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Structural Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hermeus

Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

As a Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will play a pivotal role in developing, building, analyzing and ... airframe structural, and more! Responsibilities: * Lead the design, development, manufacture ...

Hermeus

Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114K - $180K/yr

As a Test Engineer at Hermeus, you will play a pivotal role in developing, building, analyzing and ... airframe structural, and more! Responsibilities: * Lead the design, development, manufacture ...

Impulse Space

Dynamics Test Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $165K/yr

Dynamics Test Engineer Department: Assembly, Integration & Test Employment Type: Full Time Location ... Knowledge of structural dynamics and finite element analysis (FEA) * Familiarity with other ...

Impulse Space

Propulsion Test Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

$95K - $135K/yr

Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis * Prior hands-on operational experience working with aerospace test facilities * Demonstrated experience owning test stand ...

Vast

Fluids Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Experience in structural design and analysis of test fixtures. * Proficiency with CAD systems (NX ... Staff Integration Engineer: $162,360 - $230,472

Amca

Mechanical Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA

Overview: The Mechanical Test Engineering role is responsible for owning the testing procedures ... Experience with the build and test of pneumatic, hydraulic, and structural assemblies * Experience ...

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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.
Senior Staff Engineer, Structural Analysis (R4952)

Senior Staff Engineer, Structural Analysis (R4952)

Shield AI

San Diego, CA • On-site

$173K - $259K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
Shield AI is seeking a Senior Staff Structural Analyst to provide advanced technical leadership in the structural analysis and validation of next-generation UAV platforms. In this role, you will serve as a senior subject-matter expert for airframe structures, leading complex analysis efforts, supporting test correlation, and ensuring structural integrity across development, flight test, and production.
This role is ideal for engineers with 12-15+ years of experience who have led major structural workstreams on aerospace programs and are comfortable owning analysis execution, mentoring engineers, and influencing key design tradeoffs within a program.
What you'll do:
  • Lead structural analysis efforts for UAV airframes, major substructures, and critical components within a program scope.
  • Define and execute finite element modeling approaches, load cases, assumptions, and margin assessments.
  • Perform and oversee static, modal, fatigue, vibration, and damage-tolerance analyses.
  • Establish sound practices for hand calculations, model validation, and analysis-to-test correlation.
  • Drive structural optimization across performance, weight, cost, and manufacturability targets.
  • Support structural test strategy, including defining requirements, participating in execution, and correlating results to analysis.
  • Review structural analysis deliverables, test reports, and technical documentation for design reviews.
  • Mentor and technically guide structural analysts across varying experience levels.
  • Partner cross-functionally with design, loads, aero, propulsion, and systems teams to balance structural requirements with overall aircraft performance goals.
  • Contribute to evolving analysis methodologies and improving structural standards within the organization.

Required qualifications:
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in structural analysis, aircraft structures, or aerospace systems.
  • Strong expertise with FEA tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN, HyperWorks, or similar).
  • Advanced proficiency in hand calculations for strength, stability, fatigue, and damage tolerance.
  • Significant experience with composite and lightweight aerospace structures.
  • Experience supporting structural testing, model correlation, and flight test validation.
  • Ability to lead complex technical workstreams and influence design decisions within a program.
  • Strong communication skills and experience presenting analysis findings to engineering leadership.

Preferred qualifications:
Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
Experience serving as a senior technical lead on aircraft or UAV structural programs.
Hands-on involvement in flight test support and certification efforts.
Experience contributing to internal analysis standards or best practices.
Familiarity with CAD, PLM, and enterprise engineering toolchains.
$173,080 - $259,620 a year
#LI-MS2
#LE
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. 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.

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