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Contract Software Tester Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Contract: 6+ Months LED WEB TESTER WITH POWER BI Special Requirements: Must have a current LinkedIn profile. The Software QA Analyst performs advanced and/or supervisory computer systems analysis and ...

Software Developer Engineer Test

Austin, TX · On-site

$54 - $60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... contracts, resilience, observability, operational readiness, and robust failure recovery scenarios ... Strong experience with API testing, UI automation, service validation, integration testing, end-to ...

Senior Platform Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Own a bounded platform component (service module, SDK area) and evolve its contracts for multi ... Implements software testing (e.g., functional and non-functional testing), quality assurance ...

SDET (AI)

Austin, TX · On-site

$49.50 - $64/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to improve release quality, speed, and reliability ... service contracts, resiliency, observability, and recovery scenarios. * Leverage AI-assisted ...

Hiring: AI Software Engineer (Contract) Location: Dallas, TX | Austin, TX | San Francisco, CA ... You'll design and build high-quality software while using AI tools to accelerate coding, testing ...

SDET with AI

Austin, TX · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Experience with API testing, UI automation, integration testing, end-to-end testing, and regression ... integrity, service contracts, resilience, and failure recovery scenarios. Use AI-assisted ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Round Rock, TX · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... contract opportunity located in Round Rock, TX. Job Responsibilities: * Developing software for new and existing systems for aircraft and aircraft test systems * Integrating and testing software on ...

Senior software engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

... testing, automation, troubleshooting, and documentation. • Apply AI-assisted development ... API contracts, and data models, into structured specifications that guide AI-assisted ...

Austin, TX 78756 (Onsite) Duration: Long Term Contract Job Summary: The Software Quality Assurance Tester performs advanced analysis and application testing work involving the daily operations and ...

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Contract Software Tester information

See Austin, TX salary details

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How much do contract software tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract software tester in Austin, TX is $43.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.12 and $51.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a contract software tester do?

A Contract Software Tester is a professional who is hired on a temporary basis to evaluate and ensure the quality of software applications. They design and execute test cases, identify bugs or issues, and report their findings to the development team. Their main goal is to ensure that the software meets specified requirements and functions correctly before it is released. Contract testers are often brought in for specific projects or during peak development periods, providing flexibility and specialized expertise.

What are some common challenges contract software testers face when integrating with new development teams?

As a contract software tester, one of the biggest challenges is quickly adapting to different team cultures, workflows, and tools. Since contracts are often short-term, you need to rapidly understand the project's context, the specific testing requirements, and communication protocols. Building trust and effective collaboration with permanent team members in a limited timeframe is essential, as is staying organized to manage multiple projects or shifting priorities. Proactively asking questions and leveraging documentation can help smooth the integration process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract software tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Software Tester, you need a strong understanding of software testing methodologies, experience with test case design, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automated testing tools (such as Selenium or JUnit), bug tracking systems (like Jira), and potentially ISTQB certification are commonly required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help testers identify issues and collaborate with developers. These skills ensure reliable software delivery, minimize defects, and support project success in dynamic contract environments.

What is the difference between Contract Software Tester vs Contract QA Analyst?

AspectContract Software TesterContract QA Analyst
CertificationsISTQB, CSTEISTQB, CSTE
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, testing labsTesting teams, quality assurance departments
Industry UsageTech, finance, healthcareTech, manufacturing, retail

Contract Software Testers focus primarily on executing test cases, identifying bugs, and ensuring software quality through manual or automated testing. Contract QA Analysts often have broader responsibilities, including test planning, process improvement, and quality metrics analysis. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, the Contract Software Tester is more hands-on with testing execution, whereas the Contract QA Analyst emphasizes overall quality strategy.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Tester jobs in Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Software Tester jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Contract Software Tester jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Contract Software Tester job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Software Tester job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,695 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Senior Videogame Tester (Remote)

