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Software Test Automation Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

Test & Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$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 ...

Test Automation Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$49.25 - $65.25/hr

ABOUT THE TEAM The Software Platform Foundations team at Anduril is dedicated to building the ... As a Test Automation Engineer, you will work within a complex ecosystem (multi-stage release ...

Test Automation Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$48.75 - $64.50/hr

The Test Automation Engineer will ensure high-quality products by authoring and executing test ... of software solutions. Responsibilities : • Author and execute test plans against the active ...

Sr. Test Automation Engineer

Irvine, CA

$49.50 - $65.25/hr

The Lead Software Test Engineer will design automation frameworks, enhance the testing tools sets and ensure the integration of automation best practices throughout the software development lifecycle.

Minimum Qualifications 6+ years of experience working as a Software Test Automation Engineer. Good understanding of software development lifecycles, testing methodologies, and QA processes. Proven ...

Test Automation Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$49.25 - $65.25/hr

ABOUT THE TEAM The Software Platform Foundations team at Anduril is dedicated to building the ... As a Test Automation Engineer, you will work within a complex ecosystem (multi-stage release ...

Test Automation Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$48.75 - $64.50/hr

ABOUT THE TEAM The Software Platform Foundations team at Anduril is dedicated to building the ... As a Test Automation Engineer, you will work within a complex ecosystem (multi-stage release ...

Test Automation engineer Location: Cupertino, C Onsite only Salary-$140k with benefits. Open on C2C, W2 or fulltime JD: Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks for AWC web ...

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Software Test Automation Engineer information

See California salary details

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

As of Jul 3, 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 the average salary for a QA automation engineer?

The average salary for a QA automation engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals with skills in scripting, testing tools like Selenium, and certifications may earn higher salaries.

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 are Software Test Automation Engineers?

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Software Test Automation Engineer can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation tools like Selenium or Appium, and roles in high-paying industries such as finance or technology. Achieving this level often requires seniority, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes stock options or bonuses.

Will AI replace automation testers?

AI can automate many repetitive testing tasks and assist in identifying issues more quickly, but Software Test Automation Engineers are essential for designing, maintaining, and interpreting automated tests. Human expertise is needed to develop test strategies, handle complex scenarios, and ensure quality, making AI a tool that complements rather than replaces automation testers.

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 does a test automation engineer do?

A test automation engineer designs, develops, and maintains automated testing scripts and frameworks to verify software functionality and quality. They use tools like Selenium, JUnit, or TestNG to improve testing efficiency and often collaborate with development teams to identify and resolve issues early in the software development lifecycle.

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 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:
Infographic showing various Software Test Automation Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,259 per year, or $50.6 per hour.
Test & Automation Engineer

Test & Automation Engineer

Eridan

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$54 - $71.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Eridan

At Eridan we believe in the power of collaboration and communication to achieve our mission: connect the planet to empower a sustainable, shared future. That mission is possible with our patented transmitter which decreases the cost and power required to roll out 5G by 10x when deployed globally. This is all facilitated through our offices: our Sunnyvale headquarters has big windows (even in the lab!), is walking distance to downtown and the Caltrain, and fits the entire team in the cafeteria for our frequent company parties. Learn more about our mission here.

About this Job

Eridan is seeking a Test & Automation Engineer to lead the evolution of our board-level RF test systems. You will take full ownership of the automation codebase, spearhead comprehensive yield analysis, and develop the foundational infrastructure necessary to move our technology from engineering validation into high-volume production.

In this capacity, you will serve as the technical lead for our RF test environments, ensuring that all automation is designed for scalability and reliability. This role is a vital link between the lab and the factory floor, with a focus on system enablement and the creation of production-grade automated solutions rather than basic design or individual board debugging.

As a Test & Automation Engineer, You Will

Core Automation Engineering

  • Own and extend the board-level RF test automation codebase (C# / Test Executive), adding and modifying existing code to support new test cases and additional frequency bands
  • Automate test sequences from specifications provided by the systems and GaN teams, turning PowerPoint-level requirements into production-ready test script

Data & Quality Assurance

  • Collect, organize, and analyze test yield data in bulk, building Pareto analyses to identify top failure modes and translate them into prioritized action items for the systems team
  • Work with the quality function to track production defects, manage priorities, and present findings to cross-functional stakeholders

Operational & Scalability

  • Evaluate and right-size test equipment selections, identifying when a lower-cost instrument meets production resolution requirements in place of an engineering-grade alternative
  • Qualify new test stations, support remote debugging for contract manufacturers, and bring up new test sites as Eridan scales

Documentation & Standards

  • Author and maintain technical documentation for test procedures, specifications, and configuration management to support the transition to contract manufacturing
  • Commit clean, reviewed code to Git and meet the team's code quality standards for acceptance to the main branch

Qualities of a Successful Candidate

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 4+ years of experience in test engineering or a related role
  • Hands-on experience with RF test equipment in a lab environment (signal analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, or similar instruments) 
  • Programming experience in at least one language; ability to read, modify, and write code from scratch. C# experience is a strong plus given our current test executive stack
  • Familiarity with data analysis concepts and the ability to work through yield datasets to identify and communicate failure trends

Nice to Have

  • Experience in the telecommunications or wireless industry
  • Familiarity with 3GPP standards 
  • Background in a manufacturing or yield environment, including Pareto analysis,    defect tracking, or process quality functions
  • Experience with Git and software version control workflow

Perks of working at Eridan

  • Work on new technology that will make a significant impact on global infrastructure
  • Ability to learn, develop, and advance within a flexible environment 
  • Collaborate with smart, passionate, and helpful co-workers 
  • Celebrate progress company-wide
  • Pre-IPO equity 
  • 401K with automatic match 
  • Health, Vision and Dental insurance

Salary Range

Given our anticipated growth, we are open to hiring individuals with varying levels of experience to fill this role. Salary will be commensurate with job-related skills, experience and other relevant factors. The base salary range for the primary location of this role is between $120,000 and $140,000 plus stock options and benefits.

Eridan is an equal opportunity employer. We value and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.