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Structural Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

E-Space

Deployable Structures Test Engineer

Saratoga, CA

$140K - $210K/yr

This is a specialized role at the intersection of mechanisms, structural testing, and test facility engineering - for someone who has thought carefully about what it actually means to simulate zero ...

E-Space

Deployable Structures Test Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$140K - $210K/yr

This is a specialized role at the intersection of mechanisms, structural testing, and test facility engineering - for someone who has thought carefully about what it actually means to simulate zero ...

Merican

Test Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

Job Title: Test Engineer End Client Location: Anaheim, CA 92805 Employment Type: FTE Key Skills ... Electromechanical functional, environmental, EMI, and structural testing * Experience with ...

Fabrinet West

Test Engineer (ICT)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Develops solutions to technical problems through the engineering principles, theories and concepts ... Familiar on SMT, X-Ray, Structural Tests * PCBA Knowledge and experience on network/optical network ...

Fabrinet West

Functional Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Develops solutions to technical problems through the engineering principles, theories and concepts ... Familiar on SMT, X-Ray, Structural Tests * PCBA Knowledge and experience on network/optical network ...

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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 Jul 22, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,017 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Deployable Structures Test Engineer

E-Space

Saratoga, CA

$140K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

We are looking for a Deployable Structures Test Engineer to own the ground deployment test program for E-Space's large deployable antenna structure. This person will design and execute gravity-offload deployment test campaigns, characterize deployment kinematics and force profiles, establish ground-to-flight correlation, and verify deployment repeatability against aperture geometry requirements. This is a specialized role at the intersection of mechanisms, structural testing, and test facility engineering - for someone who has thought carefully about what it actually means to simulate zero-gravity deployment on the ground.

On-site in California or Texas. Hands-on test facility presence is required. Some travel between sites expected.

What you will do:
  • Own the deployment test plan for the antenna assembly - from test requirements definition through gravity-offload rig design, test execution, and post-test correlation.
  • Design or oversee design of gravity-offload and support fixtures appropriate for large flexible deployable structures, including friction budget analysis and rig compliance characterization.
  • Execute deployment tests, capturing deployment force/torque profiles, deployable element tip trajectories, deployment timelines, and deployment-state shape measurements (photogrammetry or equivalent).
  • Establish ground-to-flight correlation methodology: characterize offload rig artifacts, derive correction factors, and bound residual uncertainty in flight deployment prediction.
  • Verify deployment repeatability run-to-run and characterize sensitivity to deployment sequencing, temperature, and lubricant state.
  • Coordinate with the deployment mechanism team to characterize actuator force output and locked-state stiffness/backlash for use as structural dynamics boundary conditions.
  • Coordinate with structural subsystem teams to characterize subsystem performance and define an integrated testing campaign.
  • Feed deployment test data into the integrated structural model; participate in model-test correlation reviews with the IAS structures analyst.
Required qualifications:
  • BS or MS or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
  • Experience with deployment or mechanism testing of flight hardware - solar arrays, antennas, booms, or equivalent deployable structures.
  • Hands-on experience with gravity-offload test setups for large flexible hardware.
  • Experience with force/torque measurement, deployment kinematics instrumentation, and photogrammetry or optical shape measurement.
  • Practical understanding of test-to-flight fidelity gaps for deployable structures in 1g.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with composite boom deployment mechanisms or wrap-rib/coilable boom hardware.
  • Familiarity with friction and lubrication behavior in space mechanisms across temperature ranges.
  • Experience contributing to model-test correlation for deployment dynamics simulations.
  • Knowledge of TVAC deployment testing and the additional instrumentation challenges it introduces.

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga, CA or Arlington, TX office. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 
 
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.
 
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.  

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.