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Performance Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal Test Engineer

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$130K - $149K/yr

... specified performance, cost, and schedule objectives to ensure a seamless transition of new ... You must have demonstrated experience in test engineering processes and practices. * Experience ...

... performance and quality requirements. While working closely with the design engineers and other members of the project team, you will be the Test Engineer responsible for all facets of Test in the ...

... performance and quality requirements. While working closely with the design engineers and other members of the project team, you will be the Test Engineer responsible for all facets of Test in the ...

As a Test Engineer, you'll play a critical role in making that happen. In this role, you'll ... test strategies that validate performance, reliability, and durability over the full product ...

About the role As a Test Engineer at Westmag, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our drone motors and robotic actuators. You will own all aspects of the test ...

About the role As a Test Engineer at Westmag, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our drone motors and robotic actuators. You will own all aspects of the test ...

About the role As a Test Engineer at Westmag, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our drone motors and robotic actuators. You will own all aspects of the test ...

Lead SDET Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$139K - $199K/yr

Lead, build, and maintain performance test automation frameworks using JMeter, Jenkins and SQL, as well as contribute to the existing frameworks to be used by other SDETs and QA Engineers * Lead ...

Lead SDET Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$139K - $199K/yr

Lead, build, and maintain performance test automation frameworks using JMeter, Jenkins and SQL, as well as contribute to the existing frameworks to be used by other SDETs and QA Engineers * Lead ...

You will report to the Test Engineering Manager and will have an onsite work schedule in C ... Annual bonus program (varies by level and discretionary based on company and individual performance)

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How much do performance test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for performance test engineer in California is $45.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.42 and $58.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Job of a Performance Test Engineer?

A performance test engineer conducts testing during the entire lifecycle process of software development to ensure an efficient and satisfactory outcome. As a performance test engineer, your primary responsibilities include providing extensive troubleshooting and offering recommendations to fix technical issues. Your duties involve running tests on capacity, endurance, scenarios, stress, and performance, and designing a test system to simulate traffic loads. You monitor application operations, analyze memory usage, generate graphs, identify potential problems, and prepare detailed status reports.

What are some common challenges faced by Performance Test Engineers when working on large-scale applications?

Performance Test Engineers working on large-scale applications often encounter challenges such as accurately simulating real-world user loads, identifying performance bottlenecks in complex systems, and ensuring tests reflect production environments. Coordinating with development and operations teams to set up realistic test data and environments can also be demanding. Additionally, interpreting and communicating test results to stakeholders requires strong analytical and communication skills to drive meaningful improvements.

What does a Performance Test Engineer do?

A Performance Test Engineer is responsible for evaluating the speed, responsiveness, and stability of software applications under various workloads. They design and execute test plans to identify bottlenecks, ensure systems perform well under expected and peak traffic, and recommend improvements. Their work helps ensure that applications deliver a smooth and reliable experience to end users, even in high-demand situations. Performance Test Engineers often use specialized tools to simulate large numbers of users and analyze system behavior.

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

AspectPerformance Test EngineerQA Tester
Primary FocusEvaluating system performance, load, and scalabilityVerifying overall software quality and functionality
Skills & CertificationsPerformance testing tools (JMeter, LoadRunner), scripting, performance analysisManual and automated testing, bug tracking, test case design
Work EnvironmentPerformance labs, testing environments, scriptingDevelopment, testing, and user environments
Industry UsageIT, software development, telecomIT, software, manufacturing, healthcare

While both roles are essential in software quality assurance, the Performance Test Engineer specializes in assessing system performance under load, whereas the QA Tester focuses on overall functionality and defect detection. Understanding these differences helps employers and professionals align skills with job requirements.

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

To thrive as a Performance Test Engineer, you need expertise in software testing methodologies, performance analysis, and scripting languages, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as JMeter, LoadRunner, or Gatling, and experience with monitoring systems and cloud platforms are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for accurately identifying performance bottlenecks, ensuring system reliability, and collaborating across development teams.
What cities in California are hiring for Performance Test Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Performance Test Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Performance Test Engineer jobs in CA? For Performance Test Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Performance Test Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,616 per year, or $46 per hour.
Actuator Test Engineer

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

What You'll Do
  • Develop, implement, and execute comprehensive validation and qualification test plans for electromechanical rotary, linear, and geared actuators.
  • Design, develop, and execute environmental test profiles and plans for actuators, including high/low temperature, thermal cycling, vibration, and shock testing, often adhering to MIL-STD-810 standards and developing custom test methods.
  • Design robust test fixtures using NX CAD, considering manufacturability via processes like CNC machining, 3D printing, and waterjet cutting, and oversee their fabrication and assembly.
  • Perform rigorous multi-level testing, ranging from component (electric motor, geartrain) and actuator levels, up to integrated system level testing.
  • Analyze complex test data, generate clear and concise test reports, and present findings to cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Collaborate closely with Design Engineers and cross-functional teams (e.g., manufacturing, quality, software) to validate and refine actuator designs, clearly communicating technical issues and recommendations to diverse audiences
  • Investigate root cause of failures through detailed analysis of performance data and some destructive testing, applying a basic understanding of electrical components for troubleshooting, to drive actuator design improvements.
  • Create and execute Design Validation Plans (DVPs) and test methods to rigorously validate performance requirements, including preparing for and conducting qualification testing.
What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience with LabVIEW and other data acquisition (DAQ) systems for test automation and data collection.
  • 2+ years of experience in physical testing and analysis of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems, with at least 1 year specifically focused on electric motors or electromechanical actuators.
  • Proficiency with dynamometer testing and associated instrumentation (e.g., torque transducers, oscilloscopes, etc.).
  • Working understanding of servo control principles (torque, speed, and position control), and familiarity with motor controllers and embedded control systems.
  • Familiarity with various communication protocols (e.g., CAN FD, RS232, RS485).
  • Strong experience with environmental testing methodologies (e.g., high/low temperature, thermal cycling, vibration, shock) and familiarity with MIL-STD-810 standards.
  • Proficiency in CAD software, specifically NX, for test fixture design, with an understanding of design for manufacturability for various methods (e.g., CNC, 3D printing).
  • Proven ability to perform root cause analysis and apply a basic understanding of electrical components for troubleshooting.
Nice to Have
  • Experience with Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or other scripting languages for data analysis and test automation.
  • Familiarity with project and documentation management tools like Jira and Confluence.
  • Experience in the aerospace, defense, or robotics industry.
  • A strong sense of urgency and adaptability in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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