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Test Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Today, we are increasingly known as "the AI computing company." We are seeking a System Test Engineering Manager to lead manufacturing test solutions for NVIDIA Datacenter system products. In this ...

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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:
Lead, Systems Test Engineering

Lead, Systems Test Engineering

L3Harris Technologies

San Diego, CA

$127K - $236K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: 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’ Communication Systems segment is currently seeking a Lead Systems Test Engineer to join our team. This position will be based at our Carlsbad, CA facility.

Position Overview: 
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Systems Test Engineer to join our dynamic engineering team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in systems engineering and testing, with the ability to manage large, complex project initiatives of substantial importance to the organization. The primary focus will be on test automation and TEMPEST and EMI/EMC compliance, ensuring the reliability and performance of complex systems.  This role involves designing, developing, executing, and automating test plans to validate system functionality and performance.

Essential Responsibilities:
•    Develop and implement comprehensive test plans and test cases based on system requirements and specifications and develop and maintain test automation scripts, specifically LabVIEW and Test Stand, to perform system integration testing, regression testing, and performance testing.
•    Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software developers, hardware engineers, and product managers, to resolve issues and improve system performance.
•    Analyze test results and provide detailed reports to stakeholders.
•    Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices in testing and quality assurance.
•    Participate in design and code reviews to provide feedback from a testing perspective.

Qualifications:
•    Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
•    7 years experience of system architectures, hardware-software integration, and testing methodologies and Knowledge of test equipment including but not limited to oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, logic analyzers, and signal generators.
•    5 years of experience with Test Automation software such as LabVIEW and TestStand for test automation and data acquisition.
•    5 years of experience in system test and production test and experience designing test fixtures and Interface Test Adapter (ITA) designs that meet performance, cost, and manufacturability goals.
•    Active Secret security clearance

Preferred Additional Skills:
•    Ability to conceptualize, design, implement, and test complex RF, electrical, and mechanical systems.
•    Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies, SharePoint, Solidworks 3D, DxDesigner, JIRA, JAMA Software, or DOORS Software.
•    Experience in the aerospace and defense industry and Tactical Data Links.
•    Experience with FTP, TFTP, SNMP protocols, and VLAN configurations as well as JTAG, UART, MIL-STD-1553, GPIB, and TCP/IP connection configuration.
•    Experience with VISA and IVI drivers using Keysight or National Instruments tools.
•    Proficiency with code tracking and code reviews through Git/Bitbucket.
•    Ability to travel up to 10% of the time to customer sites.
•    Experience with scripting languages such as Python, Perl, or equivalent, for automating test procedures and data analysis.
•    Analytical and problem-solving skills and strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
•    Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality results.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California is $127,500 - $236,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-CS3

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.