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Entry Level Software Test Engineer Jobs in California

Software Test Eng 2 (51757)

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$37 - $56/hr

Engineering Software Test Engineer 2 Salary Range: $37.00 - $56.00/ Hr. As the largest machine tool builder in the western world, we need world‑class talent in all of our departments. And we're not ...

They make it possible to build, test, launch, and run constellations of satellites for a wide variety of missions. Entry-level software engineers are expected to bring significant skills and training ...

... Entry Level Software Engineer Why we need you We're at a pivotal moment with a roadmap brimming with opportunity. We're looking for ambitious junior engineers and new graduates who are eager to ...

The Manufacturing Test Engineer will work closely with Hardware, Software, Product, Quality, Operations, and contract manufacturing partners to ensure products are designed for testability, test ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Software Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$23.7K

$103.5K

$186.5K

How much do entry level software test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level software test engineer in California is $103,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $118,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level software test engineer do?

An Entry Level Software Test Engineer is responsible for testing software applications to ensure they work as intended and meet quality standards. They create and execute test cases, report bugs, and collaborate with developers to resolve issues. Their work helps improve software reliability and user experience. Entry-level roles typically involve learning about testing tools, methodologies, and working under the guidance of more experienced engineers.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level software test engineers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level software test engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex software systems, getting up to speed with new testing tools, and effectively communicating defects to development teams. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to proactively seek mentorship from experienced team members, participate in training sessions, and practice clear, concise documentation of test cases and bugs. Additionally, collaborating closely with developers and other testers can provide valuable insights and foster a supportive learning environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level software test engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Software Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of software development life cycles, basic programming concepts, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with testing tools like Selenium, JIRA, and test case management systems, as well as knowledge of scripting languages, is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills help you effectively identify issues and collaborate with development teams. These abilities are crucial to ensure software quality, minimize defects, and support successful product releases.

What is the difference between Entry Level Software Test Engineer vs QA Tester?

AspectEntry Level Software Test EngineerQA Tester
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field; basic understanding of testing toolsOften similar; may require a degree or relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, testing labs, Agile/Scrum environmentsQuality assurance departments, testing labs, collaborative teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, software firms, startupsIT firms, software companies, product development teams
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles involve testing software to ensure quality, but an Entry Level Software Test Engineer often has a broader scope, including test planning and automation, while a QA Tester may focus more on manual testing and defect reporting. The roles are closely related and often overlap, especially at entry levels.

How do I become an entry level software test engineer with no experience?

To become an entry level software test engineer with no experience, focus on developing basic knowledge of software testing principles, learn common testing tools like Selenium or JUnit, and gain familiarity with programming languages such as Java or Python. Completing online courses, earning relevant certifications, and practicing testing on sample projects can improve your chances of entering the field.

Is entry level software test engineer a good entry-level job?

An entry-level software test engineer role is a suitable starting point for those interested in software quality assurance, testing methodologies, and automation tools like Selenium or JUnit. It offers opportunities to develop technical skills, understand software development cycles, and gain industry experience, making it a valuable entry point into the tech field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Test Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Software Test Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Software Test Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Software Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Software Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,490 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer, Onboard Test Automation

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Socket.dev
Network Security • 1 - 10 employees

$209K - $266K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and execute automated tests for onboard software subsystems (OS, middleware, sensors, and integration points)

  • Validate software behavior on embedded hardware platforms within hardware-in-the-loop environments

  • Debug and triage system-level issues across software and hardware boundaries


Job description

About us

Founded in 2017, Wayve is the leading developer of Embodied AI technology. Our advanced AI software and foundation models enable vehicles to perceive, understand, and navigate any complex environment, enhancing the usability and safety of automated driving systems.


Our vision is to create autonomy that propels the world forward. Our intelligent, mapless, and hardware-agnostic AI products are designed for automakers, accelerating the transition from assisted to automated driving. In our fast-paced environment big problems ignite us—we embrace uncertainty, leaning into complex challenges to unlock groundbreaking solutions. We aim high and stay humble in our pursuit of excellence, constantly learning and evolving as we pave the way for a smarter, safer future.


At Wayve, your contributions matter. We value diversity, embrace new perspectives, and foster an inclusive work environment; we back each other to deliver impact.


Make Wayve the experience that defines your career!


The role

As an Embedded Software Test Engineer at Wayve, you will play a key role in validating onboard software systems before they reach full-vehicle testing. You’ll work across a range of embedded compute platforms and operating systems to ensure software is reliable, integrated, and ready for real-world deployment. This is a high-impact role where your work directly improves software quality and enables faster iteration across multiple teams. You’ll help scale testing by building automated tests and empowering developers to validate their work earlier in the development cycle.


Key responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, and execute automated tests for onboard software subsystems (OS, middleware, sensors, and integration points)

  • Validate software behavior on embedded hardware platforms within hardware-in-the-loop environments

  • Collaborate with software engineers to identify test gaps and build coverage for new and existing features

  • Debug and triage system-level issues across software and hardware boundaries

  • Enable developer self-service testing by contributing to CI pipelines and reusable test frameworks

  • Support expansion of test coverage by leveraging existing validation tests and shifting them earlier in the development cycle


About you

In order to set you up for success as an Embedded Software Test Engineer at Wayve, we’re looking for the following skills and experience.


Essential

  • Experience testing embedded software systems, ideally on Linux or QNX-based platforms

  • Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or similar languages for test development and automation

  • Experience working with embedded hardware platforms and understanding hardware/software interactions

  • Proven ability to debug and triage complex issues across system layers

  • Understanding of software testing principles, including automation, integration testing, and system validation


Desirable

  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing environments

  • Familiarity with sensor systems or data pipelines (e.g., camera, radar, or similar)

  • Experience working with CI/CD systems (e.g., Buildkite) and test pipeline integration

  • Exposure to robotics, autonomous systems, or real-time software environments


This role is a full-time role based in Sunnyvale, CA (hybrid) and the reasonably estimated salary for this role ranges from $209,700 to $266,800, plus a competitive equity package. Actual compensation is based on the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience.


Wayve is committed to creating an inclusive interview experience. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to participate fully in our interview process, please let us know.


We understand that everyone has a unique set of skills and experiences and that not everyone will meet all of the requirements listed above. If you’re passionate about self-driving cars and think you have what it takes to make a positive impact on the world, we encourage you to apply.At Wayve we're committed to creating a diverse, fair and respectful culture that is inclusive of everyone based on their unique skills and perspectives, and regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis as protected by applicable law.


For more information visit Careers at Wayve.


To learn more about what drives us, visit Values at Wayve


For US candidates only, please visit E-Verify Notice and Participation and Right to Work


DISCLAIMER: We will not ask about marriage or pregnancy, care responsibilities or disabilities in any of our job adverts or interviews. However, we do look to capture information about care responsibilities, and disabilities among other diversity information as part of an optional DEI Monitoring form to help us identify areas of improvement in our hiring process and ensure that the process is inclusive and non-discriminatory.

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