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Lead Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Role Radiant is seeking a Lead Test Engineer, Power Generation to own the strategy, execution, and team leadership for testing the power generation system including turbomachinery, heat ...

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA ยท 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 ...

Lead Flight Test Engineer

San Luis Obispo, CA ยท On-site

$163K - $203K/yr

SUMMARY The Lead Flight Test Engineer works with engineers and other functions to ensurecomponent, subsystem, and system/aircraft tests are well planned and well executed. They are energetic in ...

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 ...

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 ...

Avionics Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA ยท 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$9

$52

$79

How much do lead test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 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.

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 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.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Lead Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,906 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Lead Flight Test Engineer

Redwire Defense Tech

San Luis Obispo, CA โ€ข On-site

$163K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $163,000 to $203,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidateโ€™s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment. 

SUMMARY

The Lead Flight Test Engineer works with engineers and other functions to ensure component, subsystem, and system/aircraft tests are well planned and well executed. They are energetic in participating in projects to draw out test requirements early, ensuring test complexity is understood up front, and that testing objectives can be met by the allotted equipment and time. The Lead Test Engineer also works closely with personnel providing support to customers and operators, providing their expertise to diagnose and resolve issues in the field. The Lead Test Engineer leads small teams of mixed functions through test activities and takes ownership of those activities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.    

  • Working with design and test requirements to generate test plans  
  • Evaluates testing standards required for various efforts, and incorporates into plans  
  • Leads the conduct of tests and coordinates other personnel to accomplish test goals.  
  • Provides detailed and helpful feedback, both formal and informal, to design activities  
  • Assists all functions in resolution of issues  
  • Communicates plans and status vs. plans to leadership 
  • This role will require up to 25% travel to other company locations and client sites 

REQURIED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are a non-exhaustive list of qualifications for the position: 

  • B.S. in a flight/UAV related engineering field (Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar) 
  • At least 6 years' experience in conducting formal test at the component, subsystem, and system levelโ€ฏ 
  • At least 4 years' experience in conducting test of aircraft/UAVsโ€ฏ 
  • Experience generating formal test plans and reportsโ€ฏ 
  • Test Planning  
  • Test setup and field equipment deployment, including remote locations  
  • Electrical and mechanical troubleshootingโ€ฏ 
  • Working cooperatively with a teamโ€ฏ 
  • Microsoft Office (especially Word, Excel)โ€ฏ 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience generating formal test plans and reports in government format(s)  
  • Experience generating test plans based on formal requirements documents  
  • Experience working with CAN and Ethernet data 
  • UAV operationโ€ฏ 
  • Radio Control or other flight skillsโ€ฏ 

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

  • Matching 401(k)
  • Paid PTO
  • Paid holidays
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
  • HSA and FSA Options
  • Critical Care Plan
  • Accident Care Plan
  • Employee Stock Purchasing Program (ESPP)

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (โ€œITARโ€) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (โ€œEARโ€). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US personโ€™s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an โ€œAt-Willโ€ basis.