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Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineer Test

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $98K/yr

SMTC is hiring for a Test Engineer in Fremont, CA! SMTC Corporation was founded in 1985. SMTC is a mid-size provider of end-to-end electronics manufacturing services (EMS) including PCBA production ...

In the role Test Engineer, reporting to the Director of Operations, you will utilize your electrical engineering skills to review Product Requirements Documents (PRD), propose comprehensive test ...

In the role Test Engineer, reporting to the Director of Operations, you will utilize your electrical engineering skills to review Product Requirements Documents (PRD), propose comprehensive test ...

Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$90 - $93/hr

Test Engineer Job Location: Foster City, CA Duration: ~6 Months The Pay rate is commensurate with experience and is an estimated range provided by WorkGenius. Lidar Software Test Engineer Contractor ...

Test Engineer

Vista, CA ยท On-site

As a Test Engineer, you'll play a critical role in making that happen. In this role, you'll translate product and system requirements into robust test strategies that validate performance ...

Test Engineer Location: San Jose, CA (Onsite) Duration: 6+ Months contract role : * Knowledge of fundamental hardware blocks & subsystems Optical Design, LVDS Signaling, Signal Integrity & Power ...

EV Charging Test Engineer Employment Type: Contract Contract Duration: 6+ Months (possible extension based on performance) Work Location: Torrance, CA Pay Rate: $40.00 - $50.00/hr on W2 Position ...

New

Our team is looking for a Test Engineer to join them. You will report to the Test Engineering Manager and will have an onsite work schedule in C hatsworth, CA. To be considered for the Test Engineer ...

Test Engineer

Chatsworth, CA ยท On-site

$115K/yr

Our team is looking for a Test Engineer to join them. You will report to the Test Engineering Manager and will have an onsite work schedule in C hatsworth, CA. To be considered for the Test Engineer ...

Test Engineer

Foster City, CA ยท On-site

$40.04/hr

Test Engineer - Overwatch Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office Our client is seeking a Test Engineer to join the Product Software QA Team, focusing on manual and automation testing for a ...

Test Engineer - RiderDash, Concierge and CoreDash Onsite in Foster City, CA 5 days in office We are seeking a Test Engineer to join the Product Software QA Team, focusing on manual and automation ...

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Test Engineer

Foster City, CA ยท On-site

$39.45/hr

Test Engineer - Baseline (Contract) Pay Rat e: $39.45/hour (W-2 + Benefits) Position Overview: Zoox is seeking a Test Engineer to join the Product Software QA Team supporting Baseline, a mission ...

Test Engineer

Los Osos, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $137K/yr

Rantec is hiring a Test Engineer. Relocation is supported! Come join our team! Based in Los Osos, California, located along California's scenic Central Pacific coastline, Rantec offers many ...

Test Engineer - RiderDash, Concierge and CoreDash Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office We are seeking a Test Engineer to join the Product Software QA Team, focusing on manual and automation ...

Test Engineer - RiderDash, Concierge and CoreDash Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office We are seeking a Test Engineer to join the Product Software QA Team, focusing on manual and automation ...

Job Number: R0239612 Test Engineer The Opportunity: When a user tries new software, they expect it to be intuitive and run smoothly. Functionality, reliability, and user experience are key to ...

About the role As a Test Engineer at Westmag, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our drone motors and robotic actuators. You will own all aspects of the test ...

About the role As a Test Engineer at Westmag, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our drone motors and robotic actuators. You will own all aspects of the test ...

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Showing results 1-20

Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$17

$43

$73

How much do test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for test engineer 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced software engineers, especially those in senior or lead roles at major tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Specialized fields like machine learning, AI, or cybersecurity may also offer such compensation levels for top professionals with advanced skills and certifications. Salary varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

How much does a test engineer get paid?

The average salary for a test engineer varies by experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced test engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in technology and manufacturing sectors.

What are Test Engineers?

Test Engineers are professionals responsible for evaluating and ensuring the quality of products, typically software or hardware, by designing and executing tests. They identify bugs, glitches, or any issues that might affect the user experience or product performance. Test Engineers also document test results, collaborate with developers to resolve issues, and help improve processes to prevent future problems. Their work is critical in delivering reliable and high-quality products to customers.

What is a Test Engineer?

A test engineer runs validation tests on manufactured products. The duties of a test engineer include creating testing procedures, reviewing product manufacturing specifications, ensuring proper labeling on product components, and collaborating with a process engineer to optimize the product design process. A process engineer is a similar position. Test and process engineers observe weak areas in product design and suggest improvements to the design.

What does a test engineer do?

A test engineer designs, develops, and executes tests to ensure the quality and functionality of products or software. They identify defects, document issues, and work with development teams to improve reliability, often using testing tools and scripting skills. Attention to detail and understanding of testing methodologies are essential for this role.

Is QA testing a hard job?

QA testing as a Test Engineer involves analyzing software, creating test cases, and identifying bugs, which requires attention to detail and problem-solving skills. The job can be challenging due to the need for thoroughness and understanding of testing tools and methodologies, but it is manageable with proper training and experience.

What is the difference between Test Engineer vs QA Analyst?

