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Principal Qa Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ventura Foods

Principal QA Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $184K/yr

The Principal IT QA engineer will be a hands-on, individual contributor responsible for designing and developing our testing automation framework utilizing Python, Playwright, PyTest, Java or TestNG.

Ventura Foods

Principal QA Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

The Principal IT QA engineer will be a hands-on, individual contributor responsible for designing and developing our testing automation framework utilizing Python, Playwright, PyTest, Java or TestNG.

Ventura Foods

Principal QA Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

The Principal IT QA engineer will be a hands-on, individual contributor responsible for designing and developing our testing automation framework utilizing Python, Playwright, PyTest, Java or TestNG.

Ventura Foods

Principal QA Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

The Principal IT QA engineer will be a hands-on, individual contributor responsible for designing and developing our testing automation framework utilizing Python, Playwright, PyTest, Java or TestNG.

FormFactor, Inc.

Sr. Principal QA Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$136 - $179/hr

Senior Principal Quality Assurance Engineer** to lead key elements of our enterprise Quality Management System (QMS) and drive continuous improvement across global operations. This role serves as the ...

Formfactor

Sr. Principal QA Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

FormFactor is seeking a Senior Principal Quality Assurance Engineer to lead key elements of our enterprise Quality Management System (QMS) and drive continuous improvement across global operations.

Cybersearch, Ltd.

QA Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

QA Engineer (Level 3) - Santa Clara, CA - 100% onsite 6 month assignment Interview Video Rate Range- $50.00-55.00 W2 Role Overview Major Tech Firm is seeking a QA Engineer to support software and ...

Vertex Sigma Software

QA Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

QA Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA 5 days in office The Quality Assurance team is actively seeking a Quality Assurance Engineer to help ensure that our backend services are optimized, secure, and ...

Vertex Sigma Software

QA Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

QA Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office The Quality Assurance team is actively seeking a Quality Assurance Engineer to help ensure that our backend services are optimized, secure ...

Vertex Sigma Software

QA Engineer

Foster City, CA

QA Engineer Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office The Quality Assurance team is actively seeking a Quality Assurance Engineer to help ensure that our backend services are optimized, secure ...

Cinder LLC

QA Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$60/hr

Title: QA Engineer Pay Rate: $60/hr Location: Sunnyvale, CA Type: Fulltime with benefits About Novus Labs Novus Labs is our sibling company that provides engineering support to the largest tech ...

MarginPoint

Quality Assurance Engineer

Laguna Hills, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

The QA Engineer needs to be intimately familiar with Microsoft technologies and have had previous experience with SaaS enterprise applications requiring 24×7 availability. Responsibilities include ...

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All JobsPrincipal Qa Engineer JobsPrincipal Qa Engineer Jobs in California

Principal Qa Engineer information

See California salary details

$63.7K

$123.8K

$168.8K

How much do principal qa engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal qa engineer in California is $123,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,200.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal QA engineer?

Principal QA Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing and improving the quality assurance processes within a company. They design and implement testing strategies, mentor QA teams, and ensure that software products meet high standards of quality and reliability. Principal QA Engineers often collaborate with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to define quality goals and address complex technical challenges. Their role is crucial in guiding the direction of QA practices and adopting new tools or methodologies to enhance product quality.

What does a principal QA engineer do?

A Principal QA Engineer plays a crucial role in collaborating with development, product management, and operations teams to ensure quality standards are maintained throughout the software development lifecycle. They often lead the design and implementation of test strategies, facilitate communication between stakeholders, and mentor junior QA members. Their expertise helps teams proactively identify potential issues and streamline testing processes, which results in more robust and reliable product releases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal QA engineer?

To thrive as a Principal QA Engineer, you need deep expertise in software testing methodologies, automation frameworks, and quality assurance best practices, often supported by a relevant degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, JIRA, and scripting languages, as well as certifications such as ISTQB, is highly valued. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set standout candidates apart, enabling effective guidance of QA teams and collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders. These skills ensure robust product quality, efficient testing processes, and successful delivery of reliable software solutions.

