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Test Engineer Entry Level Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Entry-Level Engineer

Port Hueneme, CA · On-site

$52K - $82K/yr

Entry-Level Engineer Port Hueneme, CA About Us: JSL Technologies, Inc. (JSL) is a certified Small ... Test and Evaluation, and writing reports. The candidate will also perform the following tasks: • ...

Entry Level Electrical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Entry-Level Electrical Engineer, you would get to work on Schematic Capture, PCB Layout, Hand ... Design, develop, test, and manufacture consumer electronics and robotics * Performance advise PCB ...

This entry-level role operates under close supervision, executing established test procedures to ... Flag out-of-spec or abnormal results and escalate to Test Operator 2, Technician, or Engineering

New

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Test Engineer Entry Level information

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$17

$43

$73

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

As of Aug 14, 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 is an entry level test engineer?

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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Software Engineer - Integration and Test

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 539 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add an Integration and Test Software Engineer to join our team on site in San Diego, CA. The candidate should be a self-starter with familiarity working in an Integrated Product Team construct.

Candidates will work on software supporting systems in all phases of the software development lifecycle including design, development and test. The selected candidate will work in an environment that at times is fast-paced with high expectations with the ability to adapt to change.

Roles and Responsibilities will include:

Perform software unit and integration test and test automation on the host environment.

Work in development and lab environments. Understand the differences between them and ensure integration and testing of components in complex system is happening in the appropriate environment.

Perform integration and troubleshooting of software components across multiple networks interfacing with customer SMEs. Ensure that through documentation is created and maintained to allow others to integrate in the future.

Facilitate collaboration with software developers, system engineers, hardware engineers, and integration/test engineers to diagnose and identify the root cause of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance test, and operational events.

Utilize familiarity of the full development life-cycle processes

Develop clear and concise detailed technical documentation.

Submit detailed problem reports for errors found.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and entry level engineering experience.

Experience in integration and testing of software and hardware component in unix and windows environments.

Experience with formal software life cycle development methodologies, requirements through test.

Candidate must be able to obtain a Security+ certification.

Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).

Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.

Excellent 2-way communication skills (upward and downward).

Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management. Ability to brief technical presentations to stakeholders.

Familiarity with software network interfaces.

Experience in automation of installation, configuration and test.

Experience in Agile methodologies. Agile Systems Engineering Experience.

Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills.

Experience with Confluence and JIRA.

Experience with scripting languages (developing, debugging and maintaining).

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939