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Test Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Rivian

Staff Test Engineer, Powertrain

Tustin, CA

Review and synthesize test results at a system level, providing clear engineering conclusions, tradeoffs, and recommendations to design, attributes, and program teams. Champion data quality and ...

Rivian

Staff Test Engineer, Powertrain

Tustin, CA

Review and synthesize test results at a system level, providing clear engineering conclusions, trade-offs, and recommendations to design, attributes, and program teams. Champion data quality and ...

Attalon, Inc.

Senior Integration and Test Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$84.30K - $144.07K/yr

... Test Engineer As an Optical Integration and Test Engineer, you will utilize optical engineering theory in the conceptual design, development, and testing of optical components, sub-assemblies, and ...

New

Rivian

Staff Test Engineer, Powertrain

Tustin, CA · On-site

People, Culture & Mentorship • Set the bar for how test engineering operates: structured problem definition, evidence-based decisions, disciplined change management, and continuous improvement. • ...

Maximus

System Test Engineer

Pomona, CA · Remote

Active TS/SCI highly preferred. - Bachelor's Degree in an associated field - 5 years recent and relevant experience in preparing, conducting, and documenting various systems tests and results to ...

Apple

RFIC Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Experience in RF test development, debugging, and reporting.Scripting and debugging knowledge in any of the following: Python, Perl, TCL, C++, or equivalent.Solid understanding of RF test equipment ...

auction

Sr. Test Automation Engineer

Irvine, CA

$49.50 - $65.25/hr

The Lead Software Test Engineer will design automation frameworks, enhance the testing tools sets and ensure the integration of automation best practices throughout the software development lifecycle.

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How much do test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for test engineer in Riverside, CA is $46.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $54.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Test Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Test Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Test Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
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Test Engineer jobs near you
Staff Test Engineer, Powertrain

Staff Test Engineer, Powertrain

Rivian

Tustin, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 13 days ago

Rivian rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers

Job description

About Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. 

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. 


Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Test Strategy
Own the endtoend test strategy for a significant domain (e.g., powertrain durability, system thermal, NVH, or rigbased validation), ensuring alignment with vehicle and subsystem requirements, program timelines, and safety constraints.
Translate highlevel attributes and DVP targets into concrete test methods, profiles, and acceptance criteria that can be executed repeatedly across multiple test areas and sites.
Define and maintain standards, templates, and playbooks for test requests, procedures, instrumentation, data quality, and reporting, and drive their adoption across the test organization.
Identify gaps in current capabilities (rig hardware, control systems, measurement chains, data workflows) and lead roadmaps to close them through new rigs, upgrades, or process changes.

Test System Design, Development & Ownership
Lead/Participate in capability expansion/improvement for test systems (e.g., multiaxis drivetrain rigs, shaker + thermal + humidity combinations, custom HIL or RTCS setups), working with controls, software, facilities, and safety.
Serve as the technical owner for selected highvalue rigs or test areas, accountable for uptime, fidelity, and suitability to current and future test needs.
Develop and review automation and dataprocessing approaches (test scripts, health checks, dashboards, KPIs) to improve repeatability, coverage, and engineer productivity.

Test Planning, Execution & Data Interpretation
Lead test planning for complex or firstofakind campaigns, including sequence design, boundary conditions, instrumentation plans, and risk assessments.
Provide handson technical support for critical tests: bringup, debug, fault triage, and correlation against models or vehiclelevel behavior.
Review and synthesize test results at a system level, providing clear engineering conclusions, tradeoffs, and recommendations to design, attributes, and program teams.
Champion data quality and traceability: ensure that test configurations, calibrations, and deviations are captured such that results can be trusted and reused for future analysis.

CrossFunctional Collaboration & Influence
Act as the primary technical counterpart for your domain with Design Engineering, Attributes, Systems, DREs, Controls, Reliability, and Manufacturing/Service partners.
Drive crossfunctional problem solving on highimpact issues (e.g., durability failures, correlation gaps, unexpected NVH or thermal behavior), ensuring robust root cause, containment, and validated corrective actions.
Provide executiveready communication on test status, risks, and options: distill complex technical detail into concise, decisionoriented narratives for managers and senior leadership.
 
People, Culture & Mentorship
Set the bar for how test engineering operates: structured problem definition, evidencebased decisions, disciplined change management, and continuous improvement.
Lead by example on safety and quality in the lab, ensuring test methods, rig operations, and work practices meet or exceed Rivian standards.
Contribute to capability building via training sessions, bestpractice guides, reviews, and informal mentorship that raise the collective skill level of the test organization.

Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
10+ years of relevant experience in test engineering for powertrain, drivetrain, propulsion, or similar complex electromechanical systems, including significant rigbased or labbased testing.
Demonstrated track record operating at a Staff level (or equivalent) in:
    Designing and executing complex test campaigns.
    Leading resolution of difficult crosssystem issues.
    Influencing designs and requirements based on test insight.

Deep understanding of test methods, measurement systems, and data analysis for at least one of:
    Durability / life testing
    Thermal & environmental testing
    NVH / vibration / shaker testing
    Powertrain system performance and efficiency

Proven ability to lead without authority: align crossfunctional stakeholders, challenge assumptions constructively, and drive decisions in ambiguous situations.
Strong communication skills, including clear technical writing (procedures, reports) and concise, executiveappropriate summaries for leadership.
 
Preferred
Handson experience with testbed control and data systems (e.g., dyno controllers, HIL, PLCs, DAQ, automation frameworks, or similar).
Experience with NI Veristand/Labview or equivalent tools needed for developing test control/automation systems.
Familiarity with statistical methods and data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar) for test planning and results interpretation.
Experience mentoring and developing senior individual contributors and lead technicians.
Prior experience working across multiple sites or labs, harmonizing methods and standards.

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range Irvine-Based Applicants: $137,800-$172,200 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).
Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.



Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.

Candidate Data Privacy

Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. 

Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. 

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.  

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

Qualifications:
Required
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
10+ years of relevant experience in test engineering for powertrain, drivetrain, propulsion, or similar complex electromechanical systems, including significant rigbased or labbased testing.
Demonstrated track record operating at a Staff level (or equivalent) in:
    Designing and executing complex test campaigns.
    Leading resolution of difficult crosssystem issues.
    Influencing designs and requirements based on test insight.

Deep understanding of test methods, measurement systems, and data analysis for at least one of:
    Durability / life testing
    Thermal & environmental testing
    NVH / vibration / shaker testing
    Powertrain system performance and efficiency

Proven ability to lead without authority: align crossfunctional stakeholders, challenge assumptions constructively, and drive decisions in ambiguous situations.
Strong communication skills, including clear technical writing (procedures, reports) and concise, executiveappropriate summaries for leadership.
 
Preferred
Handson experience with testbed control and data systems (e.g., dyno controllers, HIL, PLCs, DAQ, automation frameworks, or similar).
Experience with NI Veristand/Labview or equivalent tools needed for developing test control/automation systems.
Familiarity with statistical methods and data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar) for test planning and results interpretation.
Experience mentoring and developing senior individual contributors and lead technicians.
Prior experience working across multiple sites or labs, harmonizing methods and standards.
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Rivian employees say

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009

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