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Principal Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Marvell

Principal Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

Your Team, Your Impact Marvell is seeking a highly motivated and talented Principal Test Engineer to join our dynamic NPI product engineering team. You will work on cutting-edge technologies ...

Raytheon

Principal Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Working with a team of engineers performing electrical tests and troubleshooting on subassemblies, assemblies, and systems for conformance to specifications * Advanced understanding and ability to ...

Raytheon

Principal Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

Working with a team of engineers performing electrical tests and troubleshooting on subassemblies, assemblies, and systems for conformance to specifications * Advanced understanding and ability to ...

II-VI Incorporated

Principal Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · Hybrid

Drive improvement projects aimed at enhancing test robustness, and repeatability. Education & Experience * Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a ...

Raytheon

Principal Test Engineer

San Jose, CA

Working with a team of engineers performing electrical tests and troubleshooting on subassemblies, assemblies, and systems for conformance to specifications * Advanced understanding and ability to ...

Coherent

Principal Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · Hybrid

Drive improvement projects aimed at enhancing test robustness, and repeatability. Education & Experience * Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a ...

Coherent Corp.

Principal Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

Drive improvement projects aimed at enhancing test robustness, and repeatability. Education & Experience * Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a ...

MiniMed

Principal Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$121K - $205K/yr

About the Role In this exciting and challenging role as a test engineer, your responsibilities will include Designing, developing, and implementing testing methods and equipment. Plans and arranges ...

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All JobsPrincipal Test Engineer JobsPrincipal Test Engineer Jobs in California

Principal Test Engineer information

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$73K

$145.3K

$209.7K

How much do principal test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal test engineer in California is $145,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,900.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal test engineer?

A Principal Test Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and execution of testing strategies in software or hardware development projects. They lead quality assurance teams, set testing standards, and ensure that products meet both technical and customer requirements. Principal Test Engineers often collaborate closely with development, product management, and other stakeholders to troubleshoot issues and drive continuous improvement. Their expertise is crucial in identifying risks, optimizing testing processes, and mentoring junior engineers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a principal test engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Test Engineer, you need deep expertise in software testing methodologies, test automation, and quality assurance, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automation tools like Selenium, Jenkins, and scripting languages, as well as certifications such as ISTQB, are commonly expected. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are essential for driving high-quality product releases, mentoring teams, and ensuring robust, scalable testing solutions.

How does a principal test engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development lifecycle?

Principal Test Engineers play a crucial role in working closely with development, product management, and quality assurance teams. They are often responsible for defining test strategies, reviewing requirements, and providing technical guidance to ensure quality standards are met throughout the development process. Regular collaboration may include participating in design reviews, leading test planning sessions, and troubleshooting complex issues with developers. This cross-functional involvement enables Principal Test Engineers to influence product quality at every stage and mentor junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Principal Test Engineer vs Senior Test Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Test EngineerSenior Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related; certifications like ISTQBBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; ISTQB or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads testing strategies, mentors teams, collaborates with stakeholdersPerforms testing, develops test cases, reports bugs
Industry UsageUsed across tech, software, hardware companies for senior technical leadershipCommon in software development and QA teams at all levels

The Principal Test Engineer typically holds a higher level of responsibility, focusing on testing strategy, leadership, and mentorship, while the Senior Test Engineer executes testing tasks and supports quality assurance efforts. Both roles require relevant certifications and experience, but the Principal role involves more strategic oversight and cross-team collaboration.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Test Engineer jobs in California?

For Principal Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Test Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Test Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Principal Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Principal Test Engineer job openings:

Principal Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,292 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Test Engineer/Principal Test Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 546 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Test Engineer/Principal Test Engineer to join the EGI-M Airborne Navigation System Integration & Test (I&T) team in Woodland Hills, CA. The role involves conducting comprehensive verification activities throughout the program life cycle, including requirements analysis, test procedure development, test execution, and formal reporting. This position will be 100% on-site.
Job Responsibilities
  • Develop test requirements and detailed integration test plans, procedures, readiness reviews (TRRs), test data, and reports.
  • Execute qualification testing in accordance with established requirements, plans, and procedures.
  • Conduct tests while managing and prioritizing problem resolution.
  • Compile data to determine necessary changes in test equipment, procedures, or to establish new test requirements.
  • Lead cross-functional teams (including hardware, software, and systems engineers) in both laboratory and field environments.
  • Conduct formal technical reviews, such as Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) with internal stakeholders and external customers.
  • Test Equipment Management that includes the design, development, or integration of specialized test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
  • Data Analysis of test data, identify anomalies, perform root cause analysis, and generate comprehensive test reports.
  • Technical and operational problem solving to troubleshoot complex, multi-domain system failures (hardware/software/mechanical) and conduct root cause analyses.
  • Act as the primary technical point of contact during test events, managing customer expectations and reporting results.

Basic Qualifications for Test Engineer:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university with 2 years of related test experience, or a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university.
  • Experience authoring test procedures, managing test facility interfaces, and ensuring data integrity and cataloging.
  • Experience with test execution, diagnostics, and formal requirement decomposition with traceability and verification.
  • Working knowledge of standard test equipment: network analyzers, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, synthesizers, digitizers, and/or signal analyzers.
  • Proficient in at least one of the following programming environments: MATLAB, C, C++, C#, and/or Python.
  • Active US Government Secret Level security clearance.
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to work onsite full-time in Woodland Hills, CA

Basic Qualifications for Principal Test Engineer:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university with 5 years of related test experience, or a Master's Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university with 3 years of related test experience.
  • Experience authoring test procedures, managing test facility interfaces, and ensuring data integrity and cataloging.
  • Experience with test execution, diagnostics, and formal requirement decomposition with traceability and verification.
  • Working knowledge of standard test equipment: network analyzers, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, synthesizers, digitizers, and/or signal analyzers.
  • Proficient in at least one of the following programming environments: MATLAB, C, C++, C#, and/or Python.
  • Active US Government Secret Level security clearance.
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to work onsite full-time in Woodland Hills, CA

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience integrating embedded GPS Inertial Navigation Systems.
  • Expert experience with GNSS/INS/EGI systems and precision navigation simulation.
  • Experience creating automated test scripts that integrate with hardware interfaces.
  • Experience working with operational hazards such as overhead lifting, Thermal Chambers, and Vibration Test systems
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple, shifting priorities while maintaining safety standards.
  • Demonstrated leadership of System Test efforts in a dynamic work environment.
  • Experience with COMSEC material management.
  • Experience engaging external customers through meetings, presentations, and technical negotiations.

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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