ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Associate Software Test Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Ayar Labs

Engineer, Hardware Test Software

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

Engineer, Hardware Test Software Location: San Jose, CA Job Id: 619 # of Openings: 0 Engineer, Hardware Test Software Job Location: On-site in San Jose Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by ...

The Consensus

Senior Product Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

This is a software engineering role embedded within Manufacturing Test Engineering, working closely with hardware, firmware, software, quality, and factory operations. You'll build the backend ...

New

Etched

Senior Product Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

This is a software engineering role embedded within Manufacturing Test Engineering, working closely with hardware, firmware, software, quality, and factory operations. You'll build the backend ...

Ayar Labs

Engineer, Hardware Test Software

San Jose, CA

$130K - $160K/yr

Engineer, Hardware Test Software Job Location: On-site in San Jose Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are ...

Power Integrations

Staff Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

... software C++ programming, computer hardware, and networking as related to semiconductor ATE systems. E xp e rie nce: • A minimum of 12 years semiconductor Test Engineering experience with analog ...

Ayar Labs

Engineer, Hardware Test Software

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Engineer, Hardware Test Software Job Location: On-site in San Jose Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are ...

Ayar Labs

Engineer, Hardware Test Software

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Engineer, Hardware Test Software Job Location: On-site in San Jose Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsAssociate Software Test Engineer JobsAssociate Software Test Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Associate Software Test Engineer information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$22

$48

$113

How much do associate software test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate software test engineer in Santa Cruz, CA is $48.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.24 and $51.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate software test engineer do?

An Associate Software Test Engineer is responsible for assisting in the testing of software applications to ensure they are functioning as intended and free of critical bugs. They typically write and execute test cases, report defects, and collaborate with developers to resolve issues. This entry-level role is crucial for maintaining software quality and often involves both manual and automated testing under the guidance of more experienced engineers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate software test engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Software Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of software testing principles, familiarity with programming languages like Java or Python, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with test management tools, automated testing frameworks (such as Selenium or JUnit), and bug tracking systems is highly valuable. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication help you identify issues and collaborate with development teams. These skills ensure software quality, reduce defects, and contribute to successful product releases.

What are some common challenges an associate software test engineer might face in their first year on the job?

As an Associate Software Test Engineer, you may initially find it challenging to understand complex software systems and testing frameworks, especially if they are new to you. Adapting to rapid development cycles and managing multiple testing tasks simultaneously can also be demanding. Additionally, effective communication with developers and senior testers is essential to clarify requirements and report issues, which can take time to master. However, with mentorship and active participation in team meetings, you'll quickly gain proficiency and confidence.

What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Associate Software Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Associate Software Test Engineer job openings:

Associate Software Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Software Test Engineer job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,423 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer, Hardware Test

Muon Space

San Jose, CA • On-site

$184K - $208K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

About the role
Muon seeks a Senior Software Engineer to join our Hardware Reliability & Test organization as the technical lead for our hardware test frameworks - the software, standards, results databases, and tooling used to test Muon hardware from module level through fully assembled spacecraft. The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who bridges hardware and software: equally comfortable architecting clean Python frameworks and debugging test instruments at the bench.
This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as the technical lead for Muon's hardware test frameworks: own architecture, standards, and the technical roadmap
  • Design and build Python-based test frameworks and tooling used from module-level through fully assembled spacecraft testing
  • Write drivers and abstractions for test instruments and ground support equipment (power supplies, DAQs, oscilloscopes, environmental chambers, RF test equipment)
  • Architect test results databases and user interfaces, selecting the right technologies for Muon's scale
  • Build standard, shared spacecraft-level tests that can be tailored per mission
  • Partner with subsystem, bus, and test teams to drive framework adoption, supporting and training users
  • Integrate test frameworks with CI/CD and hardware-in-the-loop infrastructure for automated regression testing
  • Mentor engineers and set the bar for code quality across hardware test software
Qualifications
  • Experience developing software that controls and tests physical hardware, including writing drivers for test instruments (e.g., VISA/SCPI, serial, CAN, or Ethernet-based)
  • B.S. in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 8+ years of software engineering experience, with demonstrated technical leadership of complex, multi-engineer projects
  • Expert-level Python, including designing frameworks or libraries adopted by other engineering teams
  • Working knowledge of electronics and lab test equipment; comfortable debugging at the bench
  • Experience with databases and building tooling and user interfaces
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Excited to work in a fast-paced environment with new challenges each week
Nice-to-have Skills
  • Experience testing spacecraft, launch vehicles, or other aerospace hardware
  • Experience with reading & modifying embedded C/C++ applications
  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop simulation or production/acceptance test systems
  • Familiarity with pytest or similar frameworks as a foundation for hardware test
  • Experience with results/time-series databases and dashboarding tools (e.g., SQL, InfluxDB, Grafana)
Salary
The salary range for this role is $184,000 - $208,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.
About Muon Space
Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.
Taking Care of Our Team
At Muon salary is only part of our total compensation package. In addition to salary, full-time employees receive equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, short & long term disability and life insurance. We also offer three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave.
Our mission embraces the entire planet and we believe our team should too. Muon is dedicated to creating a diverse and dynamic company and workforce. We believe in equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We value diversity in the workplace, and that starts with our applicants. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes, and we look forward to reviewing your application! In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
ITAR/EAR Requirements
This position requires access to export controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency. The Company may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.

Apply