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Senior Software Developer In Test Jobs in Petaluma, CA

IT America Inc

Staff Software Engineer

Hercules, CA · On-site

... test suites to validate instrument behavior in CI/CD pipelines. Champion the use of continuous integration, unit testing, and other modern DevOps practices to increase software reliability and ...

Doxel

Senior Backend Software Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$175K - $220K/yr

In fact, Doxel has contributed to the construction of the facilities that provide many of the ... Our software is trusted by Shell Oil, Genentech, HCA healthcare, Kaiser, Turner, Layton and several ...

Keysight Technologies

IC Test Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

Your test development will span exploratory R&D design validation of cutting-edge MMICs and ... Software development/SW programming proficiency in one of the following languages is required: C# ...

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Senior Software Developer In Test information

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How much do senior software developer in test jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior software developer in test in Petaluma, CA is $71.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.43 and $79.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior software developer in test?

A Senior Software Developer In Test (SDET) is an experienced software professional who is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated test frameworks and tools to ensure software quality. SDETs work closely with development and QA teams to create automated tests that validate application functionality, performance, and security. They possess strong programming skills, a deep understanding of software testing methodologies, and often contribute to both the development and testing aspects of a project. Senior SDETs also mentor junior team members and help shape best practices for software testing within their organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior software developer in test?

To thrive as a Senior Software Developer In Test, you need advanced programming skills, expertise in test automation, and a solid understanding of software development and QA methodologies, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency with test automation frameworks (such as Selenium, Cypress, or Appium), continuous integration systems (like Jenkins or GitHub Actions), and relevant certifications (e.g., ISTQB) is highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating with developers and ensuring high-quality releases. These skills and qualities are essential for identifying issues early, optimizing testing processes, and delivering reliable software in fast-paced development environments.

What are some common challenges faced by senior software developers in test, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Software Developers in Test often encounter challenges such as balancing test automation coverage with tight deadlines, keeping up with evolving technologies, and ensuring effective communication between development and QA teams. Addressing these challenges involves prioritizing automation efforts based on risk and business impact, continually updating technical skills, and fostering a collaborative environment through regular cross-team meetings. Proactively sharing knowledge and advocating for best testing practices also help streamline workflows and maintain high-quality standards.

What is the difference between Senior Software Developer In Test vs Software Development Engineer in Test?

AspectSenior Software Developer In TestSoftware Development Engineer in Test
CredentialsTypically requires a software engineering degree and testing certificationsSimilar credentials, often with certifications in testing tools or automation
Work EnvironmentWorks closely with development teams to design and implement automated testsFocuses on developing testing frameworks and automation tools within development teams
Industry UsageCommonly used in software companies emphasizing quality assuranceWidely used in tech firms with a focus on continuous integration and delivery
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for seniority and scope of testing responsibilitiesCompared for automation skills and development focus

Both roles involve testing and automation, but Senior Software Developer In Test typically has more leadership responsibilities and strategic testing planning, while Software Development Engineer in Test focuses more on developing testing tools and automation frameworks within the development process.

What job categories do people searching Senior Software Developer In Test jobs in Petaluma, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Software Developer In Test jobs in Petaluma, CA are:

What cities near Petaluma, CA are hiring for Senior Software Developer In Test jobs?

Cities near Petaluma, CA with the most Senior Software Developer In Test job openings:

Senior Software Developer In Test jobs near you

Staff Software Engineer

IT America Inc

Hercules, CA • On-site

Contractor

PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position: Staff Software Engineer

Location: Hercules, California

Duration: Long term contract

Job Description:

As a Staff Software Engineer, you will also provide technical leadership: mentoring junior engineers, driving best practices in code reviews and design discussions, and leading initiatives to modernize our software stack. You’ll have the opportunity to introduce modern engineering practices (e.g. continuous integration/continuous delivery for embedded, and advanced testing frameworks.) It is hybrid and requires some time in the lab each week. If you are passionate about building high-quality software that has a direct impact on human health, this role offers a unique blend of hands-on development and technical leadership.

