1

Systems Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Systems Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$23

$62

$189

How much do systems test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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:
Infographic showing various Systems 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 $130,361 per year, or $62.7 per hour.
Systems Test Engineer Level 2 /3

Systems Test Engineer Level 2 /3

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Sunnyvale, CA

$91K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Systems Test Engineer Level 2 / 3 for the development and ongoing support of new and existing designs used in surface ship and submarine propulsion and power generation systems for the US Navy based out of Sunnyvale, CA. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.
The successful candidate will support current and future system testing for launcher programs for developmental and currently deployed launcher systems and maintain the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously. Perform
functional analysis, scheduling analysis, detailed trade studies, requirements allocation/verification and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into test requirements and test plans. Perform activities for system
integration, installation, test, operation, maintenance and disposal. Develop test system architecture, develop test plans and procedures, execute testing in accordance with these plans and procedures, and communicate test results.
The ideal candidate has the ability to multi-task and balance multiple projects simultaneously. You enjoy working collaboratively and have strong written and verbal skills. You demonstrate strategic big picture thinking and sound
decision making.
Travel is occasional, consisting of visits to customer for technical reviews, meetings for test planning, and test conduct.
Travel may increase in frequency as system test activity increases during actual test events (30%).
This position can be filled at an Engineer Systems Test or Principal Engineer Systems Test level.
This position is full time onsite at Sunnyvale, CA campus.
This requisition may be filled at a Systems Engineer Level 2 or a Systems Engineer Level 3 based on qualifications listed below:
Basic Qualifications Systems Engineer Level 2:
Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 2+ years of relevant work; experience, or a Masters degree in a STEM discipline with 0+ years of relevant work experience
Exposure to test plans and procedures for mechanical systems
Experience participating in test meetings
Exposure to test reports
Exposure to requirement verification
Proficient with MS Office
Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain a Secret clearance
Basic Qualifications Systems Engineer Level 3:
Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 5+ years of relevant work; experience, or a Masters degree in a STEM discipline with 3+ years of relevant work experience
Exposure to test plans and procedures for mechanical systems
Experience participating in test meetings
Exposure to test reports
Exposure to requirement verification
Proficient with MS Office
Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain a Secret clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 5+ years of relevant work experience, or a Masters degree in a STEM discipline with 3+ years of relevant work experience
Experience creating test plans and procedures for mechanical systems
Experience participating in test meetings
Experience writing test reports
Experience with requirement verification
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939