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Junior Sqa Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Junior Sqa Engineer information

What is a junior SQA engineer?

Junior SQA (Software Quality Assurance) Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in ensuring the quality and functionality of software products through various testing methods. They typically work under the supervision of senior QA engineers, executing test cases, identifying bugs, documenting issues, and contributing to the improvement of software development processes. Their responsibilities often include manual and automated testing, writing test scripts, and collaborating with developers to resolve defects. Junior SQA Engineers play a key role in delivering reliable and user-friendly software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior SQA engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior SQA Engineer, you need a solid understanding of software testing principles, familiarity with programming basics, and at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with testing tools like Selenium, JIRA, and version control systems such as Git is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you collaborate with developers and document issues clearly. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring software quality, reducing defects, and supporting the delivery of reliable products.

What are some common challenges faced by junior SQA engineers during their first year on the job?

Junior SQA Engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex software systems, adapting to new testing tools, and interpreting detailed requirements accurately. Learning to balance thoroughness with efficiency while executing test cases and reporting bugs can also be tricky at first. Collaboration with developers and senior QA team members is key, as open communication helps clarify expectations and build technical competencies. With time and guidance, most juniors find these initial hurdles become valuable learning experiences that help them grow in their roles.

What is the difference between Junior Sqa Engineer vs QA Tester?

AspectJunior Sqa EngineerQA Tester
CredentialsBasic knowledge of testing tools, some certificationsOften entry-level, may have certifications or training
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with developers, involved in test automationPrimarily manual testing, reports bugs
Industry UsageCommon in software development teams, involved in SDLC

The Junior Sqa Engineer typically has a broader role involving test automation and collaboration with development teams, whereas a QA Tester mainly focuses on manual testing and bug reporting. Both roles are entry-level and often overlap in skills, but the Junior Sqa Engineer usually requires some knowledge of automation tools and scripting.

How to become a junior SQA engineer?

To become a junior SQA (Software Quality Assurance) engineer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring a degree in computer science or related fields. Gaining knowledge of testing tools, scripting languages, and understanding software development life cycles through online courses, certifications, or hands-on experience can improve prospects. Entry-level positions often require strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with testing methodologies and tools like Selenium or JIRA.

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

The most popular types of Sqa Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Sqa Engineer jobs in California?

For Junior Sqa Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Sqa Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Sqa Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Junior Sqa Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Principal Software Automation / Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
Network Security • 10K+ employees

$147 - $237.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks®, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real‑world problems with cutting‑edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place.

Who We Are

In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real‑world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us!

We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it’s needed. This model supports real‑time problem‑solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

The Team

Engineering - Our engineering team is at the core of our products & our mission. We are constantly looking for new ways to solve real‑world problems, and we aren’t afraid to try new things. Our engineering team is core to our innovation and success, and you will be a part of a team that is changing the future of cybersecurity. We’re a team of builders, breakers, and problem solvers. We’re a friendly, collaborative, and incredibly talented team that is looking to expand. If you’re looking to be a part of a team that is changing the future of cybersecurity, you’ve found it.

Job Summary

As a Principal SQA Engineer on the SASE SD‑WAN team, you will leverage your expertise in core networking and security to validate groundbreaking technologies. You will join a world‑class, multi‑functional software engineering team dedicated to solving complex problems and ensuring the quality of our industry‑leading solutions. This role is pivotal in contributing to all phases of product and solution validation in a fast‑paced environment, directly impacting our ability to protect our digital way of life.

Key Responsibilities
  • Deliver impactful results by working within a small, fast‑paced team to solve critical customer problems related to SD‑WAN technologies.
  • Contribute to all phases of end‑to‑end product and solution validation, ensuring comprehensive quality assurance from design to deployment.
  • Proactively collaborate and exchange information with development and QA groups to achieve the highest product quality and ensure alignment on shared objectives.
  • Challenge the status quo by suggesting and implementing innovative improvements to the QA process, automation frameworks, and test methodologies.
  • Partner with DevOps and Technical Support teams to efficiently troubleshoot, debug, and resolve complex customer‑reported issues.
  • Lead, mentor, and coach junior team members, empowering them and fostering a culture of technical excellence and accountability.
Qualifications Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent military experience.
  • 8+ years of experience in software quality assurance or a related engineering role.
  • Expertise with standard TCP/IP protocols (e.g., ARP, IP, ICMP, TCP, UDP, IPSec VPNs).
  • Demonstrated expertise in testing enterprise routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
  • Strong proficiency in automation and programming using Python and REST APIs.
  • Deep understanding of control plane and data plane architecture in networking devices.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with networking features like Multicast, IPv6, DNS, NAT, and DHCP.
  • Experience in system and scale testing, simulating large enterprise network environments.
  • Familiarity with virtualization technologies such as VMware ESXi, QEMU/KVM, or Microsoft Hyper‑V.
  • Experience with performance characterization and analysis of networking products.
Compensation Disclosure

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non‑sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com‑missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

$147,000.00 - $237,500.00/yr

Our Commitment

We’re trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com.

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship?: Yes

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