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Lead Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Test Engineer to lead the end to end test strategy, development, and deployment of production test solutions for Oura products. This role partners closely with ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$9

$52

$79

How much do lead test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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:
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.

AEW flight Test Engineer

DCS Corp

Ridgecrest, CA

$84K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Salary Range: $84,137 - $90,000

Airborne Electronic Warfare (AEW) Flight Test Engineer supporting the F/A-18 & EA-18G Integrated Product Team (IPT) the incumbent will be required to support Flight Test and Fleet support for AEA and/or EW sub-systems integration efforts as required.

Essential Job functions:

Design Test Programs to assess the performance of various systems and system concepts.

Produce detailed Test Plans in accordance with the NAVAIR 3960 format.

Plan lab, ground and flight test scenarios to support a variety of subsystems, interfaces, communication systems, and data systems.

Troubleshoot Department of Defense architecture framework and its application to mission level analysis.

Develop requirements for test scenarios and associated documentation in flight cards.

Review system level documentation and provide changes and recommendations.

Develop test methods for evaluating performance and design test scenario(s) to yield valid and measurable quantitative test results.

Assess safety hazards and mitigate risk in testing. Create Test Hazard Assessments.

Determine resource and test support requirements, including manpower, money, material and facilities and coordinates support with schedule.

Produce cost estimates for the project, monitor project expenditures and generate financial reports.

Define and/or review equipment for test, installation, and integration requirements.

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 results, draw conclusions and assess mission results.

Report systems performance in official Navy Test and Evaluation reports, such as Daily Test Summaries, Naval Message Report, DT/OT Transition report, Summary Report, RTR, Deficiency Report.

Required Skills:

Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. citizenship is required.

Bachelor's Degree with an engineering major (including those specified for Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical Engineers are acceptable) with 5 or more years of experience.

Hold and maintain a Secret security clearance. Must be clearable to the Top-Secret/SCI level.

Integration, Software Engineering, Program Technical Services, Design, Fabrication and Integration Services, Aircraft Modification Services or Training Services as applicable.

Desired Skills:

Experience with F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft platforms. More specifically Flight Test Engineering.


DCS logo

About DCS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

DCS Corp is a renowned name in the technology industry, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, US. Found in the late 1970s, DCS Corp provides a broad spectrum of advanced technology, engineering, and analytic solutions for national security clients. The firm specializes in delivering sophisticated systems and technology for land, air, and maritime platforms. They are known for being deeply committed to their mission of enhancing national security.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

Year founded

1977

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