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Game Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Avani Technology Solutions, Inc.

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 ...

Peace

Games Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... test & learn stage. Introducing Peace Peace is building a real-world play platform. It turns homes ... Game state, session logic, progression, unlocks, rewards, pacing and difficulty across a play world ...

Peace

Games Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... test & learn stage. Introducing Peace Peace is building a real-world play platform. It turns homes ... Game state, session logic, progression, unlocks, rewards, pacing and difficulty across a play world ...

Avani Technology Solutions, Inc.

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 ...

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Game Test Engineer information

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How much do game test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 methodologies, 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 the industry.

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 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:

Game Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Test Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,616 per year, or $46 per hour.

Hardware Test Engineer - Silicon Validation

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology-and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

The Senior Hardware Test Engineer builds and leads global hardware farm infrastructure for silicon validation. As part of the Silicon Co-design Group, this role sits at the intersection of hardware, software, and global coordination to ensure infrastructure reliability across the silicon validation lifecycle.

What you'll be doing:

  • Oversee the functionality of Hardware Farm, a large collection of GPU, SoC, and CPU systems unified by software, and perform hardware and software debugs involving PCBs, voltage regulators, OS, drivers, and firmware.

  • Build and maintain FARM regression capabilities and diagnostic infrastructure. Author test plans, sanity checks, and regression scripts that scale across product lines and drive automation to ensure hardware and software integrity.

  • Coordinate across global farm and silicon validation teams to ensure timely system availability. Drive critical debugs by pulling in the right resources and owning issues through to closure.

  • Partner with the Farm-Development team and location-based PICs to continuously enhance farm processes, infrastructure, and coverage. Translate findings from active debug into scalable improvements.

  • Lead the development of automated monitoring, alert systems, and performance analytics to detect farm issues in real time and find opportunities for optimization and future growth.

What we need to see:

  • B.E./B.Tech in ECE or equivalent experience, with 5+ years of experience in the hardware/silicon domain.

  • In-depth knowledge of various motherboard platforms, SoCs, PC hardware and components, and network connections.

  • Proficiency in Linux OS internals and scripting (Python, Perl, and TCL).

  • Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills to effectively convey technical information and collaborate across global teams.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Use AI tools as a core part of your workflow to explore debug strategies, draft test plans, generate scripts, and build triage flows that accelerate log analysis, anomaly detection, and pattern recognition across farm systems.

  • Apply excellent judgment around AI output. Know when to trust it, when to verify against specs and measurements, and when to override it.

  • Share effective prompts, tools, and workflows with the broader team to set the standard on AI-enabled engineering.

Widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 132,000 USD - 207,000 USD for Level 3, and 152,000 USD - 253,000 USD for Level 4.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 29, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

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