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Structural Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Structures Test Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA

$75K - $123K/yr

Working as a Structural Test Engineer, you will support the Testing Team. As part of this team you will perform structural testing of flight critical structures for VTOL electric aircraft. Working in ...

Joby Aviation

Structures Test Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA

$75K - $123K/yr

Overview Working as a Structural Test Engineer, you will support the Testing Team. As part of this team you will perform structural testing of flight critical structures for VTOL electric aircraft.

Joby Aviation

Structures Test Engineer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$75K - $123K/yr

Overview Working as a Structural Test Engineer, you will support the Testing Team. As part of this team you will perform structural testing of flight critical structures for VTOL electric aircraft.

Apex

Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $187K/yr

About the Role Spacecraft Structures Test Engineer Apex is looking for a Spacecraft Structures Test ... Own structural test strategy and execution across components, subsystems, and fully integrated ...

Raytheon

Senior Environmental Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Environmental Test (ET) is an engineering organization that supports all programs across Raytheon ... Design, model, and analyze vibration and structural test fixtures using CREO Parametric and Ansys ...

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All JobsStructural Test Engineer JobsStructural Test Engineer Jobs in California

Structural Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$74K

$87.8K

How much do structural test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural test engineer in California is $74,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $81,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Structural Test Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or civil engineering, experience with structural analysis, and a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and finite element analysis (FEA) tools is typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards and certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate testing, reliable results, and safe, innovative solutions for structural systems.

How does a Structural Test Engineer typically collaborate with design and manufacturing teams during a project?

Structural Test Engineers play a key role in bridging the gap between design, testing, and manufacturing teams. They work closely with design engineers to understand product specifications and identify critical areas for structural testing. During prototype and production phases, they coordinate with manufacturing teams to ensure that test samples accurately reflect intended build quality and incorporate feedback from test results to optimize designs. This collaborative approach ensures that products meet safety and performance standards while streamlining the development process.

What does a Structural Test Engineer do?

A Structural Test Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, and conducting tests on structures and components to ensure they meet safety, reliability, and regulatory standards. They analyze materials and structural behavior under various loads and conditions, using both physical testing and simulation tools. Their role often involves working with aerospace, automotive, civil, or manufacturing industries to validate designs, troubleshoot failures, and recommend improvements. The findings from their tests help inform design decisions and ensure the integrity and safety of products and structures.

What is the difference between Structural Test Engineer vs Civil Test Engineer?

AspectStructural Test EngineerCivil Test Engineer
CertificationsPE, SE, NDT certificationsPE, ACI certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, construction sites, manufacturing plantsConstruction sites, laboratories, field testing locations
Industry UsageStructural components, aerospace, automotive, manufacturingBuildings, infrastructure, transportation projects

Both roles focus on testing structural components, but Structural Test Engineers primarily work on testing structural elements in manufacturing or aerospace settings, while Civil Test Engineers focus on testing construction materials and infrastructure components. The choice depends on the industry and specific testing environment.

What are popular job titles related to Structural Test Engineer jobs in California? For Structural Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Structural Test Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Test Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Structural Test Engineer jobs in CA? For Structural Test Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Structural Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structural Test Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,017 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Structural Test Engineer

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description
As a Structural Test Engineer at Impulse Space, you will be responsible for all aspects of structural test equipment design and operations while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.

Responsibilities
  • Design, analyze and build static and dynamic structural load test stands in support of the Helios cryogenic orbital transfer vehicle and Deneb engine components
  • Create fabrication drawings, define project execution plans, procure parts and equipment
  • Assemble, commission, and operate test stands
  • Own major test stand build up while collaborating with wide ranging teams across the company and at different physical locations
  • Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace engineering or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in structural design and/or testing
  • Strong engineering design fundamentals in structural and mechanical analysis
  • Able to create and clearly communicate fluid P&IDs, electrical and controls schematics
  • Able to identify and procure appropriate test equipment 
  • Prior hands-on operational experience working with cryogenic, flightweight structures
  • Previously demonstrated ownership of test stand design and build-up
  • Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working well in small teams


Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Successful demonstration of full life-cycle ownership of structural or mechanical test equipment
  • Prior experience working with hydraulics, high pressure gases, and cryogenic propellants
  • Working knowledge of components (actuators, load cells, LVDTs, valves, sensors, power supplies) and hands-on skills (tube fabrication, metalworking, wiring)
  • Experience with Siemens NX and Teamcenter
  • Experience in a startup or agile development environment
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.