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Senior Software Engineer In Test Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Atlas Financial Services

Sr. Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$125K - $165K/yr

Sr. Software Engineer (Go/Typescript) We are currently seeking a talented Sr. Full Stack Software ... The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Go (Golang) and Typescript, and experience ...

JRD Systems

Senior Software Engineer

Downey, CA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

The Sr. Software Engineer will have deep technical expertise in application development areas such as object-oriented programing, client-side scripting, and database development. The Sr. Software ...

Aveva

Senior Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$131K - $173K/yr

ETAP supports customers in their digital transformation and sustainable energy transitions for a ... Senior Software Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type: Full-Time/ Hybrid Senior Software ...

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Senior Software Engineer In Test information

See Santa Ana, CA salary details

$23.4K

$130.7K

$170.1K

How much do senior software engineer in test jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software engineer in test in Santa Ana, CA is $130,656.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $149,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectSenior Software Engineer In TestSoftware Development Engineer in Test
CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, experience in testing and automationBachelor's in CS or related field, strong coding skills, experience in testing
Work EnvironmentDesigning test strategies, automation frameworks, collaborating with development teamsDeveloping test tools, writing automated tests, integrating testing into CI/CD pipelines
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, especially in QA and testing teamsWidely used in software development companies focusing on automation

The main difference is that Senior Software Engineer In Test often focuses on testing strategy and automation leadership, while Software Development Engineer in Test emphasizes developing testing tools and automation code. Both roles require strong coding skills and testing experience, but their focus areas differ slightly within the testing lifecycle.

What are some typical challenges a senior software engineer in test faces when designing automated testing frameworks?

Senior Software Engineers in Test often encounter challenges such as integrating automated tests with complex, evolving codebases and ensuring tests remain reliable as features change. Balancing thorough test coverage with execution speed, especially in continuous integration environments, is another common concern. Additionally, collaborating with both development and QA teams to align on testing strategies and maintaining documentation for test frameworks are key responsibilities that require strong communication and adaptability.

What is a senior software engineer in test?

Senior Software Engineers in Test are experienced professionals who design, develop, and implement automated testing frameworks and tools to ensure the quality and reliability of software products. They work closely with development and QA teams to identify testing needs, create robust test plans, and write automated scripts that validate software functionality. In addition to hands-on coding, they often mentor junior engineers, drive process improvements, and contribute to the overall testing strategy of the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior software engineer in test, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Software Engineer in Test, you need a deep understanding of software development, test automation frameworks, and a background in computer science or a related field. Mastery of tools like Selenium, Jenkins, JUnit, and experience with CI/CD systems, as well as relevant certifications such as ISTQB, are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring robust, scalable, and reliable software delivery in complex technical environments.
What job categories do people searching Senior Software Engineer In Test jobs in Santa Ana, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Software Engineer In Test jobs in Santa Ana, CA are:
What cities near Santa Ana, CA are hiring for Senior Software Engineer In Test jobs? Cities near Santa Ana, CA with the most Senior Software Engineer In Test job openings:
Senior Software Engineer In Test jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Software Engineer In Test job openings in Santa Ana, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,656 per year, or $62.8 per hour.

Sr. Software Engineer, Hardware Test & Automation (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, HARDWARE TEST & AUTOMATION (STARSHIELD)
Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads
As a Sr. Software Engineer on the Starshield Integration & Test team, your focus will be on developing integrated operations and automation infrastructure for the Hardware In The Loop (HITL) testbeds and production floor that bring the Starshield Satellites to life. Our software engineers are responsible for the tools that enable rapid development and accurate testing of all Starshield hardware systems, with a continual focus on design, reliability, and innovation, from test hardware system designs to our software infrastructure. Our engineers serve as the experts for the flight control devices and mechanisms that drive the critical capabilities on our satellites - from inertial control devices to space lasers and more. While your main ownership will be infrastructure related to testing, knowledge of the hardware being tested and understanding how our satellites work as a whole is essential.
Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - engineers on this team are curious, and collaborative, love to learn new things, and work effectively in a dynamic environment to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for manufacturing and engineering design verification
  • Write automation software to interact with flight hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production documentation systems
  • Develop software that allows for test execution across multiple environments: hardware-in-the-loop (HITL, HIL) and virtualized hardware simulations
  • Develop custom automation solutions to engineering and manufacturing challenges using a combination of embedded electronics and innovative hardware
  • Develop algorithms to analyze complex test data to determine if components have met acceptance criteria
  • Maintain and troubleshoot existing automation infrastructure and work with partner teams to determine and correct root cause of failures
  • Define and implement project plans, manage milestones and hold reviews to assure reliable test systems are delivered to production
  • Invent tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline
  • 5+ year of software development experience in C, C++, or Python; or full stack software development experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Extensive knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems
  • Experience with configuration management and version control software
  • Experience with continuous integration and agile development
  • Experience automating processes and testing to improve manufacturing yields and reduce production time
  • Experience with control feedback loop design and implementation
  • Experience with numerical analysis techniques and signal processing in multiple domains
  • Extensive knowledge with a range of digital and analog interfaces including GPIB, USB, VISA, TCP/IP, VLAN, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog-to-digital conversion
  • Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
  • Experience with spacecraft fluid systems
  • Experience with high power electrical systems
  • Experience with embedded hardware product development
  • Developed and deployed software that has been used in real-world applications/projects.
  • Experience with containerization technologies (i.e. Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Radio frequency (RF) system-level design, modems, and diagnostic test equipment experience.
  • Strong skills in troubleshooting, debugging, performance optimization, and unit testing.
  • Experience with continuous integration and monitoring.
  • Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, optics, math, and physics
  • Ability and willingness to obtain a Top-Secret clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Software Engineer/Senior: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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