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Senior Software Test Engineer Jobs in Poway, CA (NOW HIRING)

Ōura

Senior Manufacturing Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

We are seeking a Senior Manufacturing Test Engineer to lead the end to end test strategy ... Develop and maintain test software and automation in Python, C, C++, Rust including: * Instrument ...

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All JobsSoftware Test Engineer JobsSenior Software Test Engineer JobsSenior Software Test Engineer Jobs in Poway, CA

Senior Software Test Engineer information

See Poway, CA salary details

$23K

$128.4K

$167.3K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software test engineer in Poway, CA is $128,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $146,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is senior software test engineer a good career?

A senior software test engineer is a valuable role in the software development process, focusing on quality assurance, test planning, and automation tools. It offers opportunities for career growth, specialization, and competitive salaries, especially with experience in scripting and testing frameworks. The role is in demand across various industries that rely on software reliability and quality standards.

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

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 cities near Poway, CA are hiring for Senior Software Test Engineer jobs? Cities near Poway, CA with the most Senior Software Test Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Software Test Engineer job openings in Poway, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,444 per year, or $61.8 per hour.

Senior Software Test and Automation Engineer (R4472)

Shield AI

San Diego, CA

$110K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:
Shield AI's Software Test & Automation Team develops the verification, validation, and automation capabilities that enable rapid delivery of Hivemind autonomy across the Expeditionary and Emerging Operations portfolio. Our mission is to provide objective evidence of software quality, reliability, and mission readiness by building scalable automated test frameworks, repeatable validation environments, and data-driven readiness assessments spanning simulation, Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), and Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL) environments. 

As a Senior Software Test & Automation Engineer, you will design and develop automated test infrastructure, execute system-level verification activities, analyze software performance, and build the tooling that enables continuous validation throughout the development lifecycle. Working closely with autonomy software, systems engineering, digital infrastructure, and flight test teams, you will help ensure autonomy capabilities are validated, repeatable, and ready for operational deployment. 

What you'll do:

  • Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks, validation tooling, and test infrastructure supporting autonomy software.  

  • Develop and execute verification and validation strategies across simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and representative system environments.  

  • Build automated regression, integration, functional, and performance test suites that improve software quality and deployment confidence.  

  • Develop Python-based automation, test harnesses, and analysis tools that reduce manual testing effort and improve repeatability.  

  • Analyze test results, identify software defects and integration issues, and support cross-functional root cause investigations.  

  • Develop software quality metrics, dashboards, and readiness assessments that provide objective evidence of software maturity.  

  • Integrate automated testing into CI/CD workflows to enable continuous validation and rapid developer feedback.  

  • Collaborate with autonomy software, systems engineering, flight test, and integration teams to define validation strategies and readiness criteria.  

  • Improve test infrastructure, automation coverage, and validation methodologies across the Expeditionary and Emerging Operations portfolio. 

Required qualifications:

  • BS in Computer Science, Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or related field.  

  • 4-7 years developing software test, verification, automation, or validation solutions for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, or other complex distributed systems.  

  • Strong proficiency in Python for automation, testing, and data analysis.  

  • Experience developing automated test frameworks, test harnesses, or validation infrastructure.  

  • Experience with Linux-based development environments.  

  • Experience validating software in simulation, SIL, HIL, and/or representative hardware environments.  

  • Experience debugging complex software and system integration issues.  

  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines and continuous validation practices.  

  • Strong understanding of software verification, regression testing, and quality assurance methodologies. 

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience with flight control systems such as ArduPilot or PX4. 

  • Experience with unmanned aerial systems (fixed-wing, quadrotor, or both)  

  • Background in autonomy, robotics, or aerospace systems  

  • Familiarity with flight controllers, radios, and communications systems 

$110,000 - $170,000 a year
#LI-LD1
#LC

Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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