1

Test Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Technical Writer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$78K - $98K/yr

Lyntris moves faster than the traditional defense cycle - with integrated design, build and test ... Technical Writer * Full time * Remote / Hybrid *This position requires an active U.S. national ...

Technical Writer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$78 - $98/hr

Lyntrismoves faster than the traditional defense cycle -- with integrated design, build and test ... Technical Writer * Full time * Remote / Hybrid Duties and Responsibilities * Develop, edit, and ...

Technical Writer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$78 - $98/hr

Lyntrismoves faster than the traditional defense cycle -- with integrated design, build and test ... Technical Writer * Full time * Remote / Hybrid *This position requires anactive U.S. national ...

Showing results 21-40

Test Writer information

See California salary details

$13

$38

$65

How much do test writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 a test writer?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test writer?

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 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 cities in California are hiring for Test Writer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Test Writer job openings:

Infographic showing various Test Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,940 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Electrical Test Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

ELECTRICAL TEST ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

As an electrical test engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to design and develop test systems for all the electronic hardware on our satellites. You will be expected to create test solutions from the ground up and be the last line of defense testing and screening out all electronic hardware for our spacecraft. Our fundamental goal is to improve humanity and ultimately to explore the stars; with it comes extreme responsibility to ensure the safety and reliability of our satellites and payloads.

We're looking for people who want to dive in and get their hands dirty and those who are not afraid to make important decisions and work to provide data driven rationale. Every day we push the limits of what is possible through innovation, determination, and teamwork and we're only just beginning.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design, develop, and maintain custom test solutions for flight hardware consisting of in-house developed electronics, optics, RF antennas and modulators, and electro-mechanical hardware
  • Select commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and/or design custom PCBAs to measure signals, apply flight-like loads, and power units under test
  • 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 responsible design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and test lab teams to drive innovation in design and infrastructure to increase product reliability and yield
  • Root-cause test anomalies and failures during various states of testing and development to ensure they are understood and implement mitigations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or an engineering discipline with an emphasis in electrical engineering and electronics
  • 1+ years of experience with electronic hardware development or software development (academic projects, internships, and traditional professional experience all qualify)
  • 1+ years of programming experience using Python, MATLAB, or Embedded C/C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience analyzing circuits and developing functional test plans
  • Experience developing object-oriented software
  • Experience designing and troubleshooting PCBAs
  • Experience with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, DMMs, DAQs and measurement techniques to verify and validate product electronic requirements
  • Experience with RF test equipment including spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and signal generators
  • Understanding of electrical schematics and electronics manufacturing to analyze and improve test coverage
  • Understanding of metrology, sources of measurement error, and uncertainty analysis
  • Understanding and experience in environmental testing such as HALT, HASS, vibration, shock, thermal, TVAC, and EMI/EMC
  • Active Secret, Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance, or ability to obtain one desired but not required

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
  • Ability to lift heavy harnesses and fixtures
  • Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
Pay range:    
Electrical Test Engineer/Level I: $105,000.00 - $122,500.00/per year    
Electrical Test Engineer/Level II: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year    

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.


What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


SpaceX logo

About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US