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Test Development Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Senior PIC Test Development Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$129.70K - $168.40K/yr

Programming experience in Matlab, C, C++, Python, LabVIEW, VB.net, or similar for automation of instrument control and data acquisition * Software development skills and a strong drive for test ...

Nokia

Senior PIC Test Development Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$129.70K - $168.40K/yr

Programming experience in Matlab, C, C++, Python, LabVIEW, VB.net, or similar for automation of instrument control and data acquisition * Software development skills and a strong drive for test ...

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How much do test development engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 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 job categories do people searching Test Development Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Test Development Engineer jobs in California 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:
Test Development Engineer jobs near you
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.

Proving Ground Vehicle Test Development Engineer I

Hyundai Motor Company

California City, CA • On-site

$70K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Proving Ground Vehicle Test Development Engineer I
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is currently looking for a Proving Ground Vehicle Test Development Engineer I at our California Proving Ground in California City, California:
  • Evaluate, Test and Develop the Chassis Controls / Thermal Systems / Durability performance of North American Market Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles as a member of one of the Vehicle Test & Development groups.
  • The groups oversee chassis control, thermal systems, and durability test and development activities in support of prototype and pilot vehicle development to assure that development vehicle performance meets or exceeds customers' expectations in all road and environmental conditions in North America.
  • The groups' main function of evaluation, testing, and developing the performance of HMG vehicles aligns with our corporate goal of delivering the best vehicles for the North American customer through regional technical leadership and global collaboration.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Evaluate, Test and Develop the Chassis Controls / Thermal Systems / Durability performance of North American Market Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles as a member of one of the Vehicle Test & Development groups.
  • Perform subjective evaluations & objective testing, calibrate, investigate problem root cause, and develop appropriate countermeasures in all weather and road conditions in North America.
  • Develop and execute test plans, coordinate test vehicles, and manage supplier activities.
  • Benchmark competitor vehicle performance and the establishment of development direction and performance targets.
  • Analyze customer feedback results from internal and external media sources (J.D. Power IQS, Consumer Reports, social media, traditional media, and internal & external customer clinics).
  • Evaluate, test, and calibrate vehicle chassis control systems for North America market, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles:
    • Electronic chassis control performance development: ESC, TCS, active lateral dynamic controls, certification test (ex. FMVSS/NCAP)
    • EV motor torque control based active chassis control performance development
    • Brake performance development: brake system base performance validation, brake pedal feel calibration, regenerative brake blending calibration, ABS tuning and validation, brake performance related research, and field issue improvement
  • Conduct field testing of vehicle thermal systems (A/C, heater, defrost/defog, engine/transmission cooling and electric vehicle thermal management).
  • Seasonal performance testing in extreme North American climates (Death Valley: 120F, Northern Minnesota: -30F, Pacific Northwest: heavy rain/snow, ...)
  • Analyze data, identify HVAC or cooling issues, report findings, and support real-time software tuning and calibration to enhance customer safety and comfort.
  • Plan and lead vehicle durability testing; identify root causes, report findings, and support countermeasure development to closure.
  • Analyze field durability using warranty data, customer surveys, and dealership/auction visits; report and track emerging issues.
  • Develop and update full-vehicle durability test procedures, aligning with test capability, vehicle lineup, new technologies, and field trends.
  • Interface regularly with Engineering Design departments and with counterparts in our R&D Headquarters in Korea.
  • Support the identification and development of new technologies, strategies, and methods for improving the performance of current and future Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles.
  • Create and present clear & concise project status and technical reports.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, or a related field of study
  • 0 to 3 years of relevant engineering experience in the automotive industry
  • 0 to 1 year engineering internship experience
  • Coursework in Vehicle Dynamics, Signal Analysis, Controls, Thermodynamics, and Durability, a plus
  • Good understanding of vehicle dynamics, chassis systems, thermal systems, electrical systems and powertrain systems
  • Experienced with experimental data acquisition systems and analysis software including Matlab
  • Excellent computer skills
  • Experience in root cause analysis and problem-solving methods
  • Good written communication and presentation skills
  • Flexibility in handling multiple projects and changing priorities
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record

WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU
  • Zero-dollar Employee Premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for You and Your Family
  • 100% Employer-paid Disability and Life Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Sick, and Abundant Holidays
  • Competitive Salaries
    • Range of Position: $70,000 ~ $78,000/Year
  • A Global Environment that Fosters Diversity
  • Retirement Savings and Planning Benefits
  • Access to Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Flexible Work Hours

OTHER DETAILS
Physical Demands, Work Environment, Travel Expectations:
  • Able to work in a culturally diverse team environment and in harsh climate conditions (Winter -40F, Summer +120F, altitude up to 14,000 ft)
  • Travel up to 35%, domestically and internationally to support product development and testing

Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer included Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.

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