AspectTest EngineerQA Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; certifications like ISTQBBachelor's in related fields; ISTQB certification common
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, testing labs, automation toolsQuality assurance teams, process documentation, testing environments
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, software firms, manufacturingIT services, software development, healthcare

Test Engineers focus on designing, executing, and automating tests to ensure software quality, often working closely with developers. QA Analysts primarily analyze quality processes, develop testing plans, and ensure compliance with standards. While both roles aim to improve product quality, Test Engineers are more technical and automation-oriented, whereas QA Analysts emphasize process and manual testing. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role.

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

To thrive as a Test Engineer, you need a solid background in software development, quality assurance principles, and test case design, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automated testing tools like Selenium, JUnit, or TestNG, as well as experience with bug tracking systems and scripting languages, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying issues and collaborating with development teams. These skills ensure the delivery of reliable, high-quality products by efficiently detecting and resolving software defects.

How do Test Engineers typically collaborate with development and product teams during a project?

Test Engineers play a crucial role in cross-functional teams by working closely with developers and product managers throughout the software development lifecycle. They participate in requirement reviews, design discussions, and sprint planning meetings to ensure testability and clarity of features. Regular communication helps identify potential issues early, align on acceptance criteria, and prioritize testing efforts. This collaborative approach helps deliver higher-quality products and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
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 are popular job titles related to Test Engineer jobs in California? For Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Test Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Test Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Test Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Test Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Test Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,822 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Engineer Test

MC Test Service Inc

Fremont, CA โ€ข On-site

$85K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

SMTC is hiring for a Test Engineer in Fremont, CA!


SMTC Corporation was founded in 1985. SMTC is a mid-size provider of end-to-end electronics manufacturing services (EMS) including PCBA production, systems integration and comprehensive testing services, enclosure fabrication, as well as product design, sustaining engineering and supply chain management services. Services extend over the entire electronic product life cycle from the development and introduction of new products through to the growth, maturity and end-of-life phases.


Benefits Highlights:

*401K with company match

*PTO, Paid Holidays

*Tuition Reimbursement

*Medical HRA Plan

*Short term/Long term Disability Insurance, etc.


The Test Engineer will be responsible for supporting/developing functional and/or in-circuit test fixtures to include training of test personnel in the use of fixtures and systems. Supports the overall test and engineering needs of operations. Technical resource for operations required to develop thorough knowledge of all products, subassemblies, hardware and test processes for assigned customers.


Duties:

โ€ข Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software test specifications

โ€ข Review customer specifications and requirements, and develops test stations to best support them, including cost as a key design variable

โ€ข Develop functional, environmental, and/or performance tests on hardware and systems

โ€ข Perform various activities required to support testing of customer products or test systems including, but not limited to setting up, performing tests, and recording data to establish processes and quality control measures

โ€ข Researches component data and supports implementation of PCN documents

โ€ข Create, modify or produce documentation or procedures

โ€ข Reviews test documentation for thoroughness and accuracy

โ€ข Ability to read and interpret schematics, mechanical and assembly drawings.

โ€ข Familiarity with basic circuit analysis techniques required

โ€ข Interacts with customer technical personnel where required to insure their product test activities run smoothly and with minimal down time

โ€ข Investigate yield detractors to root cause and provide engineers, management, and other stakeholders with data and summary in support of root cause findings.

โ€ข Train and instruct floor support, test technicians, and test operators on test hardware, software, and proper problem solving techniques which may include generating support documentation.

โ€ข Provide technical mentor ship to junior test engineers.

โ€ข Direct and coordinate test engineering activities concerned with the development, procurement, installation, and validation (Gage R&R) of test solutions

โ€ข Estimating, tracking, managing and reporting status relating to technical, cost, schedule, and risk performance for assigned scope of work which may span across multiple projects

โ€ข Organizes test lab, orders parts, maintains and calibrates test fixtures and equipment

โ€ข Actively engage and lead continuous improvement activities

โ€ข Performs other duties as assigned


Education and Experience for the Test Engineer:

โ€ข M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or STEM with 2+ years of relevant engineering experience.

โ€ข B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or STEM with 5+ years of relevant engineering experience.

โ€ข Test Engineering Technician with 7+ years of experience in OEM/EMS.

โ€ข Excellent written and verbal communication skills

โ€ข Work independently or in a team environment.

โ€ข Ideal candidate will be a self-starter

โ€ข Ability to multi-task and work in a face-paced environment

โ€ข Strong technical, analytical and critical thinking skills

โ€ข Troubleshooting using advanced electronic measurement tools and equipment

โ€ข Experience with the MS Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

โ€ข General instrumentation hardware and software knowledge

โ€ข Experience in the commercial / electronics market

โ€ข Experience with a scripting language (e.g. Python, Perl, Shell)

โ€ข Experience with LabVIEW and National Instruments hardware

โ€ข Experience with an object oriented language (e.g. C++, Java, Ruby, VB.NET)

โ€ข Experience with databases and SQL

โ€ข Experience with AutoCAD or other solid modeling software

โ€ข Experience with PCB layout design and development software (i.e. EAGLE)

โ€ข Experience with Mil-Std-810F environmental testing

โ€ข Soldering (IPC J-STD-001 certification)

โ€ข Electronics inspection (IPC A-610 certification)


SMTC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status.

If you require assistance completing this application due to a disability, please contact Human Resources to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.