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Test Engineer Entry Level Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Junior Fluid Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

This is an entry-level role for an engineer who wants to build a strong foundation in hardware test and measurement. Responsibilities Test Support * Assist in building test rigs, fixtures, and fluid ...

Engineer I-III

San Luis Obispo, CA ยท On-site

$82K - $121K/yr

... tests for compliance purposes. Verifies and maintains appropriate records and files; prepares ... Assists with training and work review of entry level staff. Oversees or assists with asset ...

Programming experience in any language such as C/C++, VB, VBScript, Java, Perl, Python, Shell ... Some experience with test automation tools, such as Selenium * Knowledge of mark-up languages ...

Showing results 21-40

Test Engineer Entry Level information

See California salary details

$17

$43

$73

How much do test engineer entry level jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for test engineer entry level in California is $43.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.98 and $51.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Test Engineer Entry Level positions?

Entry-level Test Engineers are professionals who begin their careers in quality assurance and testing of software or hardware products. They are responsible for designing and executing test cases, identifying bugs, and ensuring that products meet specified requirements. These roles typically involve working closely with development teams to understand features and potential issues, and they often use both manual and automated testing tools. Entry-level positions are ideal for recent graduates or individuals new to the testing field, offering valuable experience and training.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level Test Engineers when working on cross-functional teams?

Entry-level Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding varying technical terminologies used by developers, aligning testing priorities with fast-paced development cycles, and effectively communicating defect reports to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Building strong collaboration skills and proactively seeking clarification can help overcome these hurdles. Over time, entry-level Test Engineers gain confidence in participating in team meetings, advocating for quality, and contributing to a shared understanding of project goals.

What is the difference between Test Engineer Entry Level vs Test Technician?

AspectTest Engineer Entry LevelTest Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related fieldAssociate degree or technical certification in electronics or testing
Work EnvironmentDesigning test plans, analyzing data, developing testing proceduresExecuting tests, maintaining testing equipment, recording results
Industry UsageUsed across software, electronics, and manufacturing industriesCommonly found in electronics, manufacturing, and hardware testing sectors

Test Engineer Entry Level roles focus on designing and analyzing tests, requiring a bachelor's degree, while Test Technicians primarily execute tests and maintain equipment, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in quality assurance but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Test Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Test Engineer, foundational knowledge of software testing principles, basic programming skills, and a relevant degree (such as in computer science or engineering) are essential. Familiarity with automated testing tools like Selenium, bug tracking systems such as Jira, and version control systems like Git is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure software quality, accurate defect reporting, and effective collaboration within development teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Test Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Test Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Test Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities in California with the most Test Engineer Entry Level job openings:
Infographic showing various Test Engineer Entry Level job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Junior Fluid Test Engineer

Amca

El Segundo, CA โ€ข On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Amca is building America's new industrial base. Since the 1990s, our ability to build new aviation and military systems and maintain the ones we already have has eroded. Today, the gap between what the nation needs to produce and what it is capable of producing is the largest it has been in generations.
To help close that gap, Amca rapidly develops and manufactures new critical components and subsystems required to build and sustain the planes, military vehicles, and core infrastructure America needs. Today, we operate seven factories nationwide, including our advanced prototyping and testing headquarters in El Segundo, and deliver avionics, hydraulic, and electrical components for platforms such as the F-35, F-16, F/A-18, 737MAX, 787, A320neo, A321, Mk-48, and M1 Abrams.
Overview
The Junior Fluid Test Engineer supports the verification and qualification testing of Amca's fluid control hardware under the direction of senior test engineers. You will help set up test rigs, run tests, and reduce data on hydraulic and pneumatic hardware. This is an entry-level role for an engineer who wants to build a strong foundation in hardware test and measurement.
Responsibilities
Test Support
  • Assist in building test rigs, fixtures, and fluid loops under senior direction.
  • Set up instrumentation and data acquisition and verify measurement channels.
  • Follow test procedures and help refine them based on setup experience.

Test Execution
  • Run flow, pressure, leakage, and endurance tests under supervision.
  • Support qualification and environmental testing against defined requirements.
  • Follow test safety practices for high-pressure and hazardous-fluid operations.

Data and Development
  • Reduce and plot test data and help identify trends and anomalies.
  • Draft sections of test reports and maintain test records.
  • Build test and measurement fundamentals through mentorship and hands-on work.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 0 to 2 years of engineering experience, including internships or co-ops.
  • Familiarity with test instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition concepts.
  • Working knowledge of fluid or mechanical systems fundamentals.
  • Strong attention to detail and a methodical, safety-minded approach to lab work.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Coursework or project experience in instrumentation, controls, or fluid mechanics.
  • Exposure to LabVIEW or comparable data acquisition tools.
  • Internship or lab experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability hardware.
  • Familiarity with test procedures and engineering documentation.

Annual Salary Range
$100,000-$130,000 USD
This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a US person as: any individual who is granted U.S. citizenship; or. any individual who is granted U.S. permanent residence ("Green Card" holder); or. any individual who is granted status as a "protected person" under 8 U.S.C 1324b(a)(3).
The Advanced Manufacturing Company of America prohibits discrimination or harassment based on the following categories: race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.