1

Test Development Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Test Engineering builds the systems that decide whether NEO hardware is ready to ship. We sit at the intersection of R&D, design, engineering and production. Developing the functional and end-of-line ...

Senior SWQA Test Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$129K - $168K/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 ...

As the Lead Test Development Engineer, you will lead all aspects of test engineering, work with contract manufacturers, for our high-power CW lasers and their packages. This position demands a hands ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior SWQA Test Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$129K - $168K/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 ...

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Core Stack: Java, Selenium WebDriver, TestNG/JUnit, API Testing (REST Assured), CI/CD Note: This is not a contract job Role Overview We are seeking a ...

Sr SW Test Development Engineer - Remote

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$117K - $152K/yr

For further inquiries about this opportunity, please contact one of our Talent Specialists, Hema Malini at 630-847-0275 or Ragu 224-214-4555 Title: Sr SW Test Development Engineer - (Remote) Duration ...

Showing results 41-60

Test Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$50

$72

How much do test development engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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 is a test development engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test development engineer?

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 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.

Are test development engineers in demand?

Test development engineers are in high demand across industries such as electronics, automotive, and aerospace due to the need for quality assurance and product reliability. They often require skills in scripting, testing tools, and knowledge of industry standards, with employment prospects driven by technological advancements and manufacturing growth.

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:

Infographic showing various Test Development Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,612 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Lead Test Development Engineer

II-VI Incorporated

Fremont, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop new test infrastructure including device-level and package-level test, characterization, and burn-in systems for high-power CW lasers, high speed PD, and co-packaged optics.

  • Work closely with manufacturing teams and contract manufacturers to address needs and optimize performance.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure good quality products are delivered on time.


Job description

As the Lead Test Development Engineer, you will lead all aspects of test engineering, work with contract manufacturers, for our high-power CW lasers and their packages. This position demands a hands-on approach to product performance characterization, yield optimization, and production troubleshooting. Your expertise will guide the seamless integration of new products into existing systems and ensure our continued leadership in the market.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Test Engineering Leadership: Develop new test infrastructure including device-level and package-level test, characterization and burn-in systems for high-power CW lasers, high speed PD, and/or co-packaged optics, ensuring optimal performance and yield.

Manufacturing Collaboration: Work closely with manufacturing teams and Fremont product engineering and logistic team to address needs and optimize performance with contract manufacturers.

Cross-Functional Teamwork: Collaborate with Fremont Product Engineers, Design, Planning, Logistic team to ensure good quality product on time delivery on schedule.

Data Analysis: Utilize statistical methods to analyze reliability and test data, identifying trends and potential issues to improve product yield and quality; Perform statistical process control and gauge R&R for tester qualification and maintenance.

Team Management: Lead and potentially manage multidisciplinary teams, promoting a culture of innovation and collaborative success.

Education & Experience

  • A Master's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optics, Materials Science, or related field.
  • At minimum 7 years' of industrial experience in engineering development, preferably with a focus on semiconductor lasers or related optoelectronic devices such as photodiodes, semiconductor lasers and other devices with InP based materials.  Direct hands-on experience in semiconductor chip or module testing and instrumentation is highly desired. 

Skills

  • Solid background and experience in semiconductor laser testing and instrumentation.
  • Proficient in data analysis and statistical evaluation related to test engineering.
  • Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, capable of managing complex projects and diverse teams.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to addressing and preempting issues.
  • Willingness to travel frequently to manufacturing sites.
  • Excellent communication skills, essential for effective teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
  •  

Working Conditions

  • This role will be based on-site in Fremont, CA. 
  • Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.

Physical Requirements

  • Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in meetings.
  • Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
  • Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


 

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.