Test Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Test Engineering Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, consumer electronics, and enterprise software across a seniority range from first-time managers through principal-level engineering leaders. The heaviest hiring is in the San Jose and San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers like Apple, Qualcomm, and Northrop Grumman maintain large engineering organizations that depend on test infrastructure at scale. The most in-demand specialties are hardware validation, automated test equipment, and software quality engineering for embedded and real-time systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE JOB
Anduril's Manufacturing team is seeking a Manager of Manufacturing Test Engineering to join our team. The EW Manufacturing Team is responsible for rapidly iterating and building cutting-edge defense hardware for Electromagnetic Warfare.
We aim to develop and deploy critically needed capabilities that address our customers' most pressing national security requirements. As the Manager of Manufacturing Test Engineering, your role encompasses the strategic oversight and tactical management of production systems to support high-volume products across the portfolio. You are charged with ensuring rigorous testing protocols are in place, resulting in the consistent delivery of superior quality products to our customers. Furthermore, your leadership guarantees the fulfillment of manufacturing's test throughput requirements. This position demands an innovative approach to resolving complex testing challenges, advancing scalability, and enhancing our automation, throughput, user interfaces, and data analytics methodologies.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Direct the manufacturing test engineering team, set objectives, guide initiatives, and assess team outcomes.
- Oversee and consistently contribute improvements of the manufacturing test strategy for each product to ensure scalable operations across Anduril, transitioning from pre-production to full-scale output.
- Collaborate with product SEIT and development engineering for design testability, ensuring seamless production integration.
- Strategize and implement advancements in manufacturing testing, focusing on automation, uniformity, and operational streamlining.
- Maintain test capabilities of multiple products across their respective manufacturing value stream - from system level checkouts and acceptance testing to key component level in process validation.
- Evaluate test data, compile findings, and identify opportunities for product and process enhancements.
- Communicate strategic visions to key stakeholders, guiding the scaling of platforms from pre-production (LRIP) through to mass production (FRP).
- Lead the procurement and implementation of new test equipment, performing cost-benefit and ROI analyses as needed.
- Champion initiatives that enhance safety, reduce costs, improve quality, and increase productivity through testing.
- Cultivate a culture focused on innovation, collaboration, and accountability in the engineering department.
- Act as the go-to technical authority for manufacturing test matters, advising on and troubleshooting complex issues.
- Design proactive maintenance and calibration protocols for manufacturing test equipment.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 8+ years of relevant industry experience with emphasis on manufacturing test and product sustainment.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronics, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2+ years as a people manager leading manufacturing test engineering or relevant adjacent fields.
- Experienced in Linux, C#, Python, NixOS, LabView, or other forms of test automation.
- Experience with computer hardware communication protocols: USB, Ethernet, RS232, RS485, PCIe, HDMI, CAN, etc.
- Solid experience with PCBA/electronic assembly testing and knowledge of testing standards including and not limited to: acceptance testing, EOL testing, and ESS testing.
- Proficiency in using electronic and RF test equipment.
- Strong analytical skills for root cause analysis of non-conforming electro-mechanical hardware
- Familiar with Test Execution Systems (TES), Product Life Cycle (PLM) systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
- Experience in managing projects that integrate electrical, mechanical, and software/firmware systems.
- Ability to obtain and maintain US DoD clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 10+ years of relevant industry experience
- Advanced degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Demonstrated ability to lead the development of manufacturing test systems and teams.
- Proficiency in LabVIEW, MATLAB, and test automation.
- Knowledge of PCBA design and mechanical design
- Familiarity with various hardware communication protocols.
- Experience with designing HASS & ESS-related tests (Thermal, Vibration, etc.).
- Familiarity in using AI tools
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
- Please always verify communications:
- Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
- Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.
Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE JOB
Anduril's Manufacturing team is seeking a Manager of Manufacturing Test Engineering to join our team. The EW Manufacturing Team is responsible for rapidly iterating and building cutting-edge defense hardware for Electromagnetic Warfare.
We aim to develop and deploy critically needed capabilities that address our customers' most pressing national security requirements. As the Manager of Manufacturing Test Engineering, your role encompasses the strategic oversight and tactical management of production systems to support high-volume products across the portfolio. You are charged with ensuring rigorous testing protocols are in place, resulting in the consistent delivery of superior quality products to our customers. Furthermore, your leadership guarantees the fulfillment of manufacturing's test throughput requirements. This position demands an innovative approach to resolving complex testing challenges, advancing scalability, and enhancing our automation, throughput, user interfaces, and data analytics methodologies.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Direct the manufacturing test engineering team, set objectives, guide initiatives, and assess team outcomes.
- Oversee and consistently contribute improvements of the manufacturing test strategy for each product to ensure scalable operations across Anduril, transitioning from pre-production to full-scale output.