Seismic Squirrel

Austin, TX • On-site, Remote

$32 - $36/hr

Contractor

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Senior Videogame Tester (Remote)
Seismic Squirrel LLC
Job Title: Senior Videogame Tester
The Role: Perform testing of our videogames.
Our Games: Narrative-centric RPG videogames set in an alternate-history 1930s New York City.
Experience: Senior level, 8+ years of professional experience testing narrative or turn-based videogames on PCs and consoles.
Location: USA or Canada (Remote) - Must reside within the UTC-4 to UTC-8 timezones.
Company Size: ~24
Pay Rate: $32 - $36 USD per hour - Depends on skills and experience.
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire (see below)
Overview
We are looking for a creative and resourceful Senior Videogame Tester with effective testing skills, a clear understanding of QA best practices, a logical and systemic thinker with an iterative approach to work, a collaborative spirit, excellent communication skills, and an enthusiasm for RPG and turn-based videogames. The ideal candidate enjoys working with talented fellow testers, writers, artists, designers, engineers, marketers, and management, with a drive to create a fun and cohesive gameplay experience, able to empathize with both new players and with experts of the genre.
The ideal candidate communicates effectively in a small cross-functional remote team environment, clearly presenting their ideas to stakeholders. They bring a passion for working within an iterative and creative development environment, having a collaborative spirit and an enthusiasm for videogames.
This is a remote position which requires regular team collaboration online during our company's core work hours of 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Pacific, attending relevant team meetings (e.g. daily scrums, retrospectives, sprint planning, and showcase meetings). Occasional calls during late evenings may be expected to meet with international collaborators. The option to convert to full-time employee may be available to ideal candidates, depending on their location, skills, fit, project needs and schedule, and timing. H-1B transfers and sponsorships are not available at this time.
Quests
  • Test our videogames for bugs and other quality deficiencies, supporting our QA processes.
  • Validate enhancements and bug fixes.
  • Research and champion tools and processes which contribute to product quality.
  • Evaluate each sprint's build for quality regression.
  • Test our games on various hardware and platforms.
  • Participate in the development, organization, and execution of Test Plans and Test Cases.
  • Create and contribute to reports on product quality.
  • Represent the customer as their advocate for quality and value.
  • Provide feedback and creative solutions for various aspects of development quality, including design, programming, narrative, art, and audio.
  • Actively collaborate with the development team, openly communicating on progress and problems, helping us to set realistic project timelines and expectations.
  • Assist in the coordination and execution of internal and external testing efforts.
  • Balance and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines, working within agreed timeframes and budgets.

Character Stats
  • 8+ years of professional experience testing narrative or turn-based videogames on PCs and consoles.
  • Understands videogame testing best practices.
  • Has an enthusiasm for and a familiarity with many videogame titles and genres, past and present.
  • Familiar with UI and UX conventions of modern videogame design.
  • Shares our love for history and skilled in historical research.
  • Self-disciplined, motivated, a self-starter with a drive for excellence.
  • Organized, detail-oriented, able to work fast and loose or carefully with quality when each is needed.
  • Courteous and patient, able to give and receive constructive and inspirational feedback gracefully.
  • Able to work effectively with people having a variety of personalities and backgrounds.
  • Possesses high emotional intelligence, a respected professional across disciplines.
  • Excellent at problem-solving, resourceful, able to find solutions when needed.
  • Adept at balancing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines, working within agreed timeframes and budgets.
  • Adaptable: The job can change according to the needs at hand and requires wearing various hats.
  • Skilled at working remotely using various collaboration tools.
  • Possesses strong written, visual, and verbal English language communication and presentation skills.
  • Passionate for the videogame industry and inspired to grow within it.
  • Experienced using Unity, testing games within the engine.
  • Proficient in business productivity tools, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Visio.
  • Enthusiastic to learn new tools, technologies, and techniques.

Bonus Points
  • Experienced using Test Automation techniques and tools.
  • Familiar with tactical RPG videogames.
  • Understands non-linear narrative structures and the complexities they introduce for testing.
  • Experienced in videogame design and/or programming.
  • Familiar with design diagramming techniques using UML.
  • Proficient in digital art and modeling tools (e.g. Adobe Photoshop, Blender).
  • Located in one of our hub metros: Seattle, Los Angeles, Austin, Edmonton.
  • An avid TTRPG player.
  • Multilingual.

The Company
Seismic Squirrel is a talented and passionate team of both industry veterans and enthusiastic newcomers. We share a strong desire to tell fascinating stories supporting engaging gameplay mechanics. Our nimble size allows for everyone to have a voice in the projects we create, demanding the ability to be both detail-oriented and flexible.
For more information about Seismic Squirrel, go to http://www.SeismicSquirrel.com/
If this sounds like an exciting opportunity for you and you're located in the USA or Canada, please submit both your Résumé and your Cover Letter to Seismic Squirrel.