2

Entry Level Software Tester Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Software Eng Assoc II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$66K - $105K/yr

BAE Systems is looking for an entry level Software Engineer ( * You will join other first year hires in a curated YO program, in addition to your program team, creating strong connections with your ...

New

The Software Development Engineer II is responsible for designing, developing, debugging, testing, and implementing software enhancements while also correcting defects in existing applications and ...

... testing practices and understand basic software engineering principles Growth mindset - you're excited to learn from senior engineers, ask thoughtful questions, and continuously improve your ...

Evaluate the interface between hardware and software, operational requirements, and characteristics of the overall system. Document testing and maintenance of system corrections. Provide technical ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Software Tester information

See California salary details

$18

$42

$69

How much do entry level software tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level software tester in California is $42.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.98 and $51.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Entry level software testers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex software systems, identifying subtle bugs, and effectively communicating issues to development teams. To overcome these, it's helpful to ask clarifying questions, thoroughly review documentation, and practice using testing tools. Building strong relationships with developers and other QA team members can also make it easier to resolve issues and learn best practices. Embracing continuous learning and seeking feedback can accelerate your growth in the role.

What does an entry level software tester do?

An entry level software tester is responsible for evaluating software applications to ensure they work as intended and meet quality standards. This typically involves executing test cases, reporting bugs, and working closely with developers to resolve issues. Entry level testers may also help write simple test scripts and document their findings. Their main goal is to help deliver reliable, user-friendly software products.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Software Tester, you need a basic understanding of software development principles, attention to detail, and familiarity with testing methodologies, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Experience with test management tools (like Jira or TestRail), bug tracking systems, and a grasp of scripting languages or automation tools are typically expected. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset help testers identify issues and work efficiently within a team. These skills ensure high-quality software releases by systematically detecting and reporting defects throughout the development cycle.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Tester jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Tester jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Software Tester jobs in California? For Entry Level Software Tester jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Software Tester jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Software Tester jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Software Tester jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Software Tester job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Software Tester job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,305 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Software Engineer, Satellite Systems (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, SATELLITE SYSTEMS (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

The Starshield software team is building highly reliable in-space mesh networks, designing secure systems to guarantee access to space, designing next-gen communication and sensing software, and more. Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - we want our engineers to bring fresh ideas from all areas. We look for engineers who love solving problems and seek to make an impact on an inspiring mission. As we expand this team, we're looking for versatile, motivated, and collaborative engineers. 

As a software engineer on the Starshield Core team, you will be solving challenges across every part of our network and will be fully responsible for software used to control, monitor, and grow our constellation. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the code and products you create, from inception and development, to testing and rollout. You will write highly reliable software that both runs as part of our distributed ground system, and that flies in space aboard the satellites.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Developing systems to provide secure command and control capability of our satellites
  • Designing systems for rapidly distributing and executing software updates across all components of the network
  • Iterating on critical high throughput networking systems across our ground network
  • Creating new monitoring and observability tools to allow operators to fly our satellites safely and securely
  • Designing development and testing tooling to accelerate teams across the Starshield organization
  • Owning datacenter software and hardware used in controlling the Starshield network

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or scientific discipline; OR 2+years of professional experience insoftware development in lieu of a degree
  • Development experience in C++ and developing on a Linux platform

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Solid fundamental knowledge of computer architecture, networks, debugging, and software testing
  • Ability to work effectively and creatively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
  • Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
  • Production experience with containerization technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, or similar)
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00
Level 2: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.


What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


SpaceX logo

About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US