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Independent Contractor Software Tester Jobs in California

KBR, Inc

Software Solutions Architect

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$121 - $151/hr

You will interface and collaborate with SE&I team members, contractors, government civilians and ... testing, security scanning, artifact management, and compliant delivery processes. * Ensure ...

KBR, Inc.

Software Solutions Architect

El Segundo, CA · On-site

You will interface and collaborate with SE&I team members, contractors, government civilians and ... including automated testing, security scanning, artifact management, and compliant delivery ...

CTG Brands Inc.

Independent Sales Contractor

San Diego, CA · On-site

$50 - $100/hr

As an independent contractor, you will have the freedom to determine your own schedule, and be paid ... Proficiency in Microsoft office, and have used and must be familiar with CRM Software (ie ...

New

KBR

Software Solutions Architect

El Segundo, CA · On-site

You will interface and collaborate with SE&I team members, contractors, government civilians and ... testing, security scanning, artifact management, and compliant delivery processes Ensure endtoend ...

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Independent Contractor Software Tester information

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How much do independent contractor software tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor 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 is an independent contractor software tester?

An Independent Contractor Software Tester is a professional who evaluates software applications for defects, usability issues, and overall quality, but works on a contract basis rather than as a full-time employee. Independent contractors are typically hired by companies for specific projects or testing cycles and may work remotely or onsite. Their duties include designing test cases, executing tests, reporting bugs, and collaborating with developers to ensure products meet quality standards. Being independent allows them to work with multiple clients and manage their own schedules. They are responsible for their own taxes and benefits, as they are not direct employees of the companies they serve.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor software tester?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Software Tester, you need a solid understanding of software testing methodologies, attention to detail, and experience with various test case design techniques, often supported by a degree in computer science or relevant certifications. Familiarity with tools such as Selenium, JIRA, Bugzilla, and test automation frameworks is typically required. Excellent communication, self-motivation, and time management help you stand out when working remotely and collaborating with diverse clients. These skills ensure high-quality deliverables, efficient problem-solving, and reliable results in a flexible, often autonomous work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor software testers, and how can they be addressed?

Independent contractor software testers often face challenges such as managing multiple projects simultaneously, adjusting quickly to different clients' processes, and ensuring clear communication despite remote work. To address these, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, establish clear expectations and communication channels with clients, and continuously update testing knowledge to adapt to various tools and methodologies. Building a network of professional contacts and maintaining regular check-ins with project stakeholders can also help foster collaborative relationships and ensure project success.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Software Tester vs Freelance Software Developer?

AspectIndependent Contractor Software TesterFreelance Software Developer
CredentialsTypically requires testing certifications (e.g., ISTQB), technical skillsRequires programming skills, coding certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOften project-based, remote or on-site testing rolesProject-based, remote or on-site development work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by software companies, QA firms, tech startupsUsed by startups, tech companies, agencies
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared for testing roles, quality assuranceCompared for development roles, coding projects

The main difference between an Independent Contractor Software Tester and a Freelance Software Developer lies in their focus and skill set. Testers specialize in quality assurance, testing methodologies, and certifications, while developers focus on coding and software creation. Both roles are flexible, project-based, and often remote, but serve different functions within the software development lifecycle.

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 Independent Contractor Software Tester jobs in California?

For Independent Contractor Software Tester jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Software Tester jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Software Tester jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Independent Contractor Software Tester jobs?

Cities in California with the most Independent Contractor Software Tester job openings:

Independent Contractor Software Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Software Tester job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,305 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Software/Mechanical Tester

Procom Consultants Group

Santa Clara, CA

Contractor

Re-posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop test plans and execute module and system level qualification, including system mechanical validation.

  • Perform testing to assess quality, reliability, and performance of features, and execute reliability stress testing.

  • Debug system validation test cases, support system/platform related activities, and communicate technical issues.

Job description

Company Description

Procom is a leading provider of professional IT services and staffing to businesses and governments in Canada.
With revenues over $500 million, the Branham Group has recognized Procom as the 3rd largest professional services firm in Canada and is now the largest "Canadian-Owned" IT staffing/consulting company.
Procom's areas of staffing expertise include:
Application Development
Project Management
Quality Assurance
Business/Systems Analysis
Datawarehouse & Business Intelligence
Infrastructure & Network Services
Risk Management & Compliance
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
Security & Privacy
Specialties Contract Staffing (Staff Augmentation)
Permanent Placement (Staff Augmentation)
ICAP (Contractor Payroll)
Flextrack (Vendor Management System)

Job Description

Software/Mechanical Tester


On behalf of our client, Procom Services is searching for a Software/Mechanical Tester for a contract opportunity in Santa Clara, CA. 


Software/Mechanical Tester Job Details


Responsible for developing test plans and driving the execution of both module and system level qualification including system mechanical validation. Test the quality and reliability goals for these features, assess the performance for quality and reliability, and the impact the feature has on the platform and ingredients. Help ensure test methodologies are ready to achieve measuring the quality goals, and execute reliability stress testing. 


- Overall execution of System/module quality and reliability for client perceptual computing for 2015-2016 release 

- Execute continuous improvements in the planning and development processes through formal management reviews and driving enhancements to platform readiness and support processes, including postmortems. 

- Debugging Q&R and System validation test cases and report any risks to appropriate stakeholders 


Software/Mechanical Tester Mandatory Skills


Experienced in working on System/Platform related activities - RVP set ups, FFD/SDS set ups, Debug technical issues during setups 

Experienced in handling/supporting System/Platform related activities - HW components - CPU, Gfx, Audio, Bluetooth, Wifi along with Driver/OS level debugging using various available tools a.    

Any candidate with Prior Intel Experienced in this area will be beneficial 

Experienced with Mechanical and environmental testing - Drop, Shock, Vibe etc

Experienced with different bug data base, submitting sightings, following up on sightings also any prior scripting experience is a plus here 

Good Communication skills, should be able to communicate the concerns/issues and technical details

Minimum of 3 year experience with strong track record in system integration, System validation, Debugging, SW testing, Mechanical Testing 

Good Communication skills, should be able to communicate the concerns/issues and technical details

Test environment setup, including System/HW/SW/OS    

Software/Mechanical Tester Nice to Have Skills

- Experience in System/SW/FW validation will be an advantage 

- Experience in Android, Tablet, or camera validation 

- SW Debugging to correct errors, upgrade it to new hardware 

- Knowledge in quality, basic statistics is a plus


Software/Mechanical Tester Start Date


ASAP


Software/Mechanical Tester Assignment Length


6 months


"Please note that we are not able to work with candidates on H1B Visas or candidates represented by third parties."

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Please send your resume in Word format only. 

Apply