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Test Engineering Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Test Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Reports to Test Engineering Manager. Located in Newark, CA. Primary Responsibilities: * Resolve test yield problems by performing analysis of root causes, developing and coordinating corrective ...

Test Engineering Lead

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$55.75 - $76/hr

... management experience with excellent oral and written communication skills Exceptional problem solving ability Prior experience with display or optics technology Experience in Test Engineering or ...

Test Engineer I

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Product & Test Engineering Manager, Juan Lopez Summary: Responsible for engineering efforts to successfully sustain high-reliability DC-DC converters for Space and Military applications through the ...

... managing them to manufacture test hardware and bring up production lines Ability to travel internationally ~10% of the time Preferred Qualifications Master's degree or higher in engineering or a ...

Flight Test Engineering Lead

Marina, CA · On-site

$188K - $242K/yr

As a people manager, lead a team of up to 10 flight test engineers, providing mentorship and managerial support. * As a technical leader, manage the flight test program in the assigned technical ...

As a people manager, lead a team of up to 10 flight test engineers, providing mentorship and managerial support. * As a technical leader, manage the flight test program in the assigned technical ...

As a Manager/Director of ATE Test Engineering, you will lead the development, validation, and deployment of test solutions for advanced RF, analog, and mixed-signal SoCs at indie Semiconductor. You ...

Flight Test Engineering Lead

Marina, CA · On-site

$188K - $242K/yr

As a people manager, lead a team of up to 10 flight test engineers, providing mentorship and managerial support. * As a technical leader, manage the flight test program in the assigned technical ...

Test Engineering Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site

$31.25 - $41.50/hr

Products include high-performance ADCs, Power Management ICs, Sensors (Position, Temperature, etc.), Memory Drivers, Data Buffers, OpAmps, Digital Isolators and SRAMs. As a Test Engineering Intern ...

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Test Engineering Manager information

See California salary details

$74K

$112.8K

$150.5K

How much do test engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for test engineering manager in California is $112,834.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Test Engineering Manager position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Test Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in quality assurance, test automation, project management, and a relevant technical degree, often in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with automation frameworks (like Selenium or JUnit), CI/CD tools, and certifications such as ISTQB or PMP are commonly expected. Strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills are crucial for inspiring teams and driving results. These competencies ensure the delivery of high-quality products, efficient team performance, and continuous improvement in dynamic development environments.

What are the main challenges faced by Test Engineering Managers on a daily basis?

Test Engineering Managers often face challenges such as balancing project deadlines with thorough test coverage, adapting testing strategies to new technologies, and coordinating among multiple teams. They must ensure their team has the right resources and skills while managing shifting priorities, unexpected technical issues, and evolving requirements. Maintaining effective communication with stakeholders and motivating team members to meet quality standards are also key aspects of the role. Addressing these challenges requires a mix of technical expertise, adaptability, and strong leadership.

What does a Test Engineering Manager do?

A Test Engineering Manager leads a team responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing testing processes to ensure product quality and reliability. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, develop test strategies, and oversee automation and manual testing efforts. Their role includes managing team performance, improving testing methodologies, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential for addressing technical challenges and meeting project deadlines.

What are popular job titles related to Test Engineering Manager jobs in California? For Test Engineering Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Test Engineering Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Test Engineering Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Test Engineering Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Test Engineering Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Test Engineering Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,834 per year, or $54.2 per hour.
Manager Test Engineering 1

Manager Test Engineering 1

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 353 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: 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 has an opening for a Production Test Engineering Manager 1 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Test and Evaluation organization. This leadership position will be located onsite in Palmdale, CA.

The selected candidate's primary responsibility will be a shift supervisor in the test organization. Duties include planning and managing work priorities and deadlines, overseeing adherence to company/government policies and procedures, and ensuring that quality and safety standards are met. This position is also responsible for managing technical risk and reporting regularly to the Test leadership team on performance. Daily responsibilities include leading a team of test professionals to support aircraft configuration, documentation, and scheduling to meet test requirements. Additional responsibilities include supporting annual procedure updates and audits to meet Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) instructions.

Professional interaction with all levels of company leadership as well as government partners and Government Flight Representative (GFR)/DCMA representatives is required. Some travel may be required to support specific programs, ground operations, or special tests.

Essential Functions:

  • Coordinate with Test leadership to execute the production test schedule in multiple cost centers to include but not limited to running ATPs, regression testing, troubleshooting, maintenance and dynamic testing.
  • Lead a team of up to 10 flight test technicians in reaching program milestones
  • Leverage support groups to assist the team with test execution
  • Support recruitment activities including the creation of requisitions, conduct interviews, and approve job offers
  • Provide team with career development recommendations, mentoring, and training plans based off individual and program needs
  • Leverage excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management

The selected Candidate must be willing to work various shifts depending on the business needs:

  • 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 1st shift
  • 4x10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) 2nd shift
  • 3x10 schedule (Fri, Sat, Sun) 1st shift
  • 3x10 schedule Fri, Sat, Sun) 2nd shift

We offer flexible work arrangements phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Our Leaders at Northrop Grumman live our values daily and encourage our teams to do the same. We do the right thing: upholding the highest ethical standards and facilitating a safe and respectful environment that attracts, retains, and inspires a diverse and engaged team. We do what we promise: holding yourself and others accountable to meet predictable and balanced results. We commit to shared success: operating as OneNG and removing barriers for our teams. Finally, We pioneer: setting a vision that shapes the future and inspires others.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelor AND 5 years of related professional/military aerospace experience OR Associates Degree AND 7 years professional/military aerospace experience OR High School Diploma and 9 years of professional/military aerospace experience in lieu of a degree.
  • Experience with aircraft build, maintenance/operations and/or test
  • Experience leading projects or teams
  • Must have an active Secret US Government clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Experience with Engineering drawings, CPLM, Teamcenter, MES or other maintenance/database systems

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Science, Technical, Engineering or Math (STEM)
  • Experience working in a production/test environment
  • Experience with troubleshooting methodologies
  • Experience operating under DCMA 8210 oversight
  • Previous experience with ground/flight test operations
  • Prior management experience.

What We Offer:

At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare and a great 401K matching program!

Primary Level Salary Range: $121,000.00 - $181,600.00The 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