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Lead Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

True Anomaly

Mechanical Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

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

Vast

Avionics Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$120K - $171K/yr

Vast is looking for an Avionics Test Engineer, reporting to the Manager of Avionics Testing , to ... Lead test system design reviews for avionics test systems * Lead and coach efforts to ...

Doist

Lead Software Engineer in Test

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180 - $230/hr

The Role We're hiring a Lead Software Engineer in Test to drive the strategy, architecture, and execution of automated testing across our platform. You'll build and scale the systems that ensure ...

New

Astera Labs

Optical Test Engineer, Tech Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$175K - $215K/yr

We are seeking a world-class Technical Lead Test Engineer to lead the development and execution of advanced test strategies for Optical solutions. This senior role drives optical and electro-optical ...

Actalent

Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA

Test Engineer The Test Engineer executes customer test projects from initial planning through setup ... Direct and lead test technicians in support of assigned test activities, ensuring safe, efficient ...

DCS Corporation

AEW flight Test Engineer

Ridgecrest, CA

$84K - $90K/yr

Lead and conduct effective pre- and post-test briefings. Conduct/lead test missions, assess and resolve engineering issues real time. Analyze test data (real-time and post-mission) to understand test ...

Next Matter

Senior Test Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Senior Test Engineer, Solid Rocket Motors & Hypersonic Systems We are seeking a Senior Test ... Lead the development of comprehensive test plans, procedures, and requirements for SRM static fires ...

Stratolaunch

Flight Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

Lead the mission control room team as a Test Conductor, or similar operational role, during ... Develop depth of engineering and system knowledge to enable rapid decision-making and task ...

Actalent

Test Engineer

Thousand Oaks, CA

Test Engineer The Test Engineer executes customer test projects from initial planning through setup ... Direct and lead test technicians in support of assigned test activities, ensuring safe, efficient ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Test Engineer JobsLead Test Engineer Jobs in California

Lead Test Engineer information

See California salary details

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How much do lead test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,906 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Flight Test Engineer/Test Conductor

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Edwards, CA • On-site

$140K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is seeking a Flight Test Engineer / Test Conductor to join our growing team at Edwards AFB in California. This position may be hired at the Associate, Career or Senior level.
This individual will be responsible for planning, execution, and reporting of flight tests for military platforms as a Test Conductor.
The following specific duties are anticipated:
• Author and review ground and flight test plans and test cards.
• Author and review flight test safety plans.
• Schedule resources for tests and coordinate with many engineering disciplines and outside agencies to ensure successful test execution.
• Lead test mission briefs as a Test Conductor
• Lead the execution of test missions as a Test Conductor
• Complete post-test mission reporting requirements.
• Other duties in-line with MTSI's core value to "Own and Solve our Customer's Problems."
Required:
• Bachelors degree in Engineering is required.
• Possess a willingness to accept changing and evolving roles & responsibilities in support of our customers' requirements and needs.
• Have a reputation of being a team player and work well in a team environment, as well as independently.
• Possess maturity and professionalism to lead the execution of flight test missions, briefings and oversee team of discipline engineers in a Mission Control Room.
Desired:
• Coursework relating to aeronautics, flight test, and/or electronic warfare capabilities
• Private Pilot license
• Prior experiences as a test conductor, test director, or flight test control room engineer
Travel:
Approximately 10-25% travel may be required.
Clearance Requirements:
Candidates must be able to qualify for and maintain a Top Secret clearance with special access programs.
U.S. Citizenship is required
This position may be filled at multiple levels depending on candidate pool. Anticipated salary depends on experience:
Associate Flight Test Engineer: $97,000 - $115,000 annually
Career Flight Test Engineer: $115,000 - $140,000 annually
Senior Flight Test Engineer: $140,000 - $172,000 annually
The pay range for this position in California is $97,000/year to $172,000/ year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on established government contract ranges, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, and other factors. MTSI also offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via MTSI's internal or external careers site.
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