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Test Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineering Lead

Marina, CA

$188K - $242K/yr

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 ...

Joby Aviation

Flight Test Engineering Lead

Marina, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Logos Space

Production Test Engineering Lead

San Diego, CA · On-site

$170K - $240K/yr

Position Summary & Responsibilities We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Production Test Engineering Lead to spearhead the development, deployment, and management of all production test ...

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

$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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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 8, 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?

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.

How much does a test engineering get paid?

Test engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand sectors like electronics or software testing.

What does a test engineering do?

A test engineer designs, develops, and executes tests to ensure the quality and functionality of products or systems. They use tools like test automation software and may analyze test data to identify defects, working closely with design and manufacturing teams to improve product reliability.

Are test engineers in demand?

Test engineering is a growing field with strong demand due to the increasing complexity of electronic and software products. Employers seek professionals skilled in automation tools, scripting, and quality assurance processes, often requiring certifications and experience with testing frameworks. Job prospects are favorable across industries such as manufacturing, technology, and automotive sectors.
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
Infographic showing various Test Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,834 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Manager, Propulsion Test Engineering

Impulse Space

Mojave, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

As a Manager, Propulsion Test Engineering at Impulse, you will be responsible for testing all aspects of development and production-level propulsion hardware. This team ensures that our propulsion systems meet design intent and performance requirements through rigorous testing, analysis, and validation.

As Manager, you will oversee a team of engineers ranging in experience from entry-level to principal, guiding their technical execution, professional development, and collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams. You'll own the team's priorities, performance, and culture-driving high reliability, innovation, and speed in our testing operations.
  • Lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary team of engineers, from entry level to principal
  • Plan, coordinate, and oversee test operations across multiple test sites, develop operator training, and ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality test execution
  • Manage test schedules, resources, and priorities to meet program milestones
  • Develop and track key operational metrics, identifying opportunities to improve test throughput, reliability, and overall team performance
  • Ensure all test operations are conducted in accordance with established safety procedures, hazard controls, and operational standards
  • Drive root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement to improve safety, reliability, efficiency, and test quality
  • Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions
  • Coordinate with test equipment, infrastructure, and data systems teams to support current and future testing needs
  • Establish and maintain high technical, operational, and professional standards
  • Champion a culture of safety, technical rigor, operational excellence, and ownership

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or a related field
  • 5+ years of demonstrated experience in development or production test engineering
  • Demonstrated success building and developing high-performing engineering teams
  • Demonstrated understanding of fluid systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems 
  • Proven ability to manage complex test operations safely and effectively

  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline or management field
  • 7+ years' relevant experience in rocket, propulsion, or aerospace test engineering
  • Familiarity with test automation, data systems, and safety management

Additional Information

  • This role is based on-site at our Mojave Test facility at the Mojave Air & Space Port
  • Occasional travel to partner locations may be required
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents due to export control regulations

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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