1

Test Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Product Operations Test Engineering team is a passionate, highly skilled, hard-working group of engineers from a diverse set of backgrounds, covering all aspects of inspection and test equipment ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

$122K - $227K/yr

Lead, Integration/Test Engineer Job Code: 36018 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 ...

Test Engineering Technician Job Duration: Long term Contract Pay range: $45.00 -48.00 USD per hour on W2 Work Type: Onsite (Foster City, CA 94404) Overview/Responsibilities: * As a part of our ...

Engineer Test

Fremont, CA · On-site

$85K - $98K/yr

Supports the overall test and engineering needs of operations. Technical resource for operations required to develop thorough knowledge of all products, subassemblies, hardware and test processes for ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Test Engineering information

See California salary details

$74K

$112.8K

$150.5K

How much do test engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 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 Lead

Test Engineering Lead

Apple

Sunnyvale, CA

$172K - $258K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

The Product Operations Test Engineering team is a passionate, highly skilled, hard-working group of engineers from a diverse set of backgrounds, covering all aspects of inspection and test equipment development, prototyping, modeling and simulation.
Our mission is to optimize Apple production test lines in terms of productivity, automation, performance, and overall cost-effectiveness by introducing new concepts for production test line architecture, test equipment, and test methods.
Description
We are seeking a Test Lead to join us developing and owning tools to test and calibrate components for all Apple products. The successful candidate should have experience with test station development, be self-motivated, and be able to successfully drive effective communication and collaboration across all teams.","responsibilities":" Developing and delivering test system solutions which meet business objectives for performance, cost, quality, reliability, and schedule.
Optimizing test and calibration for hardware sub-systems
Working collaboratively with teams across design, software, systems, and operations departments
Presenting program status updates to internal teams and executives
Partnering with external vendors and 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 related field
Prior technical leadership and/or technical project 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 station development
Six Sigma and/or Project Management certification
Experience with FMEA and FA processes - root-cause analysis of issues and recommendations for design improvements
Knowledge of statistical data analysis methods and tools
Experience interfacing with factory teams and bringing up production lines
Software development experience (Python, C++, log review, code review)
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or a related field
5+ years of hardware/software architecture and interoperability of complex systems
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $172,100 and $258,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976