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Lead Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Long Wall

Lead Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Lead Test Engineer DESCRIPTION We are seeking a highly capable Lead Test Engineer to guide the planning, development, and execution of component, subsystem, and system-level testing for our next ...

Long Wall

Lead Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA

Lead Test Engineer DESCRIPTION We are seeking a highly capable Lead Test Engineer to guide the planning, development, and execution of component, subsystem, and system-level testing for our next ...

Long Wall

Lead Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$145K - $185K/yr

Lead Test Engineer DESCRIPTION We are seeking a highly capable Lead Test Engineer to guide the planning, development, and execution of component, subsystem, and system-level testing for our next ...

Odin Dynamics, Inc

Lead Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

The Role We're looking for a Lead Test Engineer to build and own the test function at Odin Dynamics from the ground up. You'll define how we verify, validate, and qualify our autonomous underwater ...

Coherent Corp.

Lead Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Lead the configuration, setup, and qualification of test systems for silicon photonic ICs ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related ...

Coherent

Lead Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · Hybrid

$121K - $160K/yr

Lead the configuration, setup, and qualification of test systems for silicon photonic ICs ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related ...

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

Lead Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Lead the configuration, setup, and qualification of test systems for silicon photonic ICs ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related ...

II-VI Incorporated

Lead Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · Hybrid

$121K - $160K/yr

Lead the configuration, setup, and qualification of test systems for silicon photonic ICs ... Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related ...

Vast

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$86K - $122K/yr

Vast is looking for a Propulsion Test Engineer , reporting to the Propulsion Test Manager, to ... Lead hazardous operations including work with high pressure fluids * Write test procedures for ...

True Anomaly

Mechanical Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

Define and lead test strategies for mechanical system programs, including requirements verification, procedure development, and execution oversight. * Author and review mechanical test documentation ...

Coherent

Lead Test Development Engineer

Fremont, CA

As the Lead Test Development Engineer, you will lead all aspects of test engineering, work with contract manufacturers, for our high-power CW lasers and their packages. This position demands a hands ...

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Lead Test Engineer information

See California salary details

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How much do lead test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead test engineer in California is $52.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.10 and $61.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lead Test Engineer vs Test Engineer?

AspectLead Test EngineerTest Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like ISTQB are commonBachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related field; ISTQB certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLeads testing teams, manages test planning, and oversees testing processesPerforms testing tasks, executes test cases, and reports defects
Industry UsageUsed across software, hardware, and systems testing in various industriesCommonly used in software development and quality assurance roles

The main difference between a Lead Test Engineer and a Test Engineer lies in leadership responsibilities and scope. The Lead Test Engineer manages testing teams and oversees testing strategies, while the Test Engineer focuses on executing tests and identifying defects. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but the Lead Test Engineer has additional leadership and planning duties.

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

To thrive as a Lead Test Engineer, you need deep expertise in software testing methodologies, quality assurance processes, and a relevant technical degree or certifications like ISTQB. Familiarity with test automation tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit), CI/CD pipelines, and defect-tracking systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for coordinating teams and ensuring quality deliverables. These skills ensure robust product quality, efficient test cycles, and effective collaboration across development teams.

How does a Lead Test Engineer typically collaborate with development and product teams to ensure software quality?

A Lead Test Engineer works closely with development and product teams throughout the software development lifecycle to define quality standards, clarify requirements, and ensure robust test coverage. They often participate in sprint planning, review user stories for testability, and communicate testing progress and results. Effective collaboration involves advocating for quality, facilitating defect triage meetings, and helping prioritize fixes based on impact. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for delivering reliable, high-performing software products.

What is a Lead Test Engineer?

A Lead Test Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the testing process in software or hardware development projects. They design test strategies, coordinate testing teams, and ensure that products meet quality standards before release. Lead Test Engineers also collaborate with developers and project managers to identify and resolve issues, and they often mentor junior testers. Their role is crucial in delivering reliable and high-quality products to customers.
What are popular job titles related to Lead Test Engineer jobs in California? For Lead Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Test Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Test Engineer jobs in California are:
Lead Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Test Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,906 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Lead Test Engineer

