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Game Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SDET

San Diego, CA · On-site

$53 - $68.50/hr

SDET Level 3 San Diego, CA 92127 12+ Months ONLY W2 Top 3: 1.) C++ 2.) Automation Experience ... Experience in devising and executing test solutions for game services and technical features ...

SDET Level 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$53 - $68.50/hr

R-2877907 SDET Level 2 Amazon.Com, Inc. San Diego, CA 92127 12 Months ****/hour Top 3 Skills 1.) C ... Experience in devising and executing test solutions for game services and technical features ...

Showing results 41-60

Game Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$9

$45

$68

How much do game test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for game test engineer in California is $45.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.42 and $58.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game test engineer?

Game Test Engineers are professionals responsible for testing video games to identify bugs, glitches, and other issues before the game is released to the public. They work closely with developers and designers to ensure the game runs smoothly and meets quality standards. Their work involves creating and executing test plans, documenting problems, and verifying that fixes have been implemented correctly. Game Test Engineers play a crucial role in delivering a polished and enjoyable experience to players.

What is the difference between Game Test Engineer vs Quality Assurance Tester?

AspectGame Test EngineerQuality Assurance Tester
CredentialsKnowledge of game development, testing tools, and sometimes programming skillsBasic understanding of testing processes, often no specialized certifications required
Work EnvironmentTypically within game development studios, focusing on testing specific game featuresBroader testing roles across various products, including software and hardware
Industry UsageCommonly used in gaming companies for detailed testing rolesWidespread across multiple industries, including gaming, software, and hardware

Game Test Engineers focus on detailed testing of video games, often requiring technical skills and specific knowledge of game development. Quality Assurance Testers have a broader role, testing various products across industries. While both roles aim to identify bugs and improve quality, Game Test Engineers typically have more specialized skills related to gaming.

What are some common challenges game test engineers face when working on large game projects?

Game Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, adapting to frequent changes in game builds, and coordinating test coverage across multiple platforms. Working on large teams requires strong communication and organization skills to ensure that bugs are properly tracked and prioritized. Additionally, balancing thorough testing with the fast-paced development cycle can be demanding, but it provides valuable experience and opportunities to collaborate closely with developers, designers, and producers.

How do I get a job as a game test engineer?

To become a game test engineer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring a degree in computer science, game design, or related fields. Gaining experience with game development tools, understanding testing processes, and developing strong attention to detail are important; familiarity with bug tracking software like Jira is also beneficial. Building a portfolio of testing projects or participating in beta testing can improve your chances of securing a position in this field.

Do game test engineers actually get paid?

Yes, game test engineers are paid for their work testing video games to identify bugs and improve quality. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and company, but they typically receive regular wages or hourly pay, often with benefits. Entry-level testers may earn lower wages, while experienced testers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries.

How to become a game test engineer?

To become a game test engineer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring a degree in computer science, game design, or related fields. Skills in software testing, familiarity with gaming platforms, attention to detail, and knowledge of bug tracking tools are important. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level testing roles can also help build a career in game testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game test engineer?

To thrive as a Game Test Engineer, you need a strong understanding of software testing principles, attention to detail, and familiarity with game development processes, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Experience with bug tracking systems (like Jira), test automation tools, and various gaming platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring high-quality, bug-free gaming experiences and effective collaboration with development teams.

What are popular job titles related to Game Test Engineer jobs in California?

For Game Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Test Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Test Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Game Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,616 per year, or $46 per hour.

Machine Learning Test and Automation Engineer, Graphics, Games, and ML

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$56.75 - $75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

The Graphics, Games & Machine Learning (GGML) team is looking for a Machine Learning Test and Automation Engineer to help deliver next-generation Apple Intelligence SW features on both On-Device and Private Cloud Compute.
In this role, you will work hand-in-hand with GGML software developers and cross-functional ML teams during all project phases, collaborating on feature definition, quality plan, and test development.
We're looking for someone who is excited to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and create innovative approaches to validating complex ML systems. You bring curiosity, creativity, and a passion for quality - and you're energized by the opportunity to work on technologies that reach millions of users while preserving their privacy.
Description
As an Automation Engineer, you will design and build scalable test solutions that validate both on-device and distributed Apple Intelligence inference. Your work will focus on ensuring the correctness, reliability, and performance of our inference runtime software. You will develop functional and performance tests that push our systems to their limits, helping us deliver fast, efficient, and trustworthy ML-based experiences across Apple's ecosystem.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
4+ years of proven experience in Software Quality Assurance
Proficiency in Swift or Python
Familiarity with XCTests/Xcode
Experience building scalable automated test frameworks and integrating them into CI/CD pipelines
Creative and analytical problem solver with strong attention to detail; highly organized, self-driven, and motivated to deliver results
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with machine learning frameworks like PyTorch
Understanding of the complete model development lifecycle, including data preprocessing, model training, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976