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Test Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Writer

Software quality engineer (US)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$132K - $258K/yr

About WRITER WRITER is where the world's leading enterprises orchestrate AI-powered work. Our ... Define and implement comprehensive quality assurance strategies and test plans for our AI agents ...

SpaceX

Electrical Test Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Write automation software in Python to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems * Work closely with and consistently provide feedback to ...

SpaceX

Electrical Test Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Write automation software in Python to interact with units under test, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems * Work closely with and consistently provide feedback to ...

BTAS

Writer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $200K/yr

Writer LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active TS with SCI eligibility ... and space test range assets to support the Department of Defense's (DoD) current and future ...

DivIHN Integration Inc

Technical Writer 1

San Diego, CA · On-site

Technical Writer 1 Location: San Diego, CA Duration: 6 Months with possibilities of extensions ... You will create informal documentation for development and test teams, including process guides and ...

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All JobsTest Writer JobsTest Writer Jobs in California

Test Writer information

See California salary details

$13

$38

$65

How much do test writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for test writer in California is $38.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $46.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Test Writer vs Test Developer?

AspectTest WriterTest Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in education, psychology, or related field; certifications in assessment design are a plusOften requires a degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field; programming skills may be necessary
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, certification bodies, or corporate training departmentsSoftware companies, e-learning platforms, or testing software development firms
Industry UsageUsed in education, certification, and training sectorsPrimarily in tech, software, and online testing industries
Common Search/ComparisonFocuses on creating and writing test questions and assessmentsFocuses on developing the software and tools used to administer tests

While both roles involve assessments, Test Writers focus on designing and creating test questions, whereas Test Developers build the software and systems that deliver these tests. Understanding these differences helps employers and professionals identify the right career path or job requirements.

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

To thrive as a Test Writer, you need expertise in subject matter content, strong analytical skills, and experience in educational assessment design, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with test authoring platforms, item banking systems, and knowledge of standards like Bloom’s Taxonomy are typically required. Excellent written communication, attention to detail, and adaptability help ensure clarity and fairness in test items while meeting diverse learning needs. These skills guarantee the creation of valid, reliable, and effective assessments that measure intended learning outcomes.

What are some common challenges Test Writers face when developing assessment materials?

Test Writers often encounter the challenge of creating clear, unbiased, and valid questions that accurately measure the intended skills or knowledge. Balancing the difficulty level, ensuring questions align with learning objectives, and avoiding ambiguity are frequent hurdles. Additionally, Test Writers must collaborate closely with subject matter experts and editors to review and refine items, while adhering to tight deadlines and standardized testing guidelines.

What are Test Writers?

Test Writers are professionals responsible for creating, developing, and reviewing assessments, exams, or quizzes used in educational, certification, or employment settings. They design questions that accurately measure knowledge, skills, or competencies according to specific guidelines and objectives. Test Writers must ensure that their questions are clear, unbiased, and appropriate for the intended audience. Their work often involves collaborating with subject matter experts and aligning content with relevant standards.
What are popular job titles related to Test Writer jobs in California? For Test Writer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Test Writer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Test Writer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Test Writer jobs? Cities in California with the most Test Writer job openings:
Test Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Writer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,940 per year, or $38.4 per hour.
Environmental Test Engineer

Environmental Test Engineer

Malin Space Science Systems, Inc.

San Diego, CA

$115/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Malin Space Science Systems (MSSS) is a private technology company that designs, develops and operates space camera systems for government and commercial aerospace customers and provides services in spacecraft instrument operations and space science research. As a member of our multidisciplinary Camera Systems Group, the Test Engineer specializes in and supports environmental and functional testing across a variety of exciting space programs. 
Essential Functions
  • Maintains test facilities, including thermal chambers with mechanical refrigeration, thermal chambers with LN2 cooling, and thermal-vacuum chambers. Assesses maintenance issues and performs repairs.
  • Supports Thermal-Vacuum, pyro-shock, and vibration testing, onsite as required.
  • Writes and maintains standard operating procedures for environmental test facilities.
  • Specifies and oversees installation of new test facilities.. 
  • Designs, assists and oversees fabrication of electrical, mechanical, and optical test fixtures.
  • Performs thermal analysis for test design.
  • Writes reports for test anomalies, performs root-cause analysis, designs and implements corrective actions.
  • Develops test plans and procedures. Runs tests in a production setting.
  • Designs systems of test equipment to support testing and writes Python scripts to drive automated tests.
  • Writes Python scripts for analysis and reporting of test data.
  • Conducts tests according to detailed work instructions and maintains complete and accurate as-run records of tests.
  • Requires on-call availability to resolve anomalies during 24-hour testing of flight hardware.
  • May require work onsite or offsite outside normal business hours.
  • Prior to entering assembly, test, storage or developmental areas within the Camera Systems Group unescorted, receive initial and ongoing annual training in the fundamentals of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).
  • Travels to customers and/or vendors as required.

Non-Essential Functions
  • Supports optical and calibration tests.
  • Provides engineering expertise to other departments as needed to complete internal projects.
  • Performs other duties as required or requested which may become essential to this position.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
  • 8 years of relevant experience.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Occasional travel to customers and/or vendors may be required. 

Preferred Skills
  • Fluency with military test standards.
  • Fluency in Python and experience with SolidWorks and Altium Designer.

Pay Rate: $115-135k 
Physical Requirements
Must be able to remain in a stationary position operating a computer for periods of time, while handling multiple priorities simultaneously. Must be able to communicate clearly with a variety of people on a daily basis. Occasionally moves about the office to access office machinery, lab spaces, and machine shop. Ability to work and move around in a cleanroom environment, wearing required outer garments including smock/coveralls, shoe covers, mask, hood and gloves. Must be able to use small hand tools as needed. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. as needed. Possess mental acuity at a level which will facilitate execution of complex technical/engineering instructions. Ability to handle high stress levels in connection with multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines. High tolerance for ambiguity and shifting expectations. Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload. Ability to travel to customers and/or vendors locations. 
Disclaimer
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
 

View MSSS Benefits 
MSSS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of any protected status, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to individuals who are unable to use this online system due to a disability.
To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact egomez@msss.com 

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