Long Wall

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Long Wall Company was created in 2024 to accelerate missile defense technology for the U.S. and our allies. Building on the RS1 and GS0 launch systems, Long Wall develops containerized, mass-producible missile defense systems and offers rapid, low-cost flight testing. We believe that the future of global security and stability require defensive technology that is lower cost, higher performing, better tested, and more broadly distributed than is possible today. Join us.
What we look for
Mission-Driven Problem Solvers. The aerospace frontier demands ingenuity. We want Team members who approach challenges with curiosity, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and stay focused on delivering the best solution for the mission.
Total Ownership. We seek staff and engineers who take full responsibility for contributing to and delivering flight-ready work while recognizing that no one succeeds alone. The best engineers, corporate professionals, and technicians make their teammates better. Knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success.
Lead Test Engineer
DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a highly capable Lead Test Engineer to guide the planning, development, and execution of component, subsystem, and system-level testing for our next-generation defensive systems. In this role, you will serve as a technical leader for the Test Engineering & Operations organization, driving test architecture, instrumentation, data systems, and disciplined execution across a wide range of hardware. You will lead a small team of test engineers and/or technicians (1-5 direct reports) while remaining deeply hands-on in design, test execution, data analysis, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate combines strong technical depth with the ability to mentor others, coordinate cross-functionally, and elevate the technical quality and reliability of all test activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead development of test plans, procedures, instrumentation strategies, and data acquisition configurations for component, subsystem, and integrated system tests
  • Design and refine test setups, fixtures, interfaces, and test stand elements in collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and GNC teams
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of test engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance, feedback, and day-to-day support
  • Assign and prioritize work across the team to meet program objectives and test schedules
  • Build a culture of technical rigor, safety, ownership, and continuous improvement
  • Oversee and participate in hands-on test execution, including setup, instrumentation, pre-test readiness, control room operations, teardown, and data review
  • Ensure tests are executed safely and consistently through hazard analyses, procedural reviews, and operational readiness checks
  • Validate test data quality and lead post-test analysis, reporting, and communication of results to engineering and program stakeholders
  • Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams to align test requirements, hardware readiness, and schedules
  • Partner with test operations and facilities teams to ensure test stands, GSE, and site infrastructure meet technical and operational needs
  • Support anomaly investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions across test and engineering teams
  • Drive continuous improvement in test documentation, procedures, and instrumentation reliability - including automation opportunities, data pipeline enhancements, and ongoing GSE development

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering discipline.
  • 6+ years of test engineering experience within aerospace, defense, propulsion, or high-reliability hardware environments.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Hands-on experience leading and executing component or subsystem tests with a strong understanding of sensors, DAQ systems, and control room operations.
  • Demonstrated experience writing test plans, developing test setups or fixtures, and performing structured post-test analysis.
  • Prior experience mentoring junior engineers or technicians, or serving as a technical lead.
  • Strong understanding of safety processes, hazard analysis, and high-energy test operations.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical disciplines.
  • Must meet U.S. export control requirements (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, asylee, or refugee).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience with system-level, engine-level, or propulsion test campaigns.
  • Familiarity with real-time control systems, PLCs, automated test sequences, or custom DAQ systems.
  • Experience designing or improving test stands, GSE, or test site infrastructure.
  • Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for data processing and analysis.
  • Prior experience in a startup or high-growth hardware environment.
  • Experience with pyrotechnics, propulsion systems, hazardous operations, or flight test environments.
  • Knowledge of configuration management practices and structured test documentation systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Can work in an indoor manufacturing environment 70%, outdoors 30%
  • Travel between our Port of Long Beach (70%), El Segundo (20%), and other facilities (10%) as required. Occasional travel to our other in-state and out-of-state sites may be required.
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
  • Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone, and telepresence
  • Ability to pick up to 12lbs
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment

$145,000 - $185,000 a year
This is the lowest-to-highest compensation range we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
In addition to base pay and equity, we offer:
  • Heavily employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
  • Long Wall paid life insurance and LTD coverage
  • 4% 401k match
  • Student loan repayment assistance program
  • Paid parental leave
  • Family planning assistance program
  • Long Wall paid financial wellness program
  • Paid time off for non-exempt employees and a flexible vacation policy for exempt employees

ITAR Requirement
This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, U.S. permanent residents, individuals granted U.S. asylum status, or individuals admitted in U.S. refugee status) is a required qualification for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.

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