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Software Test Engineer Contract Jobs in California

Kitu Systems

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

We are seeking a test engineer that has a strong background and belief in software testing and can drive the deployment and adoption of testing activities within a team. The ideal candidate is highly ...

Intuitive

Sr. Software Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$129K - $168K/yr

As a Software Test Engineer within the Future Forward engineering team, you will be responsible for all the aspects relating to software testing. You will partner with the development team and with ...

Leidos

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$73K - $132K/yr

The Software Test Engineer will join an agile development team building a mobilefocused user application. This role is responsible for ensuring product quality through both manual and automated ...

Leidos

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

The Software Test Engineer will join an agile development team building a mobile-focused user application. This role is responsible for ensuring product quality through both manual and automated ...

Intuitive

Sr. Software Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$129K - $168K/yr

As a Software Test Engineer within the Future Forward engineering team, you will be responsible for all the aspects relating to software testing. You will partner with the development team and with ...

New

Leidos

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

The Software Test Engineer will join an agile development team building a mobile-focused user application. This role is responsible for ensuring product quality through both manual and automated ...

Arista Networks

Software Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $185K/yr

Who You'll Work With Arista Networks is looking for world-class Software Test Engineers to help us in building the highest quality networking products you can buy. At Arista, you'll spend your time ...

Leidos

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA

$59K - $106K/yr

The Software Test Engineer will join an agile development team building a mobilefocused user application. This role is responsible for ensuring product quality through both manual and automated ...

Arista Networks

Software Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$110K - $185K/yr

Who You'll Work With Arista Networks is looking for world-class Software Test Engineers to help us in building the highest quality networking products you can buy. At Arista, you'll spend your time ...

Lockheed Martin

Software Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$93K - $164K/yr

Lockheed Martin Space is seeking a full time Software Test Engineer. In this role, you will support the software engineering lifecycle following the program Software Development Plan (SDP) to include ...

JBCPlatform

Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $93/hr

Lidar Software Test Engineer Contractor _Foster City, CA (on_site)_ Domestic travel will be required The Advanced Hardware Engineering Lidar Team is looking for a Software Test Engineer Contractor to ...

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All JobsSoftware Test Engineer Contract JobsSoftware Test Engineer Contract Jobs in California

Software Test Engineer Contract information

See California salary details

$43.6K

$107.8K

$168.6K

How much do software test engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for software test engineer contract in California is $107,836.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $124,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Test Engineer on a contract basis, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Test Engineer on contract, you need a solid understanding of software testing methodologies, test case development, and a relevant technical background, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automated testing tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit), bug tracking systems, and knowledge of scripting languages are typically required, and certifications like ISTQB can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with development teams and ensuring product quality. These skills and qualifications enable contract engineers to quickly adapt, identify defects efficiently, and deliver reliable software within tight project timelines.

What does a Software Test Engineer on a contract basis do?

A Software Test Engineer on a contract basis is responsible for evaluating software applications to ensure they meet required standards and function correctly. They create and execute test plans, identify bugs or issues, and document their findings for the development team. Contract Software Test Engineers often work on specific projects for a set period, providing flexibility for both employers and professionals. Their work helps improve product quality before software is released to users.

What are some common challenges faced by Software Test Engineers working on contract, and how can they be addressed?

As a contract Software Test Engineer, one common challenge is quickly adapting to new teams, tools, and product domains, since contracts are often project-based and time-limited. Building effective communication with developers and understanding the existing testing frameworks can take time, but proactively seeking documentation and scheduling introductory meetings helps smooth the transition. Additionally, balancing workload expectations and maintaining high-quality standards under tight deadlines is essential. Staying organized, clarifying deliverables, and leveraging industry-standard testing tools can help contract engineers succeed in these dynamic environments.

What is the difference between Software Test Engineer Contract vs Software Test Engineer?

AspectSoftware Test Engineer ContractSoftware Test Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant degree and testing certifications (e.g., ISTQB)Same as contract; often the same certifications and experience needed
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based roles often with consulting firms or as freelancersPermanent or long-term employment within a company
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, consulting, and software development firmsWidely used across industries with dedicated testing teams
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on short-term contracts, flexibility, and project scopeEmphasizes stability, career growth, and long-term roles

In summary, Software Test Engineer Contract roles are temporary, project-based positions suitable for those seeking flexibility, while Software Test Engineer roles are permanent, offering stability and ongoing career development within organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Test Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Test Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Software Test Engineer Contract jobs? Cities in California with the most Software Test Engineer Contract job openings:
Software Test Engineer Contract jobs near you
Software Test Engineer

Software Test Engineer

Kitu Systems

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Kitu Systems, Inc is a startup building an exciting cloud service for IoT applications. We are seeking a test engineer that has a strong background and belief in software testing and can drive the deployment and adoption of testing activities within a team.
Job Description
The ideal candidate is highly self-motivated, eager to introduce new ideas to improve testing processes, meticulously detail oriented, and able to quickly come up to speed on new technologies.
Job Requirements:
• Analyze customer/product/protocol specifications to extract software requirements
• Design test plans to verify that product software meets software requirements
• Design test plans to verify that product software meets stress and robustness requirements
• Develop test cases, scripts, and tools to implement test plans
• Develop scripts and tools to automate testing
• Perform first level triage of bugs discovered through test activities
• Drive bug resolution with the development team
• Demonstrate an ability to collaborate efficiently with team members, management and customer representatives
Experience/Education Required:
• Demonstrated experience in test development and test automation development including, but not limited to thorough understanding of requirements and specifications and tracking defects
• Demonstrated experience in the creation of test artifacts including: test specifications, test processes and procedures, test cases, test scripts, and test reports.
• Ability to troubleshoot embedded C devices and software applications
• Ability to troubleshoot javascript applications
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
We offer a generous and competitive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Coverage in addition to PTO.
The position is located in San Diego, CA (no remote applicants)
Qualifications
Experience/Education Preferred:
• BS in Computer Science/Engineering or related work experience
• Experience with continuous deployment methodologies and tools
• Working knowledge of Git and JIRA
• Experience with automated testing frameworks
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according / No phone calls/No agencies.
Job Type: Full-time
Job Location:
• San Diego, CA EEO guidelines.

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