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Software Test Automation Engineer Jobs in California

Sr. Test Automation Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$48.75 - $64.50/hr

The Sr. Test Automation Engineer will lead the development and implementation of advanced ... Choose appropriate automation tools and technologies that fit the company's needs and software ...

Sr. Test Automation Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$155K - $170K/yr

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.

Python Test Automation Engineer

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site

$56.75 - $75/hr

Responsibilities Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and software teams to diagnose and resolve ... programming robotic automation fixtures and integrating them into test frameworks, using Python ...

Showing results 41-60

Software Test Automation Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$50

$74

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

As of Aug 12, 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 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,259 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Sr. Test Automation Engineer

Auction.com

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$48.75 - $64.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Auction.com is the nationโ€™s leading online platform for buying and selling residential bank-owned and foreclosure properties, driven by a culture of innovation and collaboration. The Sr. Test Automation Engineer will lead the development and implementation of advanced automation strategies to enhance testing processes and ensure efficient software releases.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Craft and execute a forward-thinking automation strategy that aligns with the organization's goals and technological advancements. Ensure the automation framework is scalable, maintainable, and integrates seamlessly with existing tools and processes.
โ€ข Architect and develop robust automation frameworks that support continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices. Choose appropriate automation tools and technologies that fit the company's needs and software stack.
โ€ข Foster a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous learning within the team.
โ€ข Champion the adoption of automation best practices, including code standards, peer reviews, and documentation. Ensure the team produces high-quality, reusable, and reliable automated test scripts.
โ€ข Develop and execute automated performance tests to ensure software performance meets requirements. Address scalability testing to ensure the software can handle projected user loads.
โ€ข Develop comprehensive reporting mechanisms to track the effectiveness of automated tests. Analyze test results, identify trends, and report key metrics to stakeholders to inform decision-making.
โ€ข Actively participate in program increment planning, backlog refinement, and sprint planning.
โ€ข Work closely with Test Engineers, Product Managers, developers, and other stakeholders to integrate automated testing into the SDLC. Advocate for automation in all phases of testing, from unit to system level, ensuring comprehensive test coverage.
โ€ข Collaborate early with Tech Leads and Product Managers to understand business processes, data flows, and product roadmap, aligning testing strategies with long-term goals.
โ€ข Demonstrate the ability to decompose complex system architectures into understandable components. Clearly articulate the flow and transformation of data through cleaning, enrichment, and publication in the marketplace. This clarity is essential for effective collaboration, debugging, and test coverage planning.
โ€ข Guide and mentor QA team members, share knowledge, and create clear, concise documentation to ensure consistency, scalability, and the establishment of team-wide standards.
โ€ข Continuously evaluate and improve the automation strategy, tools, and processes. Stay abreast of the latest trends in test automation and integrate innovative approaches to enhance testing efficiency and effectiveness.
Qualifications:
Required:
โ€ข Bachelorโ€™s or Masterโ€™s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
โ€ข Minimum of 9 years of experience in software testing with a strong focus on test automation.
โ€ข At least 3 years of experience in a leadership role within an automation or testing function.
โ€ข Expertise in designing and implementing test automation frameworks and strategies.
โ€ข Proficiency with a wide range of automation tools and technologies (e.g., Selenium, Appium, Nightwatch.js, Playwright, WebdriverIO, Artillery.io, GitHub, Jenkins).
โ€ข Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and integration of automated tests into build and deployment workflows.
โ€ข Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and mentor peers.
โ€ข Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
โ€ข Experience using SQL to query databases for test validation, verify data integrity, and ensure accurate data transactions within applications.
โ€ข Working knowledge of Microservices architecture, Salesforce platform, and AWS cloud services.
Company:
Auction.com is a Real Estate company. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in Irvine, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.