Senior Test Engineer Jobs in California
Senior Test Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor fabrication, consumer electronics, and enterprise software across a job market that runs from entry-level quality assurance roles through senior and staff-level positions. The largest hiring centers are San Jose, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers such as Northrop Grumman, Qualcomm, and Apple maintain substantial engineering workforces with ongoing test engineering needs. The most in-demand specialties are hardware-in-the-loop testing, RF and mixed-signal verification, and automated test framework development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Senior Test Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 318+ Senior Test Engineer jobs
The Opportunity:
Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your technical skills with big picture thinking to make an impact in the development of RF technology? You understand your customer’s environment and how to develop the right systems for their mission. Your ability to translate real-world needs into technical specifications makes you an integral part of delivering a customer-focused engineering solution.
As a Systems and Test Engineer on our team, you have the chance to shape the client’s mission by leading engineering, integration, and testing for RF projects. Your customer will trust you to not only design and develop these systems, but also evolve them with advanced technology solutions. On our team, you’ll be able to broaden your skill set into areas like software development, SI, and cybersecurity. Grow your skills by merging RF engineering and systems engineering to create software defined radios. Join our team and create the future of RF communications.
Join us. The world can’t wait.
You Have:
- 10+ years of experience with complex RF projects for the Department of War
- 5+ years of experience designing, planning, and implementing software defined radios
- Experience leading integrated technical working groups to develop complex solutions for RF technology
- Experience in network planning and network peripheral configuration
- Experience in Java and JavaScript
- Secret clearance
- Bachelor's degree
Nice If You Have:
- 10+ years of experience with complex RF projects at NIWC Pacific
- Experience performing RF testing for complex projects
- Experience leading complex projects in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment
- Experience with Python
- Master's degree
Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Secret clearance is required.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,900.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
- Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
- Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen or customer facility, in alignment with your leadership's expectations and the needs of the role.
- Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed full-time at a customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.
The Opportunity:
Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your technical skills with big picture thinking to make an impact in the development of RF technology? You understand your customer’s environment and how to develop the right systems for their mission. Your ability to translate real-world needs into technical specifications makes you an integral part of delivering a customer-focused engineering solution.
As a Systems and Test Engineer on our team, you have the chance to shape the client’s mission by leading engineering, integration, and testing for RF projects. Your customer will trust you to not only design and develop these systems, but also evolve them with advanced technology solutions. On our team, you’ll be able to broaden your skill set into areas like software development, SI, and cybersecurity. Grow your skills by merging RF engineering and systems engineering to create software defined radios. Join our team and create the future of RF communications.
Join us. The world can’t wait.
You Have:
- 10+ years of experience with complex RF projects for the Department of War
- 5+ years of experience designing, planning, and implementing software defined radios
- Experience leading integrated technical working groups to develop complex solutions for RF technology
- Experience in network planning and network peripheral configuration
- Experience in Java and JavaScript
- Secret clearance
- Bachelor's degree
Nice If You Have:
- 10+ years of experience with complex RF projects at NIWC Pacific
- Experience performing RF testing for complex projects
- Experience leading complex projects in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment
- Experience with Python
- Master's degree
Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Secret clearance is required.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen’s benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,900.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen’s total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
- Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
- Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen or customer facility, in alignment with your leadership's expectations and the needs of the role.
- Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed full-time at a customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.
See All 318+ Senior Test Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Test Engineer JobsSenior Test Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Test Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Northrop Grumman21
- Tesla15
- Qualcomm12
- Anduril8
- NVIDIA7
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software18
- Electronics & Hardware13
- Manufacturing6
- Aerospace & Defense5
- Telecommunications3
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior test engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field
- Five or more years of experience developing and executing test plans for hardware or embedded systems
- Proficiency with automated test frameworks such as pytest, NI TestStand, or LabVIEW
- Experience with RF, analog, or mixed-signal test equipment including oscilloscopes and signal analyzers
- Demonstrated ability to write and review detailed test specifications and failure analysis reports
- Familiarity with version control systems and defect tracking tools such as Git and JIRA
Senior Test Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior test engineer in California?
The standard path in California begins with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related discipline, followed by several years in a junior or mid-level test or quality assurance role. California does not require a state-issued license for most test engineering positions, though a Professional Engineer license from the California Board for Professional Engineers can strengthen candidacy for senior roles in aerospace or defense. Employers in California's semiconductor and defense corridors consistently prioritize hands-on hardware or embedded testing experience.
Which companies hire senior test engineers in California?
Employers hiring senior test engineers in California right now include Northrop Grumman, Tesla, and Qualcomm, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor companies, and consumer electronics headquarters means hiring is distributed across both established defense contractors in Los Angeles and San Diego and large technology campuses in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
Which California cities have the most senior test engineer jobs?
San Diego, Santa Clara, and San Jose account for the largest share of senior test engineer openings in California. San Jose and the broader Silicon Valley lead because of the density of semiconductor and consumer hardware companies headquartered there, while San Diego's defense and RF technology sector drives strong demand, and Los Angeles draws hiring from aerospace primes and entertainment technology firms concentrated in the region.
Are there remote senior test engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely software-focused roles, because senior test engineering work often requires hands-on access to physical hardware, RF equipment, or lab environments. About 41% of senior test engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and the remote-eligible share tends to be concentrated in test automation, software-defined test framework development, and test strategy or management positions.
How can I get hired as a senior test engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a junior or associate test engineer role, where California employers such as Northrop Grumman, Qualcomm, and Apple regularly bring in new graduates through structured engineering rotational or early-career programs. Lateral moves from adjacent roles in quality assurance, manufacturing test, or validation engineering are common. Earning a Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer credential or demonstrating automated test scripting skills in a portfolio project gives candidates a concrete edge when competing for California openings.
Where can I find and apply to senior test engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior test engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 318+ Senior Test Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Test Engineer Jobs