avionics Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$137K - $193K/yr

Mentor junior test engineers, standardizing data-driven analysis techniques and automated test suite architectures. Required Qualifications * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S ...

Abbott

Staff Software Test Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Mentor and guide junior test engineers, promoting strong engineering discipline, automation best practices, and regulatory excellence Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in software ...

Abbott

Staff Software Test Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Mentor and guide junior test engineers, promoting strong engineering discipline, automation best practices, and regulatory excellence Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in software ...

Rantec Power Systems Inc.

Test Engineer

Los Osos, CA · On-site

$80K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Guide junior engineers and support staff on automated test execution and test equipment troubleshooting. * Ability to work flexible hours and/or different shifts, as required. * Ability to work in a ...

Rantec Power Systems, Inc.

Test Engineer

Los Osos, CA · On-site

$80K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Guide junior engineers and support staff on automated test execution and test equipment troubleshooting. * Ability to work flexible hours and/or different shifts, as required. * Ability to work in a ...

Abbott

Senior Software Test Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$128K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Mentor and guide junior test engineers, promoting strong engineering discipline, automation best practices, and regulatory excellence Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in software ...

Abbott

Senior Software Test Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$128K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Mentor and guide junior test engineers, promoting strong engineering discipline, automation best practices, and regulatory excellence Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in software ...

Abbott

Senior Software Test Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Mentor and guide junior test engineers, promoting strong engineering discipline, automation best practices, and regulatory excellence Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in software ...

Traka (Assa Abloy)

Senior Test Engineer

Cypress, CA · On-site

$110 - $118/hr

  • PTO

# Senior Test Engineer**An Amazing Career Opportunity for a Senior Test Engineer!!** **Location ... You will collaborate with global teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive continuous improvement ...

Canvas

Flight Test Engineer (PL)

Edwards, CA · On-site

Flight Test Engineer Location: Arnold AFB - Tullahoma, TH This is a pipeline requisition intended ... The position spans junior to senior experience levels, requiring progressive responsibility in test ...

ASSA ABLOY

Senior Test Engineer

Cypress, CA · On-site

  • PTO

You will collaborate with global teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive continuous improvement ... As our Senior Test Engineer, you'll support HID's success by: * Designing, developing, and ...

Assa Abloy

Senior Test Engineer

Cypress, CA · On-site

  • PTO

You will collaborate with global teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive continuous improvement ... As our Senior Test Engineer, you'll support HID's success by: * Designing, developing, and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsTest Engineer JobsJunior Test Engineer JobsJunior Test Engineer Jobs in California

Junior Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$70.9K

$108.1K

How much do junior test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior test engineer in California is $70,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a junior test engineer may face during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

During the first year, Junior Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex software systems, adapting to various testing tools, and managing tight project deadlines. It's common to feel overwhelmed when learning new automation frameworks or interpreting detailed bug reports. Overcoming these challenges involves proactively seeking mentorship from senior team members, participating in training sessions, and regularly communicating with developers and QA leads to clarify requirements. Embracing continuous learning and openly discussing any roadblocks can accelerate skill development and build confidence in the role.

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

To thrive as a Junior Test Engineer, you need foundational knowledge of software testing principles, attention to detail, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with test management tools (like JIRA or TestRail), scripting languages (such as Python), and automated testing frameworks is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and a proactive attitude are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying software defects, ensuring product quality, and collaborating efficiently with development teams.

Is QA a good entry-level job?

A Junior Test Engineer role is often suitable as an entry-level position in quality assurance, requiring basic knowledge of testing processes, tools like Selenium or JIRA, and attention to detail. It provides opportunities to develop skills in software testing, debugging, and understanding development cycles, making it a common starting point for careers in quality assurance and software testing.

What is the difference between Junior Test Engineer vs QA Tester?

AspectJunior Test EngineerQA Tester
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer certifications like ISTQBHigh school diploma; ISTQB certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, testing labs, Agile/Scrum environmentsTesting teams, software companies, quality assurance departments
Common UsageEntry-level role focused on executing test cases and reporting bugsEntry to mid-level role focused on manual testing and defect tracking

Both roles are entry-level testing positions within software development. A Junior Test Engineer often involves more technical tasks, such as writing test scripts, whereas a QA Tester primarily executes manual tests. The roles overlap in skills and work environment, but the Junior Test Engineer may have additional responsibilities related to test automation and scripting.

What is a junior test engineer?

Junior Test Engineers are entry-level professionals responsible for assisting in the testing of software, hardware, or systems to ensure they meet quality standards. They typically write and execute test cases, identify software bugs, and collaborate with developers to resolve issues. Junior Test Engineers often work under the guidance of senior testers or quality assurance leads, gaining hands-on experience with testing tools and methodologies. Their role is crucial in ensuring that products are reliable and function as intended before release.
What are the most commonly searched types of Test Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Test Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Junior Test Engineer jobs in California? For Junior Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Test Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Test Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Junior Test Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Junior Test Engineer job openings:
Junior Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Senior Electrical Hardware Test Engineer

Muon Space

San Jose, CA • On-site

$175K - $208K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About the role

Muon Space is seeking an experienced and hands-on Senior Electrical Test Engineer to join our team in San Jose, CA. In this role, you will own the architecture, development, and scaling of the test infrastructure that ensures we continue to have zero hardware failures at launch. You will drive the test strategy for satellite avionics, design test racks and and when required custom PCBs or fixtures. This is our first electrical test role so you will help define the standards of the team going forward and set the bar for our electrical test infrastructure. You will collaborate with the test and reliability org that maintains the overall software infrastructure and will be part of the electrical engineering team so test development starts with PCBA development.

This position is onsite and requires working in our San Jose, CA office five days per week.

Responsibilities
  • Work with test and reliability to define a common set of hardware and software to create automated test racks for avionics modules (primarily PCBAs)
  • Define the overarching validation strategy, test plans/methodologies for spacecraft avionics (flight computers, power systems, RF/communication payloads).
  • Partner with hardware design engineers early in the product lifecycle to implement Design for Test (DFT) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) requirements.
  • Write and maintain python scripts based on the software test framework used throughout the hardware org.
  • Create methods for rack self test and preventative maintenance so racks can be monitored and maintained by the production team.
  • Guide and mentor junior test and hardware engineers, establish engineering best practices for the test team, and lead technical design reviews for test infrastructure.
  • Create custom electrical or mechanical fixturing when required to make tests fast and easy to run
Qualifications
  • Prefer, but don't require B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in hardware test engineering
  • Strong knowledge of electronic components, circuits, and test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies).
  • Familiarly with schematic capture and PCB layout software (e.g., Altium, Cadence/Orcad).
  • Understanding of microcontrollers and common communication interfaces (e.g., UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet).
  • Experience with embedded systems, embedded programming concepts and comfortable in a Linux development environment
  • Strong knowledge of scripting/python and use of AI to expedite the development of those scripts
  • Knowledge of Git or other change control systems
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to engineering challenges.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • A strong desire to learn and contribute in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Nice-to-have Skills
  • Experience with electronics for space applications 
  • Experience with FPGAs, SoC, or embedded linux platforms
  • Knowledge of high speed digital interfaces like PCIE, DRAM, CSI, 25G Ethernet
  • Experience with RF test equipment and test methodologies (Spectrum analyzers, VNAs, power meters, frequency generators etc)
  • Familiarity with aerospace test and quality standards such as SMC-S-016
  • Previous startup experience or experience working in a fast paced environment
Salary

The salary range for this role is $175,000 - $208,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process. 

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