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Test Development Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Work closely with the software development engineers to augment production test systems to support new test updates and features for product specifications. * Understand the manufacturing test ...

Senior SWQA Test Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$129.80K - $168.50K/yr

We are looking for a senior, technically strong test development engineer to drive quality, automation, and technical leadership in this rapidly evolving space. What You'll Be Doing: * Own and drive ...

Product Test Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$168.80K - $241.20K/yr

Your Impact You will be a Product Test Engineer in Silicon Operations focusing on leading the design, development, and testing of Cisco's cutting-edge Silicon One ASICs. Collaborate closely with ...

Individual contributor engineering position responsible for complex device / subassembly level ... Strong software development skills for test automation and data analysis. Experience with data base ...

Individual contributor engineering position responsible for complex device / subassembly level ... Own schedules and milestones for test development projects and drive projects to conclusion.

Product Test Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$168.80K - $241.20K/yr

Your Impact You will be a Product Test Engineer in Silicon Operations focusing on leading the design, development, and testing of Cisco's cutting-edge Silicon One ASICs. Collaborate closely with ...

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Test Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$50

$72

How much do test development engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for test development engineer in California is $50.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.54 and $57.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Test Development Engineer, you need strong skills in electronics, programming, and test methodology, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with automated test equipment (ATE), scripting languages (such as Python or LabVIEW), and industry-specific standards or certifications (like ISTQB) is often required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for excelling in this position. These competencies ensure efficient test process design, accurate product validation, and reliable collaboration with design and manufacturing teams.

How does a Test Development Engineer typically collaborate with design and manufacturing teams during a product lifecycle?

Test Development Engineers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between design and manufacturing by creating and refining test plans that ensure product quality and reliability. They work closely with design engineers to understand product specifications and identify potential test points, and then collaborate with manufacturing teams to implement and optimize automated test systems on the production floor. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for identifying defects early, reducing production issues, and ensuring that products meet both client and regulatory standards. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as project requirements and priorities can shift rapidly throughout the product lifecycle.

What are Test Development Engineers?

Test Development Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement testing processes and systems to ensure the quality and functionality of products—often in the electronics, semiconductor, or software industries. They create test plans, develop automated test scripts, and analyze test results to identify defects or areas for improvement. Their work is crucial for verifying that products meet technical specifications and industry standards before release. Test Development Engineers often collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to optimize testing strategies.

What is the difference between Test Development Engineer vs Test Engineer?

AspectTest Development EngineerTest Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing testing procedures and tools for new productsExecuting tests, troubleshooting, and ensuring product quality
Skills & CertificationsEngineering degree, knowledge of test automation, scripting, and hardware integrationEngineering background, testing methodologies, and sometimes certifications like ISTQB
Work EnvironmentR&D labs, product development teamsManufacturing lines, quality assurance departments

While both roles involve testing, the Test Development Engineer primarily focuses on creating testing processes and tools, whereas the Test Engineer executes tests and ensures product quality. The Test Development Engineer's role is more design-oriented, often requiring programming and engineering skills, while the Test Engineer emphasizes testing execution and troubleshooting.

What are popular job titles related to Test Development Engineer jobs in California? For Test Development Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Test Development Engineer jobs in CA? For Test Development Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Test Development 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 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,612 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Senior Test Development Engineer

Senior Test Development Engineer

Semtech

Alhambra, CA

$117K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Location:

Alhambra, CA

Job Summary:

Seeking a full-time Senior Test Engineer who will report to Director of Backend Fab Production. The Individual in this role will be able to design and implement efficient and streamlined automated production test setup and programs for fiberoptics laser alignment and test systems in a manufacturing environment. The Senior Test Design Engineer position will be based at Semtech Photonics Products group located in Alhambra, CA.

The following is a list of current essential job responsibilities of the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time at its discretion.

Responsibilities:

  • Ownership of production test stations design, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing test efficiency.
  • Develop and deploy automated test stations with Active Alignment and Pick-and-Place machine integration.
  • Collaborate with Device Design Engineering teams to understand the performance requirements and establish production tests and performance specifications.
  • Coordinate with engineering and quality teams to validate new testing approaches and methods for production.
  • Work closely with the software development engineers to augment production test systems to support new test updates and features for product specifications.
  • Understand the manufacturing test failures, troubleshooting, root cause analysis and correction on the production test stations.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, electronics, manufacturing, or related technical field
  • Minimum 10+ years of relevant semiconductor lasers automated test stations development experience
  • Must have extensive experience in Active Alignment Systems and Pick-and-Place machines development and system integration.
  • Will have led end-to-end development of automated test stations, incorporating Active Alignment Systems and Pick-and-Place machines to optimize manufacturing precision and efficiency.
  • Advanced knowledge of wafer probe test methodologies, ATE systems, parametric testing, and yield analysis
  • Experience in semiconductor wafer fabrication and product test environment preferred
  • Proficient in at least one programming language (VBA, C/C++, or Python)
  • Knowledgeable about automatic test equipment implementations a must
  • Proficient with fiberoptics test instruments such as semiconductor laser controllers, optical power meters, and optical spectrum analyzers
  • Must have extensive experience in semiconductor lasers and photodiodes manufacturing environment
  • Demonstrated organizational skill and the ability to manage multiple tasks

Desired Qualifications:

  • Programing with APIs for test instruments
  • Programing and scripting in Windows OS
  • MATLAB

Travel Requirements

  • May need to travel for International CM for production stations implementation.

The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description.

All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

A reasonable estimate of the pay range for this position is $117,000-165,000. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base salary, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education and experience, as well as job location and the value of other elements of an employee's total compensation package.