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Test Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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How much do test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for test engineer in Rio Rancho, NM is $41.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.44 and $49.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a test engineer?

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 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 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.

How much does a test engineer get paid?

The average salary for a test engineer varies by experience and location 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 competitive markets or with expertise in automation tools.

Is it hard to be a test engineer?

Becoming a test engineer requires a strong understanding of software development, testing methodologies, and tools such as automation frameworks. The role can be challenging due to the need for attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under deadlines, but it is manageable with proper training and experience.

What job categories do people searching Test Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Test Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Test Engineer job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,561 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Test Engineer- Health and Safety

Red Gate Group LTD

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description
We are seeking a Journeyman Test Engineer specializing in Health and Safety to support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). This is a full-time, on-site position located at Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB) in Albuquerque, NM.
In this role, you will be responsible for evaluating, monitoring, and mitigating occupational health, industrial hygiene, and environmental safety hazards during high-hazard physical test events. You will focus on test execution involving weapons effects, structural collapse, and CBRN simulant releases within Underground Facilities (UGFs) and hardened deeply buried targets (HDBTs). You will ensure that field testing, data collection, and post-detonation entry operations are conducted safely while maintaining compliance with federal, military, and range safety protocols to protect test personnel and the Joint Force.
Key Responsibilities
  • Test Safety Planning & Compliance: Develop and execute comprehensive Site Safety and Health Plans (SSHPs) and hazard assessments for high-hazard kinetic, structural, and chemical/biological simulant test events within UGF environments.

  • CBRN Simulant Monitoring: Deploy and operate specialized environmental monitoring equipment and industrial hygiene sensors to track gas concentrations, particulate matter, and airborne contaminants during field tests.

  • M&S Hazard Tool Support: Utilize empirical environmental health data and sensor readings collected during testing to validate safety boundaries and support downwind hazard predictions generated by HPAC and VLSTRACK models.

  • Subterranean Entry Oversight: Direct safety protocols for post-detonation or post-event entry into confined subterranean spaces, ensuring proper air monitoring, ventilation, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) utilization.

  • Incident Prevention & Range Safety: Collaborate closely with Kirtland Range Safety Officers (RSOs) and Test Directors to monitor real-time site conditions, enforce OSHA and DoD safety standards, and execute emergency response procedures if necessary.

  • Data Logging & Reporting: Document industrial hygiene metrics, blast overpressure exposure levels, and safety compliance logs to generate formal test safety reports and support verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A) frameworks.

  • Team Collaboration: Work alongside senior test engineers at Kirtland AFB to integrate robust health and safety frameworks seamlessly into complex test architectures and day-to-day operations

Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Engineering, Systems Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or a relevant STEM discipline; Master's degree or Doctorate (Ph.D.) preferred.
  • Experience: 5 to 10 years of progressive engineering experience, with a direct focus on test and evaluation (T&E) safety, industrial hygiene, or high-hazard field testing environments within the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE), or aerospace/defense sector.

  • Specialized Domain Expertise: Demonstrated experience implementing safety protocols for high-explosive operations, confined spaces, hazardous materials (HAZMAT), or testing within Underground Facilities (UGFs) or industrial test beds.

  • Predictive Tool Familiarity: Working knowledge of or exposure to DoD hazard prediction and environmental transport tools, specifically Hazard Prediction and Assessment Capability (HPAC) and Vapor, Liquid, and Solid Tracking (VLSTRACK

  • Security Clearance: An active U.S. Government Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance is strictly required.

  • Work Location: Ability to work full-time on-site at Kirtland AFB (Albuquerque, NM), with flexibility for frequent travel to regional testing ranges (e.g., White Sands Missile Range).

Preferred Attributes
  • Professional Certifications: Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or Associate Safety Professional (ASP) designation

  • Confined Space & HAZWOPER: Active 40-hour HAZWOPER certification and formal training in Confined Space Entry/Rescue procedures

  • Range Operations Familiarity: Prior experience executing test safety workflows at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), Nevada National Security Sites (NNSS), or DTRA-specific test beds

Company Description
The Red Gate Group, founded in 2006, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Company based in Chantilly, VA. As an SDVOSB, the Red Gate Group has established a reputation for delivering quality multi-tiered services in intelligence analysis, strategic planning, program management, policy development, operational design, and technology integration. RGG delivers high-quality, customer-centric solutions around the world-from the foxhole to the highest levels of Government. Our motto, "Making a Difference for Country and Client," reflects our deep commitment to national security and service excellence. As an employer of choice, we offer comprehensive benefits including flexible time off, 11 paid holidays, immediate 401(k) eligibility with a generous match, and full medical, dental, and vision coverage. Our employees enjoy 100% company-paid life insurance and disability benefits, along with professional development assistance for degrees and certifications. We foster a culture of growth and work-life balance, backed by our commitment to supporting both our clients' missions and our employees' success. Join our team and be part of an organization that values both service excellence and employee wellbeing.