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Software Developer Engineer In Test Jobs in California

Machina Labs

Software Engineer in Test (SET)

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Machina Labs is seeking a Software Engineer in Test (SET) to own quality, validation, and release execution across our software platform as we develop and deploy new features and services. This role ...

RIT Solutions

SDET

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$58.25 - $75.25/hr

SDET Role: SDET (not a mid level role. Need Senior candidate only) Location-3 days onsite, Santa Clara, ca, need only locals Must Have * 8+ years of experience working in software quality assurance ...

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Software Developer Engineer In Test information

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

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for software developer engineer in test in California is $50.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.54 and $57.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Software Developer Engineers in Test (SDETs) typically collaborate with developers and QA teams during the software development lifecycle?

SDETs work closely with both development and QA teams to ensure high-quality software releases. They participate in code reviews, help developers write testable code, and design automated test frameworks that integrate with continuous integration pipelines. SDETs also coordinate with QA to identify test cases suitable for automation and assist in debugging issues found during testing. This collaborative approach helps streamline the development process, reduce manual testing efforts, and improve overall product quality.

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

AspectSoftware Developer Engineer In Test
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and maintaining automated tests to ensure software quality
Skills & CertificationsProgramming, scripting, testing frameworks, CI/CD tools
Work EnvironmentCollaborates closely with developers, QA teams, and DevOps
Industry UsageCommonly employed in software development companies, tech firms, and startups

The comparison shows that both roles focus on software quality and automation, often sharing skills like programming and testing frameworks. The main difference lies in the emphasis: Software Developer Engineer In Test primarily develops automated tests and integrates testing into the development process, whereas Software Developer Engineer In Test may also be involved in broader development tasks. Both roles are integral to ensuring high-quality software delivery in modern tech environments.

What is a Software Developer Engineer In Test?

A Software Developer Engineer In Test (SDET) is a professional who combines software development and testing skills to ensure the quality of software products. SDETs write automated tests, develop testing frameworks, and often contribute to code development to improve testability and reliability. They work closely with developers and quality assurance teams to identify bugs early and improve the overall software development process. Their role is essential in delivering high-quality software efficiently. SDETs typically have strong programming skills and a deep understanding of testing methodologies.

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

To thrive as a Software Developer Engineer in Test (SDET), you need strong programming knowledge, software testing expertise, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automation frameworks (such as Selenium or Appium), continuous integration tools (like Jenkins), and scripting languages (such as Python or Java) is typically required, along with relevant certifications in testing or development. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for identifying issues and collaborating within development teams. These competencies ensure high-quality, reliable software by enabling efficient test automation and thorough validation throughout the development lifecycle.
What are popular job titles related to Software Developer Engineer In Test jobs in California? For Software Developer Engineer In Test jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Developer Engineer In Test jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Software Developer Engineer In Test jobs in California are:
Software Developer Engineer In Test jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Developer Engineer In Test job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 6% As Needed, 43% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 47% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,612 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer in Test

Senior Software Engineer in Test

Mainspring Energy

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Mainspring Energy is revolutionizing power generation with innovative technology. The Senior Software Engineer in Test will join a world-class engineering team to build and run automated testing systems, ensuring product quality and engaging with developers to create innovative testing solutions.
Responsibilities:
• Architect Automation: Design and scale robust test frameworks and CI/CD integrations
• System Validation: Create workflows to validate complex hardware/software integrations and resolve system-level bottlenecks
• Root Cause Analysis: Lead failure analysis and risk mitigation to ensure test stability and environment reliability
• Strategic Coverage: Drive risk-based testing strategies to ensure comprehensive coverage of all critical-path functionalities
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field with 6+ years of professional experience, or a Master’s degree with 5+ years in an SDET or Software Engineering role
• A driven, self-directed contributor who views test infrastructure as a first-class product; you thrive on architecting scalable, automated systems that increase developer velocity
• Proven track record of leading complex automation projects from design to implementation, with the foundational ability to perform deep-dive manual exploratory testing and technical test case design
• Strong hands-on experience developing in Python and C++, with the flexibility to navigate and contribute to diverse codebases as the project requires
• Demonstrated proficiency in leveraging AI coding assistants as a force multiplier for productivity, combined with the professional judgment to challenge and expand upon AI-generated solutions to ensure system integrity and long-term maintainability
Company:
Mainspring Energy provides power generation technology using linear generators for clean energy. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Menlo Park, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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