What is the difference between Principal Qa Engineer vs Senior Qa Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Qa EngineerSenior Qa Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Computer Science or related field, certifications like ISTQBBachelor's in Computer Science or related, some certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentLeads testing strategies, mentors teams, collaborates with cross-functional teamsPerforms testing, develops test cases, reports bugs, supports QA team
Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, enterprise software, and complex projectsCommon in various companies, from startups to large firms
Comparison FocusStrategic leadership, process improvement, mentorshipHands-on testing, execution, reporting

The Principal Qa Engineer typically holds a more strategic and leadership-oriented role, overseeing testing processes and mentoring teams, while the Senior Qa Engineer focuses on executing tests and reporting issues. Both roles require strong testing skills and industry experience, but the Principal position emphasizes leadership and process improvement.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Qa Engineer jobs in California?

For Principal Qa Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Qa Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Qa Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Principal Qa Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Principal Qa Engineer job openings:

Principal Qa Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Qa Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,835 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Principal QA Engineer

Ventura Foods

Irvine, CA • Hybrid

$140K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Ventura Foods rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

238th of 440 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Employment Type: Salaried
Work Arrangement: Hybrid 

Position Summary:

The Principal IT QA engineer will be a hands-on, individual contributor responsible for designing and developing our testing automation framework utilizing Python, Playwright, PyTest, Java or TestNG. This role will also develop and evangelize enterprise-wide testing strategy, standards, and best practices to improve software quality, increase test coverage, and strengthen release readiness.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Design and build scalable test automation suites from scratch using programming languages like Python or Java with deep expertise in PyTest, TestNG, Playwright or Selenium for automation frameworks. 
  • Develop CI/CD infrastructures and build systems using Jenkins or GitHub Actions to integrate with Test Management tool, QMetry preferred. 
  • Automate and execute RESTful API testing using industry-standard tools like Postman, SoapUI, or equivalent. 
  • Build automated simulation scripts using testing tools like Apache JMeter or LoadRunning for performance testing.
  • Develop automation test plan, test strategy, test scenarios and review with pod leaders and business.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve software quality issues.
  • Coordinate User Acceptance Testing (UAT) with business stakeholders to ensure the system satisfies real-world operational needs.
  • Work with offshore partners, QA, and cross-functional teams to perform various software testing tasks.
  • Estimate test workload and coordinates with development teams on priorities. 
  • Evaluate test results against expected results, implements improvements to process and recommend alternative testing as needed.
  • Confirm the correctness of resolved defects and documents results.
  • Manage daily, weekly communication on testing status to internal and external project stakeholders.
  • Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree preferred with emphasis in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.
  • 5+ years of experience in Software QA automation field.
  • Working knowledge of ERP systems (i.e. JDE EnterpriseOne, SAP, Oracle, etc.) is required. Oracle Fusion experience preferred.
  • Prior ERP functional, E2E, and regression testing experience with good understanding of business processes, supply chain, and financial flows in relation to ERP systems.
  • Hands-on experience with Python or Java with PyTest, TestNG, Playwright or Selenium to automate regression testing.
  • Strong knowledge of software QA methodologies, tools, and processes.
  • Experience with API and performance testing using Postman and Jmeter is a plus.
  • Experience in CPG/Foodservice industry preferred.
Knowledge and Skills:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the systems development life cycle in the development and/or support of production systems, conversion activities, testing methodologies, and implementation procedures.
  • Knowledge of supply chain, order to cash, purchase to pay, manufacturing and/or financial processes.
  • Ability to communicate well and demonstrate business knowledge both verbally and in writing, strong time and work management skills and the ability to resolve critical project issues.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses.  We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves.  When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work.  As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you’re willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.  

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:​

  • Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees​
  • Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)​
  • Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays​
  • Employee Appreciation Events​ and Employee Assistance Programs
  • Salary Base Range of $140,057.00 - $184,559.55*

*The “base salary range” provided above is a good faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position in the specified markets.  Ventura Foods reserves the right to pay outside of the given range based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: candidate skills and experience, complexity of the job, budgetary factors, and location/geography.  Ventura Foods conducts regular reviews of compensation ranges and therefore reserves the right to alter this range at any given time.  

Diversity & Inclusion:
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values.  We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Ventura Foods may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted tools at certain stages of our hiring process, including identifying & sourcing candidates, reviewing applications and matched candidates on job boards and websites, and generating screening questions to help us work more efficiently and consistently. We regularly review our tools to promote fairness and reduce the risk of bias. However, while these tools support our process, every hiring decision is made by a real person on our team.  Applicants in the State of New York may request an alternative process by contacting us at VFaccessibility@rescocompany.com.

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