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Software Quality Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Agilent is seeking a Software Quality Engineer (QA Engineer / Software Test Engineer) to join the Software Quality organization supporting the Automation Productivity Solutions team. This team ...

Software Quality Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $188K/yr

Agilent is seeking a Software Quality Engineer (QA Engineer / Software Test Engineer) to join the Software Quality organization supporting the Automation Productivity Solutions team. This team ...

Title : Software Quality Engineer Location : Alameda, CA Duration : 12 Month Assignment 100% Onsite Summary : Participates as a member of the Software Quality Assurance (SWQA) team for Abbott ...

Job Summary The Software Quality Engineer II supports the development and lifecycle management of software used in medical devices by ensuring quality, compliance, and effective risk management ...

Software Quality Engineer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Job Summary The Software Quality Engineer II supports the development and lifecycle management of software used in medical devices by ensuring quality, compliance, and effective risk management ...

The Software Quality Engineer II role involves ensuring quality and compliance throughout the product lifecycle while collaborating with various engineering and regulatory teams. Responsibilities ...

Be part of the engineering team, focused on testing software and frameworks used to develop Apple ... Developing quality from an early stage by being involved through the entire project lifecycle ...

Be part of the engineering team, focused on testing software and frameworks used to develop Apple ... Developing quality from an early stage by being involved through the entire project lifecycle ...

Be part of the engineering team, focused on testing software and frameworks used to develop Apple's next generation human interface devices! Description Testing is focused on macOS and iOS frameworks ...

Be part of the engineering team, focused on testing software and frameworks used to develop Apple's next generation human interface devices! Description Testing is focused on macOS and iOS frameworks ...

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Software Quality Engineer information

See California salary details

$18

$47

$77

How much do software quality engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for software quality engineer in California is $47.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.74 and $54.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Software Quality Engineer?

A software quality engineer, or software quality assurance engineer, tests the quality and efficiency of a software product before its public release. As a software quality engineer, your responsibilities and duties include reviewing specifications and design documents, processing the software, designing tests to assess software, and coordinating testing activities with software engineers and programmers. A career as a software quality engineer requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, and some positions also require a master’s degree. Software quality engineers have skills and experience working with software development, a working proficiency with SQL, and familiarity with QA best practices and testing.

What is the difference between Software Quality Engineer vs Software Tester?

AspectSoftware Quality EngineerSoftware Tester
Primary FocusEnsuring overall quality, process improvement, and defect preventionIdentifying bugs and verifying software functionality
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping quality strategies, automating tests, collaborating with teamsExecuting test cases, reporting bugs, manual testing
Required SkillsTesting tools, automation, quality assurance processesManual testing, test case execution, defect tracking
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, cross-functional teams in software developmentPrimarily testing teams or QA departments

While both roles focus on software quality, Software Quality Engineers take a broader approach, emphasizing process improvement and automation, whereas Software Testers mainly focus on executing tests and identifying bugs. The roles often overlap but serve different stages of the quality assurance process.

How does a Software Quality Engineer typically collaborate with development and product teams to ensure high-quality releases?

As a Software Quality Engineer, you’ll work closely with developers and product managers throughout the software development lifecycle. Regular collaboration involves participating in sprint planning, reviewing requirements, designing test cases, and providing feedback on user stories. You’ll also be responsible for communicating defects clearly, suggesting improvements, and validating fixes, ensuring everyone is aligned on quality goals. This close teamwork ensures that issues are caught early and that the final product meets both technical and user expectations.

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

To thrive as a Software Quality Engineer, you need a solid understanding of software development lifecycles, test methodologies, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automated testing tools (like Selenium or JUnit), bug tracking systems (such as Jira), and scripting languages is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong communication are vital soft skills that set top performers apart. These abilities ensure software products meet high standards for reliability and functionality, reducing defects and improving user satisfaction.

What are Software Quality Engineers?

