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Senior Software Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Software Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$129K - $168K/yr

As a Software Test Engineer within the Future Forward engineering team, you will be responsible for all the aspects relating to software testing. You will partner with the development team and with ...

Sr. Software Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$129K - $168K/yr

As a Software Test Engineer within the Future Forward engineering team, you will be responsible for all the aspects relating to software testing. You will partner with the development team and with ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Lehi, UT ยท On-site +1

$103K - $134K/yr

What You'll Do NetDocuments is seeking a Senior Software Test Engineer to help ensure the quality and reliability of our applications across cloud and desktop environments. In this role, you will ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Bedford, MA ยท On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance test processes, increase automation, and reduce cycle times Networking / Key Relationships: Collaborate closely with Software Developers, System ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Bedford, MA ยท On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance test processes, increase automation, and reduce cycle times Networking / Key Relationships: Collaborate closely with Software Developers, System ...

Sr. Software Test Engineer

Newton, MA

$121K - $157K/yr

Perform workflow analysis, document test results and recommend quality improvements * Work with engineers to resolve software defects and diagnose/improve product configuration for current and future ...

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Senior Software Test Engineer information

See salary details

$22.5K

$125.6K

$163.5K

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

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software test engineer in the United States is $125,561.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,500.00 and $143,500.00 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 cities are hiring for Senior Software Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Software Test Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Software Test Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Software Test Engineer jobs? The top employers for Senior Software Test Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Software Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Software Test Engineer jobs include:
Sr. Software Test Engineer

Sr. Software Test Engineer

Intuitive

Sunnyvale, CA โ€ข On-site

$129K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and execute test scripts and protocols for functional software verification for complex robotic surgical systems.

  • Generate test reports and complete requirement tracing for all requirements under test.

  • Log and manage issues found within the issue tracking system and work with software and cross-functional teams to identify the root cause and assess the impact of each issue.


Job description

Company Description
It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.
Were a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.
The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.
The Future Forward organization is Intuitive's advanced concepts group. We explore emerging technologies, prototype next-generation solutions, and build software experiences that shape the future of robotic-assisted surgery.
If you're ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you'll find your purpose here.
Job Description
Primary Function of Position:
As a Software Test Engineer within the Future Forward engineering team, you will be responsible for all the aspects relating to software testing. You will partner with the development team and with the clinical team to develop procedures leading up to the full verification of the system software for a novel surgical robot architecture.
The primary function of this position is to own all aspects of system verification for robotic surgical systems, including ownership of the top-level test strategy, design, development, and execution of test protocols, test report generation, and defect management.
The successful candidate must excel in a focused, high-energy small-team environment. The position will require close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including but not limited to product development teams, clinical team, systems analysts, design team, quality, and regulatory teams.
Quick learning and a desire to understand requirements from a user's and engineering's perspective are essential to become a valuable system developer. A strong sense of shared responsibility and shared reward is required.
Your responsibilities will encompass all aspects related to the system software verification, ranging from a clear understanding of the system architecture design and risk analysis to ownership of requirements discussions and change impact analysis. You will understand the system from both a technical perspective and the user's viewpoint, and drive definition and development of robust test strategy, as well as recommend design improvements.
Essential Job Duties
This position has responsibility for all aspects related to the software verification of robotic surgical systems and instruments. Specifically, the Software Test Engineer is responsible for:
  • Designing, developing, and executing test scripts and protocols for functional software verification for complex robotic surgical systems.
  • Generating test reports and complete requirement tracing for all requirements under test.
  • Logging and managing issues found within the issue tracking system; working with software and cross-functional teams to identify the root cause and assess the impact of each issue.
  • Contributing to requirements discussions and providing inputs from system test engineering perspective.
  • Participating in design change reviews and provide feedback on test impact and regression analysis.
  • Analyzing test data, identify non-conformance trends, generate concise executive summaries, and recommend design improvements.
  • Execution of the verification protocols of robotic surgical systems and instruments.

Qualifications
Required Education and Training
  • Bachelor's degree or above in Computer Science, Software Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or adjacent technical field.
  • A minimum of 8 years of experience in testing complex electro-mechanical or robotic systems (6 years for Master's degree holders).

Required Skills and Experience
  • Strong skills in defining test methods based on a deep understanding of requirements, specifications and system software architecture.
  • Strong experience in the planning and execution of Verification and Validation (V&V) activities for medical devices, under quality and regulatory compliance.
  • Strong foundation in system engineering, Software Quality Assurance (SQA), software design principles.
  • First-principles thinking and in-depth knowledge of failure mode and risk analysis processes.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and debugging of complex embedded software and electromechanical systems.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience with Python, Matlab, JavaScript, or other scripting language.
  • Experience with Unit Test frameworks.
  • Experience with Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) testing.

Working Conditions
  • none

Additional Information
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
Mandatory Notices
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR ยง743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employeeswho are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government's licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan ("TCP") (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee'sstart date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate's experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate's qualifications, consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.