How You’ll Make An Impact:

  • Develop Embedded Control Software: Design and implement the core C++ control software that drives automated lab instruments, handling everything from device initialization to high-level coordination of subsystems to error handling.
  • Orchestration & Scheduling: Develop and maintain scheduling and orchestration logic to coordinate instrument operations (e.g. sample handling, reagent dispensing, measurements) at high throughput (100+ samples/hour). Ensure timed execution of workflows across multiple embedded controllers.
  • Error Handling & Recovery: Build robust error handling and fault recovery mechanisms. Anticipate error conditions (device faults, step loss, etc.) and implement recovery sequences that allow the instrument to safely continue or gracefully halt with minimal downtime.
  • Firmware/Hardware Integration: Interface with distributed firmware microcontroller boards over a CANopen bus (coordinating 10+ boards). Maintain communication protocols and data models for commands/status and ensure reliable real-time messaging between the main software and firmware subsystems.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with systems engineering to align software with hardware design, with assay scientists to understand requirements, and with quality/regulatory teams to meet compliance and documentation standards. Coordinate integration activities and troubleshooting across mechanical, electronics, and assay domains.
  • Technical Leadership & Mentoring: Mentor junior and mid-level software engineers by sharing best practices in embedded development, performing design and code reviews, and guiding problem solving. Lead architectural discussions and contribute to design documentation for new features and systems.
  • Lab work: Triaging and troubleshooting hardware/software integration issues, and providing expert technical guidance to cross-functional teams.
  • Testing & Automation: Drive improvements in software quality by expanding integration testing and simulation. Lead the development of hardware simulation frameworks and automated test suites to validate instrument behavior in CI/CD pipelines. Champion the use of continuous integration, unit testing, and other modern DevOps practices to increase software reliability and maintainability.

What You Bring:

  • Education & Work Experience: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, electrical/computer engineering, related field, or the equivalent experience. Prior experience in an embedded software engineering role designing complex instrument or device software.
  • Embedded C++ Expertise: Extensive experience programming in modern C++ for embedded systems, with a minimum of five years. Strong understanding of object-oriented design, multi-threading, and memory management in constrained environments.
  • RTOS/Embedded Linux Experience: Hands-on experience developing for embedded Linux (e.g., Yocto) or on real-time operating systems (e.g., QNX). Comfortable with low-level OS concepts, device drivers, and optimizing performance on single-board computers.
  • High-Reliability Systems: Proven ability to design software for high uptime and reliability. Experience with fail-safe mechanisms, state machines for complex device control, and graceful degradation of functionality under fault conditions.
  • Testing & CI/CD for Embedded: Familiarity with automated testing frameworks and continuous integration in an embedded context. Experience writing unit and integration tests for embedded code, using hardware-in-loop or simulation, and using CI tools to catch issues early.
  • Collaborative Communication: Excellent cross-functional communication and teamwork skills. Ability to work closely with other engineering disciplines and to clearly articulate technical information to non-software stakeholders.

Preferred Experience

  • Industry Domain: Background in laboratory equipment, clinical diagnostics, or medical device development. Familiarity with the regulatory environment and standards for medical device software (e.g. IEC 62304, ISO 13485) is a plus.
  • Fieldbus Communication: Solid knowledge of industrial communication protocols. Familiarity with CAN/CANopen is a plus – including defining CANopen object dictionaries, PDO/SDO communication, and network management – or comparable experience with similar fieldbus protocols (e.g. Modbus, EtherCAT).
  • Legacy System Modernization: Experience modernizing legacy codebase and bringing in contemporary best practices. For example, migrating software to newer C++ standards, refactoring for good architectural patterns, or introducing CI/CD and test automation to legacy embedded projects.
  • Lab Automation & Robotics: Exposure to lab automation robotics, fluidics control, or high-throughput instrumentation. Understanding of timing and scheduling challenges in systems that process many samples in parallel.
  • Simulation and Modeling: Experience with creating simulation models of hardware or using tools to emulate instrument components for testing. This could include using frameworks to simulate sensors/actuators or modeling physical processes to test control algorithms.