Software Quality Engineers are professionals responsible for ensuring that software products meet established quality standards before they are released to customers. They design and execute tests, identify bugs or issues, and collaborate with developers to resolve problems. Their work helps prevent defects, enhances user satisfaction, and ensures the reliability and safety of software applications. Software Quality Engineers may use automation tools and manual testing methods to validate functionality, performance, and security.
More about Software Quality Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Quality Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Quality Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Software Quality Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Software Quality Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Software Quality Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Software Quality Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Quality Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,648 per year, or $47.9 per hour.
Software Quality Engineer/ Prin Software Quality Engineer

Software Quality Engineer/ Prin Software Quality Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking a Software Quality Engineer/ Principal Software Quality Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals located in Rancho Bernardo or Palmdale, CA.

Telecommute/remote is not an option for this position. This position's standard work schedule is a 9/80 bi-weekly work week for Rancho Bernardo, or a 4/10 work week for Palmdale, with an occasional expectation for limited off-Friday support.

The successful candidate will implement software quality standards across multiple programs. Theywill ensure that project and process control documentation is in accordance with contract requirement, program planning, and NG policies, processes, and procedures. They will review software design, code, unit test, integration, change specifications, and plans for contractual and/or process requirements. There will be limited opportunities to develop for internal software tools in support of the Software Quality team's statement of work.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Perform audits of software development processes to assure compliance in established policies, procedures, work instructions, and program specific plans

  • Develop, modify, apply, and maintain quality evaluation plans to assist program activities for processing software and materials into partially finished or finished products

  • Collaborate with program and engineering management on program quality planning and the establishment of program quality objectives

  • Participate in contractual reviews and audits, program/IPT meetings, and configuration control board meetings

  • Collaborate with software engineering and systems engineering functions to ensure quality standards are in place and followed

  • Witness execution of software qualification and system acceptance tests to ensure tests are executed in accordance with approved test procedures, requirements are fully verified, and that all test procedure and software anomalies are documented and tracked to closure

  • Support CMMI and AS9100 audit activities and audits quality systems for non-conformance identification and corrective action

  • Evaluate and ensure software suppliers possess the capability and capacity necessary to execute and deliver procured software with unquestionable quality

  • Ensures that corrective measures meet acceptable quality standards, and that documentation is compliant with requirements

  • Assists Software Engineering in collecting and reporting metrics

  • Cross-trained in the hardware quality engineer positions in the department

Basic Qualifications for Software Quality Engineer

  • Bachelor's Degree in computer science, software engineering, or other STEM-related field with 2 years OR Master's Degree in computer science, software engineering, or other STEM-related field with 2 years of relevant software development and integration work experience

  • Demonstrated knowledge of Agile software development process

  • Demonstrated knowledge of C, C++, Java, Python

  • Demonstrated knowledge in the collection of software data and metrics for reporting

  • Demonstrated knowledge in process and product evaluation

  • Must hold a Top-Secret clearance and ability to obtain program access

Basic Qualifications for Principal Software Quality Engineer

  • Bachelor's Degree in computer science, software engineering, or other STEM-related field with 5 years OR Master's Degree in computer science, software engineering, or other STEM-related field with 5 years of relevant software development and integration work experience

  • Demonstrated knowledge of software development processes including Agile, Waterfall, and Spiral Development processes

  • Demonstrated knowledge of C, C++, Java, Python

  • Demonstrated experience in process monitoring, data collection, analysis, and metric reporting

  • Demonstrated experience in process and product evaluation

  • Must hold a Top-Secret clearance and ability to obtain program access

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in a Software Engineering environment in an engineering capacity, work plan review, manufacturing readiness review, and root cause/corrective action analysis

  • Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite with add-ons like Git and Confluence

  • Certified in lean and six-sigma quality engineering methodologies

  • Ability to work independently with all levels of management to identify solutions to complex problems

  • Experience with software code review and open to learning different software tools

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939