Senior Test Engineer

Palomar Products, Inc.; Rancho Santa Margarita (CA); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Palomar Products, Inc. is seeking a Senior Test Engineer in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to join an aerospace/defense engineering team. The role focuses on R&D support, system validation, and test automation across hardware, software, and systems disciplines.

The ideal candidate has a 3+ year testing background, proficiency with LabVIEW and Python, and a track record in product development environments. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement with competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of testing experience in engineering environments.
• Ability to work across R&D and product development teams.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D activities for current and future product generations.
• Define, document, and interpret system test requirements.
• Develop comprehensive test plans and procedures.
• Perform functional, qualification, and system integration testing.
• Debug software builds, identify defects, and produce test reports.
• Design and build test fixtures for system integration and automated testing.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical issues.

Skills

3+ years testing experience

Strong communication skills

Ability to obtain security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

C

JIRA

Git

Job description

Would you like to work on mission-critical secure communication systems used in real aerospace and defense applications?

Would you value a role where you sit close to R&D, supporting complex product development while developing into a Systems or Design Engineer over time?

Do you want to join a highly respected engineering organisation known for cutting-edge technology, strong technical leadership, and long-term career growth?

If so, this is a rare opportunity for a Senior Test Engineer to join a growing engineering team developing current and next-generation secure communication systems supporting mission-critical aerospace and defense programs.

As a Senior Test Engineer, you will sit at the heart of product development — working closely with engineering teams across hardware, software, and systems to support R&D, integration, and system validation.

As a Senior Test Engineer, you will:

• Support R&D activities for current and future product generations
• Define, document, and interpret system test requirements
• Develop comprehensive test plans and procedures
• Perform functional, qualification, and system integration testing
• Debug software builds, identify defects, and produce test reports
• Design and build test fixtures for system integration and automated testing
• Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical issues

The ideal Senior Test Engineer will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or similar
• 3+ years of relevant testing experience within engineering environments
• Experience supporting testing within R&D or product development
• 1–2 years’ experience using LabVIEW/Python for automated testing
• Familiarity with Python or C for debugging or test automation
• Strong understanding of electronic systems and test equipment
• Experience with tools such as JIRA, Git, and defect tracking systems
• Strong communication skills and ability to work across engineering teams
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain security clearance

Location : Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (9/80 Schedule + Potential for 1 Hybrid Day Once Up to Speed)

Compensation : Up to $170k (some flex for the ideal candidate)

This Senior Test Engineer opportunity offers exposure to complex, mission-critical aerospace systems, strong technical mentorship, and clear progression into Systems or Design Engineering within a growing, high-technology organisation.