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Senior Software Test Engineer Jobs in California

The Opportunity This Senior Software Test Engineer role is based in Pleasanton, CA within the Heart Failure Division , where we build solutions that help diagnose, monitor, and manage heart failure.

The Opportunity This Senior Software Test Engineer role is based in Pleasanton, CA within the Heart Failure Division , where we build solutions that help diagnose, monitor, and manage heart failure.

The Opportunity This Senior Software Test Engineer role is based in Pleasanton, CA within the Heart Failure Division , where we build solutions that help diagnose, monitor, and manage heart failure.

Senior Software Test Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

As a Test Engineer, you navigate Google's massive codebase, identify weak spots and constantly design better and creative ways to break software and identify potential problems. You'll have a huge ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

We are seeking a Software Test Engineer to lead verification and validation efforts across our cloud, and mobile platforms within a regulated medical device environment. This role is based in Alameda ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

Mentor and guidejunior test engineers, promoting strong engineering discipline, automation best practices, and regulatory excellence Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in software ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

Mentor and guidejunior test engineers, promoting strong engineering discipline, automation best practices, and regulatory excellence Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in software ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Los Altos, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

As an expert in quality engineering, manages test plans and testing methodology for mulitple software projects. * Skilled in integrating project testing with continuous-integration process. * Works ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Los Altos, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

As an expert in quality engineering, manages test plans and testing methodology for mulitple software projects. * Skilled in integrating project testing with continuous-integration process. * Works ...

Works under the guidance of senior team members and management to perform duties related to ... software scripting languages. Follows instruction established by senior/lead test engineers and/or ...

Software Test Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Works under the guidance of senior team members and management to perform duties related to ... software scripting languages. Follows instruction established by senior/lead test engineers and/or ...

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Senior Software Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$22.2K

$123.9K

$161.4K

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software test engineer in California is $123,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,100.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Software Test Engineer, and why are they important?

A Senior Software Test Engineer needs deep expertise in software testing methodologies, automation frameworks, and programming languages like Java, Python, or C#, typically backed by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools such as Selenium, JUnit, TestNG, and bug-tracking systems like Jira, as well as certifications like ISTQB, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills enable collaboration and leadership within QA and development teams. These competencies are crucial to ensuring software quality, minimizing defects, and delivering reliable products in complex technical environments.

What are the typical collaboration points between a Senior Software Test Engineer and other teams during a project lifecycle?

Senior Software Test Engineers frequently collaborate with developers, product managers, and DevOps engineers throughout the project lifecycle. Early in the process, they work closely with developers to understand requirements and clarify acceptance criteria. During development, they coordinate on bug tracking and test coverage, and participate in sprint planning or daily stand-ups. They also interact with DevOps to integrate automated tests within CI/CD pipelines, ensuring smooth deployment and feedback cycles. This cross-functional collaboration is essential for delivering high-quality software efficiently.

What is the difference between Senior Software Test Engineer vs Software Test Engineer?

AspectSenior Software Test EngineerSoftware Test Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires 5+ years of experience, certifications like ISTQBEntry to mid-level, often with 1-3 years of experience, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads testing projects, mentors junior staff, designs test strategiesPerforms test execution, reports bugs, follows test plans
Industry UsageUsed across software development companies, especially in larger teamsCommon in various tech companies, startups, and software firms

The main difference between a Senior Software Test Engineer and a Software Test Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior roles involve strategic planning, mentorship, and complex testing, while Software Test Engineers focus on executing tests and reporting issues. Both roles are essential in ensuring software quality, with the senior position requiring more expertise and leadership skills.

What does a Senior Software Test Engineer do?

A Senior Software Test Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and executing comprehensive test plans to ensure the quality and functionality of software products. They lead testing efforts, identify defects, and work closely with development teams to resolve issues. In addition, they may mentor junior testers, implement automation frameworks, and help define testing standards and best practices within the organization. Their goal is to ensure software reliability, performance, and user satisfaction before release.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Test Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Test Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Software Test Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Software Test Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Software Test Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,916 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Senior Software Test Engineer

Abbott

Pleasanton, CA • On-site

$90K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Abbott rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

146th of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.JOB DESCRIPTION:

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do meaningful work that impacts lives, while growing your career and supporting your overall wellbeing. As part of our team, you'll have access to:

  • Global career development opportunities within an international organization.
  • Free medical coverage (HIP PPO) for qualifying employees in the next plan year.
  • A competitive retirement savings program with a substantial employer contribution.
  • Education support programs including tuition reimbursement, Freedom 2 Save student debt assistance, and the FreeU bachelor's degree pathway.
  • Recognition as one of the world's best workplaces-honored for innovation, diversity, leadership, and employee experience across multiple countries.

The Opportunity

This Senior Software Test Engineer role is based in Pleasanton, CA within the Heart Failure Division, where we build solutions that help diagnose, monitor, and manage heart failure. Our work directly supports patients in restoring their health and quality of life.

What You'll Work On

As a Senior Software Test Engineer, you will lead verification activities for cloudbased web and mobile applications in a regulated medical device environment. You will:

  • create and execute endtoend software verification of cloud, web, and mobile applications, ensuring compliance throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Develop, maintain, and refine verification plans, protocols, and reports in alignment with FDA regulations, ISO 13485, IEC 62304, and other relevant industry standards.
  • Collaborate proactively with product owners, architects, and developers to ensure requirements are clear, testable, traceable, and aligned with verification strategies.
  • Contribute to risk management activities, including hazard analysis, defect triage, impact assessments, and rootcause investigations.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide verificationfocused input to ensure design artifacts meet quality and regulatory expectations.
  • Drive continuous improvement by enhancing verification workflows, automation coverage, tooling, and quality metrics.
  • Design and implement automated and manual test strategies across functional, integration, system, and regression testing with a focus on scalability, maintainability, and DevOps alignment.
  • Build and maintain automation frameworks and CI/CD pipelines, integrating automated tests into platforms such as GitHub Actions and Azure Pipelines.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in software engineering or a related field.
  • 6+ years of experience in software verification or quality engineering with a strong emphasis on automation.
  • Proven experience building scalable automation frameworks using tools such as PyTest, Jest, Playwright, or REST Assured, and integrating them into CI/CD pipelines.
  • Strong proficiency in Python, JavaScript, and TypeScript, with the ability to create reusable automation utilities.
  • Solid experience with CI/CD ecosystems such as GitHub Actions and Azure Pipelines.
  • Working knowledge of containerization technologies (e.g., Docker) to support consistent test environments.
  • Experience with log aggregation and monitoring tools (e.g., Graylog, Datadog) for pipeline observability and automated troubleshooting.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with crossfunctional engineering and DevOps teams.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in computer science or related field.
  • Experience with cloudnative environments, microservices testing, and modern SDLC/QA methodologies.
  • Understanding of datacompliance frameworks such as HIPAA and GDPR.
  • Handson experience with endtoend system integration testing in complex ecosystems.
  • Background in healthcare, medical devices, or other regulated industries.

Apply Now

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives:www.abbottbenefits.com

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott, and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

The base pay for this position is

$90,000.00 - $180,000.00

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:Product DevelopmentDIVISION:HF Heart FailureLOCATION:United States > Pleasanton : 6101 Stoneridge DrADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:WORK SHIFT:StandardTRAVEL:Yes, 5 % of the TimeMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:NoSIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day)Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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