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Structural Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Elroy Air

Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

$118K - $190K/yr

The Test Engineer at Elroy Air will play a crucial role in the development, validation, and ... Develop detailed test plans, procedures, and safety hazard analyses for structural, mechanical ...

Elroy Air

Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

The Test Engineer at Elroy Air will play a crucial role in the development, validation, and ... Develop detailed test plans, procedures, and safety hazard analyses for structural, mechanical ...

Elroy Air

Test Engineer

Byron, CA · On-site

$118K - $190K/yr

The Test Engineer at Elroy Air will play a crucial role in the development, validation, and ... Develop detailed test plans, procedures, and safety hazard analyses for structural, mechanical ...

True Anomaly

Systems Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$85K - $105K/yr

... structural, propulsion, and avionics, to ensure sustained system functionality and reliability ... Years of experience in system integration and/or test engineering for aerospace applications ...

Hermeus

Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$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 ...

Intellectt INC

Integration & Test Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$108K - $146K/yr

... environmental, EMI, structural) for PLDC, PLAC & Next Gen Boom Test Equipment Development ... Degree in Electrical Engineering or Equivalent Thanks & Regards, Mahaboob M Technical Recruiter ...

Apply Early

True Anomaly

Systems Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

... structural, propulsion, and avionics, to ensure sustained system functionality and reliability ... Years of experience in system integration and/or test engineering for aerospace applications ...

Hermeus

Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

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 ...

Apply Early

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 ...

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 ...

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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 2, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,017 per year, or $35.6 per hour.
Senior Flight Test Data Engineer, Loads

Senior Flight Test Data Engineer, Loads

Archer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$144K - $180K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

What You'll Do

  • As a Senior Flight Test Loads Data Engineer, you'll sit at the intersection of aircraft loads analysis and flight test operations - designing and operating the systems that capture, process, and validate loads data from our aircraft, and turning that data into actionable structural insights that drive certification and design decisions.
  • Design, configure, and maintain flight test data acquisition system (DAS) software for structural loads measurements, including strain gauges, accelerometers, pressure transducers, and inertial sensors
  • Develop and validate loads equations and transfer functions to derive internal structural loads from measured flight data
  • Plan and execute loads survey flight test programs in coordination with flight test engineers and structural analysts
  • Process, reduce, and quality-check large flight test datasets; identify anomalies and ensure data integrity across test campaigns
  • Build and maintain automated data pipelines and analysis tools to accelerate loads extraction, fatigue spectrum development, and design loads validation
  • Develop fatigue and loads spectra for powertrain and airframe components using flight-measured data
  • Compare flight test loads data against analytical models; drive model updates and structural dispositions
  • Support stress and damage tolerance analysis of primary and secondary structure using test-derived loads
  • Compile test reports and loads documentation to support engineering drawing releases and FAA certification deliverables
  • Provide technical guidance on instrumentation strategy, sensor selection, and data quality trade-offs across programs

What You Need

  • 5+ years of experience in flight test loads, structural test, or loads and dynamics engineering on aircraft, spacecraft, or advanced air mobility platforms
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering field (M.S. preferred)
  • Hands-on experience with flight test data acquisition systems - hardware configuration, sensor integration, signal conditioning, and telemetry
  • Proficiency developing loads equations and deriving structural loads from flight measurements (strain-gauge bridges, shear panels, accelerometers)
  • Strong scripting and data analysis skills in Python and/or MATLAB, including automated data processing pipelines and visualization
  • Experience with loads and fatigue spectrum development from measured flight data
  • Working knowledge of structural analysis methods - classical hand calculations and/or FEA - sufficient to interpret and validate loads results
  • Familiarity with fatigue and damage tolerance concepts (spectra development, AFGROW/NASGRO, NDE methods)
  • Ability to manage multiple test campaigns simultaneously and communicate technical results clearly across disciplines

Bonus Qualifications

  • Experience with FAA certification under Part 23 or Part 27, including loads substantiation documentation
  • Experience with RCAS, CAMRADII or similar rotorcraft comprehensive analysis.
  • Proficiency with FEA codes such as Nastran, Optistruct, Ansys, or Abaqus
  • Familiarity with classical aerospace sizing references (Bruhn, Niu, Roark)
  • Background in signal processing, filtering, or time-frequency analysis of structural response data
  • Experience with database tools or cloud data infrastructure for large-scale test data management

At Archer we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possess the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture and reward performance that supports the Company's business strategy. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $144,000 - $180,000. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs. Applicants who may require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should provide their name and contact information to Archer's People Team at people@archer.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

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