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Test Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

Manager, System Test Engineering

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

We are looking to hire a System Test Engineering Manager who will work in test solutions group at NVIDIA developing manufacturing test solutions for Embedded and Automotive System products. Through ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineering Lead

Marina, CA · On-site

$188K - $242K/yr

Overview Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven Flight Test Engineer Lead to join our flight test team. This role presents a unique opportunity to lead a highly talented team of flight test ...

Marvell

Test Engineering Director

Santa Clara, CA

Define and lead the overall test engineering strategy for IO Chiplet-based products targeting high-speed and high-power AI applications, including ATE platform selection, vendor engagement, and ...

L3HHCM20

$122K - $227K/yr

Lead, Integration/Test Engineer Job Code: 40023 Job Location: Canoga Park, CA Job Schedule: 9/80 Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off The ...

Masimo

Sr Test Engineering Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33 - $39/hr

The Test Engineering Technician supports the execution of verification, validation, reliability, and performance testing for Masimo products and technologies. This role is responsible for setting up ...

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L3HHCM20

Lead, Systems Test Engineering

Carlsbad, CA

$127K - $236K/yr

Lead, Systems Test Engineer Job code: 38608 Job Location: Carlsbad, California Job Schedule: 9/80- employees work 9 out of 14 days, totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off L3Harris ...

Masimo

Sr Test Engineering Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$33 - $39/hr

The Test Engineering Technician supports the execution of verification, validation, reliability, and performance testing for Masimo products and technologies. This role is responsible for setting up ...

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All JobsTest Engineering JobsTest Engineering Jobs in California

Test Engineering information

See California salary details

$74K

$112.8K

$150.5K

How much do test engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for test engineering 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 is the difference between Test Engineering vs Quality Assurance (QA) Testing?

AspectTest EngineeringQuality Assurance (QA) Testing
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and executing test plans and automation scripts to validate productsVerifying that products meet quality standards through manual and automated testing
Work EnvironmentEngineering teams, development labs, automation toolsTesting labs, user environments, QA departments
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Computer Science; knowledge of testing tools and scriptingBachelor's in Computer Science, Quality Management; familiarity with testing methodologies
Industry UsageUsed across software, hardware, and embedded systems industriesPrimarily in software development and IT sectors

Test Engineering focuses on creating and implementing testing processes and automation to ensure product functionality, while QA Testing emphasizes verifying that products meet quality standards through various testing methods. Both roles are essential in the product development lifecycle but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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 strong analytical skills, a background in engineering or computer science, and experience with software or hardware testing methodologies. Familiarity with automated testing tools (such as Selenium, JUnit, or LabVIEW), scripting languages, and test management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure reliable product quality, efficient defect resolution, and clear collaboration across development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by test engineers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Test engineers often encounter challenges such as tight project deadlines, rapidly changing requirements, and the need to quickly learn new testing tools or technologies. Managing these challenges involves strong communication with development teams to clarify requirements, prioritizing testing tasks based on risk, and continuously updating one's skills. Collaborative work environments and agile methodologies can also help test engineers stay flexible and efficient, enabling them to deliver high-quality results even in fast-paced settings.

What is Test Engineering?

Test engineering is a field focused on designing, developing, and executing tests to ensure the quality and functionality of products, typically in software or manufacturing industries. Test engineers create testing plans, identify potential issues, and work closely with development teams to resolve defects before products reach customers. Their work is crucial in verifying that products meet specified requirements and industry standards. Test engineering can involve both manual and automated testing processes, depending on the nature of the product and the project requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Test Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Test Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Test Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Test Engineering job openings:
Test Engineering jobs near you
Director, ATE Test Engineering