- Collaborate with product SEIT and development engineering for design testability, ensuring seamless production integration.
- Strategize and implement advancements in manufacturing testing, focusing on automation, uniformity, and operational streamlining.
- Maintain test capabilities of multiple products across their respective manufacturing value stream - from system level checkouts and acceptance testing to key component level in process validation.
- Evaluate test data, compile findings, and identify opportunities for product and process enhancements.
- Communicate strategic visions to key stakeholders, guiding the scaling of platforms from pre-production (LRIP) through to mass production (FRP).
- Lead the procurement and implementation of new test equipment, performing cost-benefit and ROI analyses as needed.
- Champion initiatives that enhance safety, reduce costs, improve quality, and increase productivity through testing.
- Cultivate a culture focused on innovation, collaboration, and accountability in the engineering department.
- Act as the go-to technical authority for manufacturing test matters, advising on and troubleshooting complex issues.
- Design proactive maintenance and calibration protocols for manufacturing test equipment.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 8+ years of relevant industry experience with emphasis on manufacturing test and product sustainment.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronics, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2+ years as a people manager leading manufacturing test engineering or relevant adjacent fields.
- Experienced in Linux, C#, Python, NixOS, LabView, or other forms of test automation.
- Experience with computer hardware communication protocols: USB, Ethernet, RS232, RS485, PCIe, HDMI, CAN, etc.
- Solid experience with PCBA/electronic assembly testing and knowledge of testing standards including and not limited to: acceptance testing, EOL testing, and ESS testing.
- Proficiency in using electronic and RF test equipment.
- Strong analytical skills for root cause analysis of non-conforming electro-mechanical hardware
- Familiar with Test Execution Systems (TES), Product Life Cycle (PLM) systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
- Experience in managing projects that integrate electrical, mechanical, and software/firmware systems.
- Ability to obtain and maintain US DoD clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 10+ years of relevant industry experience
- Advanced degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Demonstrated ability to lead the development of manufacturing test systems and teams.
- Proficiency in LabVIEW, MATLAB, and test automation.
- Knowledge of PCBA design and mechanical design
- Familiarity with various hardware communication protocols.
- Experience with designing HASS & ESS-related tests (Thermal, Vibration, etc.).
- Familiarity in using AI tools
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
- Please always verify communications:
- Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
- Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.
Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.
See All 90 Test Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Test Engineering Manager JobsTest Engineering Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Test Engineering Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Tesla22
- Northrop Grumman10
- Apple7
- Anduril3
- Marvell Technology3
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware10
- Manufacturing6
- Technology & Software3
- Automotive1
- Medical Devices1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in test engineering manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field
- Three or more years managing test engineering teams in a production or development environment
- Hands-on experience designing or overseeing automated test equipment and validation frameworks
- Demonstrated ability to own product quality metrics, defect escape rates, and release readiness decisions
- Proficiency with at least one test automation platform such as LabVIEW, Python-based pytest, or NI TestStand
- Experience collaborating with hardware, firmware, and software teams in an Agile or hardware development lifecycle
Test Engineering Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a test engineering manager in California?
The most direct path is several years of hands-on test engineering work followed by a move into team leadership, typically in California's semiconductor, aerospace, or consumer electronics sectors. California does not require a state-issued license for this role, but a Professional Engineer registration from the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists strengthens candidacy for defense and regulated industries. A bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering is the standard entry credential.
Which companies hire test engineering managers in California?
Employers hiring test engineering managers in California right now include Tesla, Northrop Grumman, and Apple, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of semiconductor fabs, defense primes, and consumer electronics headquarters means demand is spread across large established engineering organizations with dedicated hardware and software validation teams.
Which California cities have the most test engineering manager jobs?
Fremont, Palo Alto, and San Diego have the most test engineering manager openings in California. The Bay Area dominates because of its density of semiconductor and enterprise software companies, San Diego draws heavily from defense contractors and wireless chip firms like Qualcomm, and Los Angeles reflects demand from aerospace and media technology employers anchored in that region.
Are there remote test engineering manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Test engineering management often requires physical access to hardware, lab equipment, and manufacturing lines, which limits full-remote arrangements. About 11% of test engineering manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and when remote work does appear it tends to cover the team management, planning, and software quality portions of the role rather than hands-on validation work.
How can I get hired as a test engineering manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving up from a senior test engineer or quality engineer role within a California company rather than applying to manager positions from outside. Large Bay Area and San Diego employers in semiconductors and defense regularly promote from within and post associate or senior individual-contributor roles as stepping stones. Building a portfolio of test framework projects, earning a Certified Software Test Professional credential, and targeting rotational engineering programs at companies like Broadcom or L3Harris gives candidates without direct management experience a concrete way to close the gap.
Where can I find and apply to test engineering manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to test engineering manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 90 Test Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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