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Systems Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Waymo

Senior Systems Test Engineer, OEM TL

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$123K - $168K/yr

This role follows a hybrid work schedule and reports to Systems Test Engineering Lead. You will: * Act as Waymo's test engineering representative across a number of technical domains, helping ...

Parallel Systems

System Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$144K - $164K/yr

Parallel Systems is pioneering autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles designed to transform ... Senior System Test Engineer Parallel Systems is building autonomous, battery-electric rail vehicles ...

Parallel Systems

System Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$144K - $164K/yr

Parallel Systems is pioneering autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles designed to transform ... Senior System Test Engineer Parallel Systems is building autonomous, battery-electric rail vehicles ...

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All JobsSystems Test Engineer JobsSystems Test Engineer Jobs in California

Systems Test Engineer information

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How much do systems test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for systems test engineer in California is $62.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.77 and $66.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by Systems Test Engineers during multi-departmental projects?

Systems Test Engineers often encounter challenges when coordinating testing activities across multiple departments, such as software, hardware, and quality assurance teams. These challenges include ensuring effective communication, aligning testing schedules, and managing dependencies between components. Balancing thorough test coverage while meeting project deadlines can also be demanding. Proactively collaborating with cross-functional teams and adopting clear documentation practices can help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth project execution.

What is the difference between Systems Test Engineer vs Software Test Engineer?

AspectSystems Test EngineerSoftware Test Engineer
Primary FocusTesting entire systems, including hardware and software integrationTesting software applications and code
Required SkillsKnowledge of hardware, software, and systems integrationStrong programming, scripting, and software testing skills
Work EnvironmentOften in labs or manufacturing settings, involving hardwarePrimarily in office or remote environments, focusing on software
CertificationsISTQB, ISTQB Certified Tester, or similarISTQB, CSTE, or similar

While both roles involve testing, Systems Test Engineers focus on testing complete systems, including hardware and software integration, whereas Software Test Engineers concentrate on software applications and code quality. The roles share certifications and work environments but differ in scope and technical focus.

What is a Systems Test Engineer?

A Systems Test Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, developing, and executing tests to ensure that complex systems and their components function correctly and meet specified requirements. They work closely with other engineering teams to identify issues, troubleshoot problems, and verify that all system integrations operate as intended. Systems Test Engineers often create test plans, develop automated test scripts, and document their findings to help improve product quality and reliability.

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

To thrive as a Systems Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of test methodologies, system integration, and engineering principles, typically backed by a degree in engineering or computer science. Experience with automated testing tools (such as Selenium or JUnit), scripting languages, and familiarity with requirements management systems are commonly required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure rigorous testing, accurate defect identification, and seamless collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, leading to reliable and high-quality system deliveries.
What cities in California are hiring for Systems Test Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Systems Test Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Systems Test Engineer jobs in CA? For Systems Test Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Systems Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Test Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,361 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Communications Systems Test Engineer

Aalyria

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$190K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

About Aalyria:
Aalyria is a leading technology company that supplies laser communications technology and temporospatial software-defined networking platforms to the aerospace industry. With technology acquired from Google, Aalyria is at the forefront of innovation in satellite and airborne mesh networks, as well as cislunar and deep-space communications. We are revolutionizing the orchestration and management of planetary mesh networks using any radio or optical spectrum, any orbit, and any hardware across land, sea, air, and space.
Role Overview:
The Aalyria Space team is building the infrastructure for the next generation of high-speed optical communications, and this critical role sits at the center of making it work in the real world. As a Communication System Test Engineer, you'll be responsible for qualifying our coherent optical modem systems from component level through full system integration, owning the test bench from hardware selection all the way through root-cause analysis and final performance sign-off.
This isn't a checkbox-testing role. You'll design and execute the experiments that determine whether our free space optical communications products actually perform, setting up benches with BERTs, AWGs, high-speed oscilloscopes, OSAs, and coherent DSPs, writing the automation that makes testing repeatable and scalable, and digging into the data with Python or MATLAB when results don't match the model. When something's broken, you'll be the one who figures out why.
You'll work closely with design, systems, and firmware teams across the product lifecycle, not just catching issues, but shaping how performance is characterized, what specifications mean in practice, and how findings translate into product decisions. If you're the kind of engineer who gets absorbed by a tricky optical link budget problem and won't let go until you understand it, this role is built for you.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist in the selection and purchase of lab equipment and components to put together test benches needed for the robust qualification of our optical communication systems.
  • Set up and conduct lab experiments to evaluate coherent optical modems
  • Utilize lab instrumentation such as Bit Error Rate Testers (BERTs), Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs), high-speed Oscilloscopes, Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSAs), Optical Power Meters (OPMs), Variable Optical Attenuators (VOAs), and Polarization Controllers.
  • Execute optical and electrical performance characterization of discrete components and pluggable coherent modules.
  • Analyze results and support debug and optimization of modem performance using Matlab, Python, or equivalent scripting tools.
  • Lead root-cause analysis (RCA) and deep-dive debugging of performance issues found during system-level and component testing.
  • Prepare and present detailed test reports, summarizing key findings, performance trends, and recommendations for cross-functional review.
  • Develop and maintain automated test frameworks for repeatable and scalable evaluations.
  • Collaborate closely with design, systems, and firmware teams to validate product functionality against specifications.
  • Document test plans, results, and troubleshooting procedures clearly and efficiently.

Required Qualifications:
  • Active security clearance, or the eligibility to obtain one.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 2-5 years of hands-on lab experience working with high-speed communication systems.
  • Solid understanding of Communication Theory and Digital Signal Processing.
  • Proficiency with Matlab and/ or Python for data analysis and test automation.
  • Experience using high-speed optical and electrical test equipment.
  • Familiarity with coherent optical communication systems, including optical components such as tunable lasers, Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulators, photodetectors, and EDFAs.
  • Exposure to or experience with optical transceivers, coherent DSPs, and transponders.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., OIF, ITU-T) and protocols relevant to high-speed optical transmission
  • Experience with automated test development and scripting for lab equipment.
  • Working knowledge of LabVIEW or other test automation environments.
  • Prior experience evaluating optical coherent modules or discrete transmitter/receiver components.

What We Offer:
  • Innovative Environment: Work at a cutting-edge company shaping the future of aerospace communications.
  • Impactful Work: Directly contribute to critical national security programs and initiatives.
  • Growth Opportunities: Expand your career with opportunities for professional development and advancement.
  • Inclusive Culture: Be part of a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive workplace where your contributions matter.
  • Flexibility: Flexible working arrangements including hybrid remote/in-office schedules.
  • Compensation and Equity: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits (401(k), dental, vision, health, life insurance), paid time off, and equity options.

ITAR/EAR Requirements:
This position involves access to export-controlled information. To comply with U.S. government export regulations, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
(A) Qualify as a U.S. person, which includes:
  • U.S. citizen or national
  • U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
  • Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157
  • Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158

(B) Be eligible to access export-controlled information without requiring an export authorization.
(C) Be eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the necessary export authorization from the appropriate U.S. government agency.
The company reserves the right to decline pursuing an export licensing process for legitimate business-related reasons.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Aalyria is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The pay range for this role is:
190,000 - 215,000 USD per year (HQ)

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