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Test Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal Test Engineer/Test Lead

Northridge, CA · On-site

$51 - $69.50/hr

You'll lead with purpose, breaking down barriers to innovation for a more connected, compassionate world. About the Role The Principal Test Engineer/Test Lead is a recognized technical leader ...

Facets Test Lead

El Dorado Hills, CA

$48.25 - $65.75/hr

At least 4 years of experience in test strategy and test Design. * Experience with Healthcare domain. * At least 4 years of experience in test execution analysis & reporting. * At least 4 years of ...

You'll lead with purpose, breaking down barriers to innovation for a more connected, compassionate world. About the Role The Principal Test Engineer/Test Lead is a recognized technical leader ...

Technical Test Lead- Python/ Pyspark

Irvine, CA · On-site

$51 - $69.50/hr

Technical Test Lead- Python/ Pyspark Location: Irvine, CA 100%-Onsite Duration: 6+ months Implementation Partner: Infosys End Client: To be disclosed - Capital Markets JD: As a Test Lead- Python ...

Facets Test Lead

San Francisco, CA

$56 - $76.25/hr

At least 4 years of experience in test strategy and test Design. * Experience with Healthcare domain. * At least 4 years of experience in test execution analysis & reporting. * At least 4 years of ...

ETL Test Lead

Santa Clara, CA

$55.75 - $76/hr

ETL Test Lead Santa Clara, CA Work with development and support teams to identify gaps in functional or technical requirements for Application Software and brings these gaps to SVB's attention. Need ...

Oracle CC&B Test Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$56 - $76.25/hr

Job Title Oracle CC&B Test Lead Estimated Start Date 5/5/2026 Location San Francisco., CA Duration(Months) 6 Months Remote Possibility Onsite/ Remote PST Required Qualifications We are seeking a CC&B ...

ETL Test Lead

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$55.75 - $76/hr

Company Description ETL Test Lead Santa Clara, CA Work with development and support teams to identify gaps in functional or technical requirements for Application Software and brings these gaps to ...

Python Automation Test Lead

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$53.75 - $71/hr

ClifyX is seeking a Python Automation Test Lead with extensive experience in IT and automation testing. The role requires strong skills in Python and Selenium, with a preference for knowledge in ...

IESE Solutions is seeking a Software Test Lead to support to the US Space Force (USSF) in developing and deploying novel command and control applications within the Program Executive Office (PEO ...

IESE Solutions is seeking a Software Test Lead to support to the US Space Force (USSF) in developing and deploying novel command and control applications within the Program Executive Office (PEO ...

Showing results 21-40

Test Lead information

See California salary details

$9

$52

$79

How much do test lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for test lead in California is $52.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.10 and $61.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a test lead?

A test lead is an IT professional who oversees the process of testing software before moving it to production. As a test lead, your duties are to monitor other testers to ensure proper execution. Beyond acting as a manager, you also act as a second level of control to think critically about the tests. You have more experience and expertise than your supervisees, so you should be better able to determine what functionality of the software may not be covered by the tests. You likely need a bachelor's degree in this career, although for some jobs an associate degree is enough. However, remember that this is not an entry-level job. Regardless of your education, you should gain experience as a software tester and move up in the career field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Test Lead, you need strong expertise in software testing methodologies, test planning, and quality assurance, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with testing tools like Selenium, JIRA, and test management systems, as well as certifications such as ISTQB, is typically required. Outstanding leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help Test Leads coordinate teams and resolve issues efficiently. These competencies are critical for ensuring high-quality software delivery and effective collaboration across development teams.

What are some common challenges a test lead faces when coordinating testing activities across multiple teams?

A Test Lead often encounters challenges such as aligning testing timelines with various development teams, ensuring consistent communication among stakeholders, and managing resource constraints. Coordinating test scenarios, maintaining up-to-date documentation, and handling last-minute changes in project requirements can be demanding. To navigate these issues, Test Leads typically implement structured processes, leverage test management tools, and foster a culture of collaboration to keep everyone on the same page.

What is the difference between Test Lead vs Test Analyst?

AspectTest LeadTest Analyst
CertificationsISTQB, CSTE, or equivalentISTQB Foundation, ISTQB Advanced (optional)
Work EnvironmentLeads testing teams, manages test planning and executionPerforms testing activities, executes test cases, reports defects
Employer UsageUsed in organizations with dedicated testing teams, often in QA managementUsed across various industries for hands-on testing roles

The main difference between a Test Lead and a Test Analyst is that the Test Lead oversees testing activities, manages teams, and coordinates testing efforts, while the Test Analyst focuses on executing test cases, identifying defects, and ensuring quality. The Test Lead has more managerial responsibilities, whereas the Test Analyst is more involved in the technical testing process.

What are popular job titles related to Test Lead jobs in California?

For Test Lead jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Test Lead jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Test Lead jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Test Lead jobs?

Cities in California with the most Test Lead job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Test Lead jobs in CA?

For Test Lead jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Test Lead job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,906 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Staff Test Engineer - ACP Test Lead

Northrop Grumman Corporation

El Segundo, CA

$161K - $241K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 5 hours ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 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 Staff Systems Test Engineer - Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) Test Lead to join the team of qualified individuals on our Research and Advanced Design organization. This role is located onsite in El Segundo, CA OR Rancho Bernardo, CA.

In this role, the successful candidate will fill the role of the program Test Lead responsible for all facets of the test program, including lab and flight test staffing, planning, execution and reporting.This position requires a highly motivated and self-starting individual with relevant test operations experience. The Test Lead will orchestrate lab, ground and flight integration and developmental testing for NGAS. This is an individual contributor role and will not have direct reports.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Ensure engineering tests serve mission objectives and mechanisms are in place to execute the tests
  • Reviews status of test requirements, manages schedules, and prepares reports.
  • Identify all test and test program risks, issues, and pressures and develop mitigation and closure plans
  • Coordinate with ground test engineering and operations, aircraft modifications for testing, frequent interaction with Engineering at Rancho Bernardo, Space Park, El Segundo, and Mojave, and ensuring cost and schedule performance targets are met
  • Provide program leadership for test site employees and provide timely resource forecasts to program management, assuring that proper staffing is in place to execute the Test Statement of Work
  • Excellent communication skills, experience leading test engineering personnel, and be capable of working in a matrix environment with multiple sources of management guidance.

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, 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.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline AND 12 years of related professional/military experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 10 years of related professional/military experience, OR a STEM Ph.D. AND 8 years of related professional/military experience

  • Must have an active US Government Secret (or higher) clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

  • Must have prior CAM and Earned Value Management experience

  • Must have understanding of program risk, opportunity and issue management process

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current, active Top Secret clearance
  • Experience leading a System Test team in a dynamic work environment
  • Excellent organizational and written communication skills, as well as project management planning and presentation skills
  • Proficient with MS Project, Excel, Power Point, Word
  • Demonstrated ability to create trusted relationships
  • Experience with Jira and Confluence tools
Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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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