Director, ATE Test Engineering

Ampere Computing LLC

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$279K - $419K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Description
Invent the future with us.
Ampere is a semiconductor design company for a new era, leading the future of computing with an innovative approach to CPU design focused on high-performance, energy efficient AI compute.
As a pioneer in the new frontier of energy efficient high-performance computing, Ampere is part of the Softbank Group of companies driving sustainable computing for AI, Cloud, and edge applications.
Join us at Ampere and work alongside a passionate and growing team - we'd love to have you apply!
About the role:
Ampere is seeking a hands-on, high-impact leader to build and scale our ATE Test Engineering organization from NPI through high-volume manufacturing (HVM) of our next-generation power-efficient server products. You will define and execute test strategy, architectures, and operating processes that deliver world-class test coverage, quality, yield, and total cost of test; enabling fast, reliable ramp across multiple product lines.
What you'll achieve:
  • Build and scale the organization: Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing ATE test engineering team; establish clear technical standards, ways of working, and measurable goals.
  • Own end-to-end ATE test strategy: Define ATE test architecture, methodologies, and coverage targets from pre-silicon through HVM, ensuring alignment to product quality and yield requirements.
  • Partner cross-functionally: Work closely with Design/DFT, Product/Package, Manufacturing, and Quality to establish testability requirements, DFX-to-test transfer plans, and release criteria.
  • Drive NPI execution and production readiness: Ensure robust test bring-up, validation, and production release-meeting targets for cost, schedule, quality, and yield.
  • Architect scalable ATE test solutions: Lead the design of flexible, reusable test program structures that enable rapid ramp-up across sites and product variants.
  • Oversee high-speed ATE development: Provide technical leadership on high-speed ATE test hardware and interface development for HPC server products (e.g., load-board/probing strategy, instrumentation, timing/accuracy requirements).
  • Lead test planning governance: Run and drive alignment in test plan reviews and technical decision forums across engineering, product, and operations.
  • Data-driven yield and quality improvement: Analyze yield, scrap, and retest data to identify bottlenecks; drive continuous improvement with product/process teams.
  • Lead quality investigations: Own and drive systematic problem solving (e.g., 8D, RCCA) to eliminate root causes and prevent test escapes across products and manufacturing sites.
  • Manage external partners and sites: Partner with OSATs/CMs/test houses to ensure process control, rapid excursion response, and strong operational KPIs (e.g., DPPM, yield, escapes, retest rates, throughput).
  • Own ATE CAPEX and vendor strategy: Lead budgeting, equipment selection, and sustaining strategies for load boards, probe cards, sockets, instrumentation, and related test infrastructure.
  • Establish engineering workflows and rigor: Implement robust software and process practices including version control, code review, CI/CD for test software, change control, golden units, and full traceability.
  • Ensure compliance and IP protection: Ensure adherence to applicable standards and robust secure workflows (e.g., ISO 9001; add IATF 16949 / AEC-Q100 and ISO 13485 if applicable). Protect IP through secure test flows and controlled access.

About you:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field plus 15 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus 12 years of relevant experience in semiconductor test engineering, product engineering, or test development.
  • 5+ years of leadership experience managing Test and/or Product engineering teams
  • Strong expertise in ATE hardware design, test methodology, failure analysis/silicon debug, and test software development (e.g., C/C++, Python)
  • Deep knowledge of:
    • Scan/ATPG
    • Memory BIST
    • High-speed I/O testing
    • Silicon debug and correlation between test and design behavior
  • Proven experience with high-end ATE platforms such as:
    • Advantest EXA Scale and/or
    • Teradyne UltrFLEX+
  • Demonstrated ability to drive alignment across design, product, and operations through influence and data-driven decision-making
  • Proven track record managing NPI and scaling into HVM, including global OSAT bring-up and ramp support
  • Experience with OSAT/CM operations in Asia, including process control and remote debug; willingness to travel

What we'll offer:
At Ampere we believe in taking care of our employees and providing a competitive total rewards package that includes base pay, cash long-term incentive, and comprehensive benefits. The full base pay range for this role is between $279,500 and $419,500, except in the San Francisco Bay Area where the range is between $293,000 and $440,000.
Our benefits include health, wellness, and financial programs that support employees through every stage of life.
Benefit highlights include:
  • Premium medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, as well as income protection and a 401K retirement plan, so that you can feel secure in your health and financial future.
  • Unlimited Flextime and 10+ paid holidays so that you can embrace a healthy work-life balance.
  • A variety of healthy snacks, energizing espresso, and refreshing drinks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.

And there is much more than compensation and benefits. At Ampere, we foster an inclusive culture that empowers our employees to do more and grow more. We are excited to share more about our career opportunities with you through the interview process.
#LI-Hybrid
Ampere is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, age, veteran and/or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

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