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Software Quality Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Agilent

Software Quality Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$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 ...

Agilent

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 ...

Masimo

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 ...

Masimo

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 ...

Redolent, Inc

Software Quality Engineer

San Ramon, CA · On-site

Hello, One of our direct client is urgently looking for Sr. QA Engineer @ San Ramon,CA Role - Sr. QA Engineer Work location - San Ramon,CA 1. 8+ year of experience working as a Software Quality ...

3ds

Software Quality Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

BIOVIA is looking for a motivated Software Quality Assurance Engineer to join our R&D Quality Engineering team in San Diego, CA - in an onsitehybrid role. This role will be focused on working with ...

Bright Machines

Software Quality Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Software Quality Engineer (SQE) at Bright Machines, you will work closely with R&D teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable software. You will play a critical role ...

Bright Machines

Software Quality Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Software Quality Engineer (SQE) at Bright Machines, you will work closely with R&D teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable software. You will play a critical role ...

Adobe

Software Quality Engineer

San Jose, CA

In this role, you will work closely with engineers, product managers, designers and reserchers to build test strategies, develop automation, and deliver high-quality software that impacts millions of ...

Adobe, Inc.

Software Quality Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

In this role, you will work closely with engineers, product managers, designers and reserchers to build test strategies, develop automation, and deliver high-quality software that impacts millions of ...

Apple

Software Quality Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

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 ...

Apple

Software Quality Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$126K - $190K/yr

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 ...

Apple

Software Quality Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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 ...

Apple

Software Quality Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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

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How much do software quality engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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 are popular job titles related to Software Quality Engineer jobs in California? For Software Quality Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles 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:
What are popular job titles related to Software Quality Engineer jobs in CA? For Software Quality Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Software Quality Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Quality Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,648 per year, or $47.9 per hour.
Software Quality Engineer

Software Quality Engineer

Agilent

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Agilent Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description

**Due to business requirements, this is an on-site role**

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 develops integrated softwarehardware systems, laboratory automation platforms, and instrument control applications used in life science and analytical laboratories.

Join our team as a Software Quality Engineer and play a vital role in developing reliable laboratory automation and instrument control solutions. Work closely with our talented software, firmware, and hardware R&D teams throughout the entire software development lifecycle.

Enjoy hands-on testing in a regulated, quality-focused environment and make a direct impact on product quality. We value industry experience, but strong transferable QA and software testing skills from related technical fields are also encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

  • Represent Software Quality / Quality Assurance (QA) on assigned software development projects.

  • Collaborate with software developers, firmware engineers, product managers, and crossfunctional teams.

  • Review product requirements and design documentation to ensure clarity, testability, and traceability.

  • Develop and maintain test plans and test cases aligned with requirements and design specifications.

  • Execute functional testing, integration testing, and regression testing of for instrument control software.

  • Perform hands-on testing of laboratory automation systems, including sample preparation, microplate handling, and liquid handling devices, as well as integration with mass spectrometers.

  • Identify, document, and track software defects / bugs using a defect tracking system (e.g., JIRA or equivalent).

  • Support software, firmware, and hardware releases, including through verification and validation activities.

  • Contribute to continuous improvement of quality processes, testing practices, and QA standards.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (e.g., computer science, systems engineering, mechanical engineering) or life sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics), or equivalent experience in biotech, biopharma, diagnostics, or life science tools.

  • 4+ years of experience working with laboratory equipment, scientific devices, analytical instrumentation, or complex softwarehardware systems.

  • Understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and quality best practices.

  • Experience creating and executing manual test cases based on requirements and specifications.

  • Familiarity with defect tracking and requirements management tools such as JIRA or similar.

  • Strong analytical, problemsolving, and troubleshooting skills.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in crossfunctional, Agile or matrixed environments.

  • Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional experience in software quality, software testing, QA, or test engineering.

  • Experience testing integrated systems involving software, hardware, and firmware.

  • Experience with test automation tools or frameworks.

  • Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality standards and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.

  • Familiarity with scripting languages such as JavaScript, VBScript, or similar.

Additional Details

This job has a full time weekly schedule. It includes the option to work remotely. Applications for this job will be accepted until at least May 21, 2026 or until the job is no longer posted.The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $120,864.00 - $188,850.00/yr plus eligibility for bonus, stock and benefits. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: https://careers.agilent.com/locationsAgilent Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and merit-based employer that values individuals of all backgrounds at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. Agilent Technologies, Inc., is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive in the workplace where everyone is welcome, and strives to support candidates with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance with any part of the application or interview process or have questions about workplace accessibility, please email job_posting@agilent.com or contact +1-262-754-5030. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please visit www.agilent.com/en/accessibility.Travel Required: OccasionalShift: DayDuration: No End DateJob Function: Quality/Regulatory

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