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Test Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Efficient Computer is looking for a Test Engineer with hands-on DFT and fabless semiconductor test experience to join our Operations team. This is a mid-level role sitting at the intersection of ...

In the role Test Engineer, reporting to the Director of Operations, you will utilize your electrical engineering skills to review Product Requirements Documents (PRD), propose comprehensive test ...

In the role Test Engineer, reporting to the Director of Operations, you will utilize your electrical engineering skills to review Product Requirements Documents (PRD), propose comprehensive test ...

Software developer in Test

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$58.50 - $75.50/hr

... SDET 6+ years of experience in Java, or white box testing Must be able to write unit tests with frameworks JUnit, TestNG Experience with mocking frameworks (EasyMock, Mockito) and dependency ...

Test Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

Test Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE ...

Test Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

Test Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE ...

Test Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Test Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE ...

Test Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Test Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE ...

Showing results 21-40

Test Developer information

See California salary details

$5

$48

$89

How much do test developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for test developer in California is $48.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.74 and $62.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a test developer?

A Test Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated and manual testing frameworks to ensure software quality. They collaborate with developers, QA teams, and product managers to identify issues and improve the reliability of applications. Their role often involves writing test scripts, executing test cases, and analyzing results to enhance software performance.

What does a test developer do?

A typical day for a Test Developer involves designing and implementing automated test cases, reviewing software requirements, and collaborating with developers to identify and resolve defects. You'll run various tests, analyze test results, and document issues, ensuring that software products meet quality standards before release. Test Developers also participate in daily stand-up meetings, contribute to code reviews, and may work closely with product managers to clarify requirements. The work environment is often team-oriented, requiring both independent troubleshooting and group collaboration to deliver high-quality software.

How much do test developers make?

Test developers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Those with specialized skills in automation tools or certifications may earn higher salaries, especially in technology or software development environments.

How to become a test developer?

To become a test developer, typically a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience in software testing, programming languages like Java or Python, and familiarity with testing tools and frameworks are essential. Certifications such as ISTQB can also enhance job prospects in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test developer?

To thrive as a Test Developer, you need strong programming skills, a solid understanding of software testing principles, and a background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automated testing frameworks (like Selenium or JUnit), bug tracking tools, and knowledge of continuous integration systems is often required, and certifications such as ISTQB can be advantageous. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that enhance performance in this role. Mastering both technical and interpersonal aspects ensures thorough test coverage, efficient issue resolution, and effective collaboration within software development teams.

What are popular job titles related to Test Developer jobs in California? For Test Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Test Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Test Developer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Test Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,464 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Test Engineer

Efficient Computer

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Efficient is developing the world's most energy-efficient general-purpose computer processor. Efficient's patented technology uses 100x less energy than state of the art commercially available ultra-low-power processors and is programmable using standard high-level programming languages and AI/ML frameworks. This level of efficiency makes perpetual, pervasive intelligence possible: run AI/ML continuously on a AA battery for 5-10 years. Our platform's unprecedented level of efficiency enables IoT devices to intelligently capture and curate first-party data to drive the next major computing revolution
Efficient Computer is a fabless semiconductor startup headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, building energy-efficient processors for edge compute, embedded AI, and high-performance applications. Our team designs, tapes out, and brings up custom silicon across multiple process nodes, working closely with world-class foundry and OSAT partners to deliver differentiated chips from concept to production. Efficient Computer is looking for a Test Engineer with hands-on DFT and fabless semiconductor test experience to join our Operations team. This is a mid-level role sitting at the intersection of Hardware Engineering and Supply Chain and Operations.
The right candidate has worked across the full test lifecycle - from DFT strategy and ATPG pattern generation through ATE bringup, OSAT coordination, and production test - and is equally comfortable working with external suppliers as they are with internal hardware engineers. You will serve as the primary interface between our engineering team and our foundry, OSAT, and test partners, owning test engineering across our active chip programs and scaling that foundation to future products.
What You Will Do
DFT Strategy and Pattern Development
  • Partner with external design partners and internal hardware engineers to define and execute DFT strategy for each chip program
  • Generate, validate, and deliver ATPG patterns including scan, MBIST, JTAG, and embedded memory read and write sequences
  • Develop and maintain STIL and PDL test program files for ATE execution
  • Drive DFT sign-off deliverables and resolve pattern-level issues in coordination with external partners
  • Support setup pattern generation including power-up and power-down sequences, DFT entry sequences, and test mode initialization
  • Understand and define power rail sequencing requirements for ATE execution to ensure safe device bringup

ATE Bringup and Test Program Development
  • Develop and debug test programs on ATE platforms including Advantest and Teradyne systems
  • Execute first silicon bringup on new tapeouts in partnership with hardware engineers and OSAT test teams
  • Characterize device behavior across voltage, temperature, and frequency corners
  • Support load board bring-up and interface hardware validation
  • Define and manage test flows including wafer probe, final test, and bin sort
  • Understand test time optimization strategies such as pattern flow sequencing to minimize unnecessary power cycles

OSAT and Supplier Coordination
  • Serve as the primary test engineering interface with OSAT partners and test houses
  • Manage test program handoff to OSAT including documentation, qualification, and acceptance criteria
  • Coordinate pattern delivery between design partners and OSAT to ensure format compatibility across STIL and SVF as required
  • Track and analyze yield data from probe and final test, escalate anomalies, and drive corrective actions
  • Support die traceability and OTP programming flows in production bin sort
  • Coordinate with supply chain and operations on test capacity planning and lot scheduling

Cross-Program Ownership
  • Own test engineering across multiple active chip programs simultaneously
  • Build scalable test infrastructure and documentation that carries forward to future programs
  • Contribute to DFT reviews, tapeout checklists, and test escape analysis
  • Help define and mature internal test engineering capabilities over time

What You Bring
Required
  • 5+ years of semiconductor test engineering experience in a fabless or IDM environment
  • Hands-on DFT experience including scan insertion, ATPG, MBIST, and JTAG boundary scan
  • Experience generating and validating STIL patterns and working with test pattern delivery packages
  • ATE test program development experience on Advantest or Teradyne platforms
  • Experience supporting wafer probe and final test at an OSAT or test house, including load board bringup
  • Familiarity with power sequencing requirements and DFT entry flows for ATE test program development
  • Ability to work directly with external design partners and OSAT suppliers to coordinate pattern delivery and test execution
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills - this role requires ongoing collaboration with external partners across multiple time zones

Preferred
  • Experience with embedded memory test including characterization and programming of non-volatile memory technologies
  • Exposure to high-speed serial interface test such as memory interfaces or camera and display interconnect protocols
  • Familiarity with DFT tools from major EDA vendors
  • Experience at a fabless startup or small team where test engineering scope is broad
  • Exposure to leading-edge process nodes at 28nm or below
  • Experience with ATE yield analysis and test time optimization
  • Scripting ability in Python or Perl for data analysis and test automation
  • Experience generating VCD from RTL simulation and porting to STIL format

We offer a competitive salary for this role, generally ranging from $150,000 to $190,000, along with meaningful equity and comprehensive benefits. The final compensation package will be based on your experience and location, with some flexibility to ensure we align with the right candidate.
Why Join Efficient?
Efficient offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including 401K match, company-paid benefits, equity program, paid parental leave, and flexibility. We are committed to personal and professional development and strive to grow together as people and as a company.