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Software Test Automation Engineer Jobs in California

Alps Coders

Test Automation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Test Automation Engineer with a deep understanding of software testing methodologies, test-driven development (TDD), and CI/CD pipelines. You should ...

Netpace Inc

Test Automation Engineer

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$51 - $67.25/hr

Netpace Inc is a company looking for a Test Automation Engineer. The role involves developing ... software through rigorous testing methodologies. Responsibilities : • Python Skills • API ...

Eridan

Test & Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$54 - $71.25/hr

About this Job Eridan is seeking a Test & Automation Engineer to lead the evolution of our board ... Experience with Git and software version control workflow Perks of working at Eridan * Work on new ...

Cantos Ventures

Test & Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$120 - $140/hr

About this Job Eridan is seeking a Test & Automation Engineer to lead the evolution of our ... Experience with Git and software version control workflow Perks of working at Eridan * Work on new ...

Hadrian Automation

Test Automation Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

By combining AI, advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we help aerospace and ... The Role As a Test Automation Engineer, you will own comprehensive test engineering for Special ...

ClifyX

Test Automation Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$48.75 - $64.50/hr

ClifyX is a company looking for a Test Automation Engineer to join their team in Irvine, CA. The role involves extensive experience in test automation, particularly with Pytest/Python and Cypress, as ...

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Software Test Automation Engineer information

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How much do software test automation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for software test automation engineer in California is $50.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.65 and $57.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software test automation engineer?

Software Test Automation Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, developing, and executing automated tests to ensure the quality and functionality of software applications. They use specialized tools and scripts to automate repetitive testing tasks, identify bugs, and improve the efficiency of the software development process. Their work helps teams deliver reliable software more quickly and with fewer manual errors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software test automation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Test Automation Engineer, you need a strong understanding of software testing principles, programming skills (often in languages such as Java, Python, or JavaScript), and a background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with test automation frameworks (like Selenium, Cypress, or Appium), CI/CD systems, and relevant certifications such as ISTQB are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring software quality, streamlining development processes, and facilitating collaboration between development and QA teams.

What are some common challenges faced by software test automation engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Software Test Automation Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining test scripts amid frequent code changes, ensuring test coverage for new features, and dealing with flaky or unreliable tests. These can be addressed by regularly updating automated tests alongside development, implementing robust test design patterns, and collaborating closely with developers to understand code changes. Additionally, effective use of version control and continuous integration can help teams quickly identify and resolve automation issues, making the testing process more reliable and efficient.

What is the difference between Software Test Automation Engineer vs QA Automation Tester?

AspectSoftware Test Automation EngineerQA Automation Tester
CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, certifications like ISTQB, automation tools knowledgeSimilar credentials, focus on testing certifications and automation skills
Work EnvironmentDevelops and maintains automation frameworks, collaborates with development teamsExecutes automated tests, reports bugs, ensures quality standards
Industry UsageUsed across software development companies, tech firms, and QA teamsCommonly found in QA departments within various industries

While both roles focus on automation testing, the Software Test Automation Engineer typically designs and develops automation frameworks and tools, whereas the QA Automation Tester primarily executes automated test cases and reports issues. The engineer's role is more technical and development-oriented, while the tester's role emphasizes test execution and quality assurance.

What cities in California are hiring for Software Test Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Software Test Automation Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Software Test Automation Engineer jobs in CA?

For Software Test Automation Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Software Test Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Test Automation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,259 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Senior Software Test and Automation Engineer (R4472)

Shield AI

San Diego, CA • On-site

$117K - $152K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 3 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 

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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.