ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Test Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

Efficient Computer

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA

$150K - $190K/yr

Efficient Computer is looking for a Test Engineer with hands-on DFT and fabless semiconductor test experience to join our Operations team. This is a mid-level role sitting at the intersection of ...

Efficient Computer

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Efficient Computer is looking for a Test Engineer with hands-on DFT and fabless semiconductor test experience to join our Operations team. This is a mid-level role sitting at the intersection of ...

Embtel Inc

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

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 ...

Advanced Micro Devices

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

We are looking for a motivated and experienced Test Engineer who will lead initiatives of significant strategic and commercial importance, drives innovation across organizational boundaries, mentors ...

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$171K/yr

We are looking for a motivated and experienced Test Engineer who will lead initiatives of significant strategic and commercial importance, drives innovation across organizational boundaries, mentors ...

FII

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$93 - $120/hr

Test Engineer (EPD II) Ingrasys Technology USA, Inc, San Jose, CA & Sunnyvale, CA This position is responsible for developing, modifying, and maintaining all test software and hardware systems to ...

Foxconn Assembly LLC

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$93K - $120K/yr

Test Engineer (EPD II) Ingrasys Technology USA, Inc San Jose, CA & Sunnyvale, CA What to Expect This position is responsible for developing, modifying, and maintaining all test software and hardware ...

Infosys

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

... engineering teams. • Exposure to test automation is an added advantage." Preferred Skill and Experience • Networking or telecom testing experience. • Knowledge of APN configuration, band ...

New

Infosys

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

... engineering teams. • Exposure to test automation is an added advantage." Preferred Skill and Experience • Networking or telecom testing experience. • Knowledge of APN configuration, band ...

New

Infosys

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

... engineering teams. • Exposure to test automation is an added advantage." Preferred Skill and Experience • Networking or telecom testing experience. • Knowledge of APN configuration, band ...

New

vaaridatech

Hardware Test Engineer

San Jose, CA

Role- Test Engineer Location - San Jose, CA onsite Job Type- W2 Contract Below * Master or bachelor's in electrical/Electronic Engineering, or related. * Minimum 5+ years of industry experience in IC ...

Infosys

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

... engineering teams. • Exposure to test automation is an added advantage." Preferred Skill and Experience • Networking or telecom testing experience. • Knowledge of APN configuration, band ...

New

Infosys

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

... engineering teams. • Exposure to test automation is an added advantage." Preferred Skill and Experience • Networking or telecom testing experience. • Knowledge of APN configuration, band ...

New

Infosys

Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

... engineering teams. • Exposure to test automation is an added advantage." Preferred Skill and Experience • Networking or telecom testing experience. • Knowledge of APN configuration, band ...

New

Broadcom Inc.

Test Engineer (ATE)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120 - $192/hr

Broadcom is seeking a highly motivated Test Engineer to join our Semiconductor Test Engineering team. In this role, you will focus on development of production, characterization, and qualification ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTest Engineer JobsTest Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Test Engineer information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$20

$51

$86

How much do test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for test engineer in Santa Cruz, CA is $51.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.56 and $60.53 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.
More about Test Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Test Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA?

The most popular types of Test Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Test Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA?

For Test Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Test Engineer job openings:

Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Engineer job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $106,260 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Test Engineer

Efficient Computer

San Jose, CA

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Efficient Computer is a fabless semiconductor startup headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, building energy-efficient processors for edge compute, embedded AI, and high-performance applications. Our team designs, tapes out, and brings up custom silicon across multiple process nodes, working closely with world-class foundry and OSAT partners to deliver differentiated chips from concept to production. Efficient Computer is looking for a Test Engineer with hands-on DFT and fabless semiconductor test experience to join our Operations team. This is a mid-level role sitting at the intersection of Hardware Engineering and Supply Chain and Operations.
The right candidate has worked across the full test lifecycle - from DFT strategy and ATPG pattern generation through ATE bringup, OSAT coordination, and production test - and is equally comfortable working with external suppliers as they are with internal hardware engineers. You will serve as the primary interface between our engineering team and our foundry, OSAT, and test partners, owning test engineering across our active chip programs and scaling that foundation to future products.
What You Will Do
DFT Strategy and Pattern Development
  • Partner with external design partners and internal hardware engineers to define and execute DFT strategy for each chip program
  • Generate, validate, and deliver ATPG patterns including scan, MBIST, JTAG, and embedded memory read and write sequences
  • Develop and maintain STIL and PDL test program files for ATE execution
  • Drive DFT sign-off deliverables and resolve pattern-level issues in coordination with external partners
  • Support setup pattern generation including power-up and power-down sequences, DFT entry sequences, and test mode initialization
  • Understand and define power rail sequencing requirements for ATE execution to ensure safe device bringup
ATE Bringup and Test Program Development
  • Develop and debug test programs on ATE platforms including Advantest and Teradyne systems
  • Execute first silicon bringup on new tapeouts in partnership with hardware engineers and OSAT test teams
  • Characterize device behavior across voltage, temperature, and frequency corners
  • Support load board bring-up and interface hardware validation
  • Define and manage test flows including wafer probe, final test, and bin sort
  • Understand test time optimization strategies such as pattern flow sequencing to minimize unnecessary power cycles
OSAT and Supplier Coordination
  • Serve as the primary test engineering interface with OSAT partners and test houses
  • Manage test program handoff to OSAT including documentation, qualification, and acceptance criteria
  • Coordinate pattern delivery between design partners and OSAT to ensure format compatibility across STIL and SVF as required
  • Track and analyze yield data from probe and final test, escalate anomalies, and drive corrective actions
  • Support die traceability and OTP programming flows in production bin sort
  • Coordinate with supply chain and operations on test capacity planning and lot scheduling
Cross-Program Ownership
  • Own test engineering across multiple active chip programs simultaneously
  • Build scalable test infrastructure and documentation that carries forward to future programs
  • Contribute to DFT reviews, tapeout checklists, and test escape analysis
  • Help define and mature internal test engineering capabilities over time
What You Bring
Required
  • 5+ years of semiconductor test engineering experience in a fabless or IDM environment
  • Hands-on DFT experience including scan insertion, ATPG, MBIST, and JTAG boundary scan
  • Experience generating and validating STIL patterns and working with test pattern delivery packages
  • ATE test program development experience on Advantest or Teradyne platforms
  • Experience supporting wafer probe and final test at an OSAT or test house, including load board bringup
  • Familiarity with power sequencing requirements and DFT entry flows for ATE test program development
  • Ability to work directly with external design partners and OSAT suppliers to coordinate pattern delivery and test execution
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills - this role requires ongoing collaboration with external partners across multiple time zones
Preferred
  • Experience with embedded memory test including characterization and programming of non-volatile memory technologies
  • Exposure to high-speed serial interface test such as memory interfaces or camera and display interconnect protocols
  • Familiarity with DFT tools from major EDA vendors
  • Experience at a fabless startup or small team where test engineering scope is broad
  • Exposure to leading-edge process nodes at 28nm or below
  • Experience with ATE yield analysis and test time optimization
  • Scripting ability in Python or Perl for data analysis and test automation
  • Experience generating VCD from RTL simulation and porting to STIL format

We offer a competitive salary for this role, generally ranging from $150,000 to $190,000, along with meaningful equity and comprehensive benefits. The final compensation package will be based on your experience and location, with some flexibility to ensure we align with the right candidate.

Apply