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Software Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Senior Software Test Engineer to lead verification and validation efforts across our cloud, and mobile platforms within a regulated medical device environment. This role is based in ...

Automate test cases. Verify fixes. 5 years of experience are required. Qualifications Minimum Requirements: Bachelor degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering Experience with CNAenic/fnic ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

We are seeking a Software Test Engineer to lead verification and validation efforts across our cloud, and mobile platforms within a regulated medical device environment. This role is based in Alameda ...

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Software Test Engineer information

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How much do software test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for software test engineer in California is $50.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.54 and $57.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Software Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of software development life cycles, test methodologies, and proficiency in programming languages such as Python or Java, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with automation tools like Selenium, JUnit, or TestNG, and knowledge of bug tracking systems such as Jira are typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication set standout engineers apart by enabling thorough defect identification and clear reporting. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring software reliability, meeting quality standards, and facilitating smooth collaboration across development teams.

What Is a Software Test Engineer?

A software test engineer conducts quality assurance tests on software to make sure programs are functioning properly. The three types of testing strategies are black box, where the tester is not familiar with the software, white box, where the tester is aware of the software’s internal structure, and gray box, which is a combination of the two. Responsibilities in this job include running diagnostic tests with a critical mindset, assessing the functionality, and reporting the findings.

What are some common challenges faced by Software Test Engineers when working with cross-functional development teams?

Software Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning testing timelines with rapid development cycles, ensuring clear communication of bugs and requirements, and adapting to evolving project priorities. Collaborating closely with developers, product managers, and UX designers requires proactive communication and flexibility, especially when dealing with ambiguous requirements or shifting deadlines. To succeed, it's important to maintain detailed documentation, participate actively in agile ceremonies, and foster a collaborative attitude to resolve issues efficiently and ensure high-quality software releases.

What are Software Test Engineers?

Software Test Engineers are professionals responsible for evaluating software applications to ensure they function correctly and meet specified requirements. They design, develop, and execute test plans and cases, identify bugs or issues, and work closely with developers to resolve them. Their goal is to maintain software quality by detecting problems early in the development process, whether through manual or automated testing methods. Software Test Engineers often use specialized tools and frameworks to streamline testing and improve product reliability.

What is the difference between Software Test Engineer vs QA Analyst?

AspectSoftware Test EngineerQA Analyst
CertificationsISTQB, CSTE, CSQAISTQB, CSTE, CSQA
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, testing labsQuality assurance departments, testing labs
Industry UsageSoftware companies, tech firmsSoftware companies, IT organizations
Primary FocusDesigning, executing tests, automationTest planning, process improvement, documentation

Both roles often require similar certifications and work in software testing environments within tech industries. The Software Test Engineer typically focuses on test case development, automation, and execution, while the QA Analyst emphasizes test planning, quality processes, and documentation. Understanding these distinctions helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals for their testing needs.

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 are popular job titles related to Software Test Engineer jobs in California? For Software Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Test Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Software Test Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Software Test Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Software Test Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Test Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,612 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Software Test Engineer

Software Test Engineer

eTouch Systems

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Company Description
eTouch Systems is a global technology solutions and services company specializing in Enterprise Web, Big Data, Test Engineering, Mobility and Business Intelligence/Data Management. We provide high-end technology and business consulting, software development, application testing and systems integration services.
Job Description
Mobile Tester - 12 Months Plus Contract - Mountain View, CA
Contract-W2 only
Description:
Develop test plans and test cases to validate the requirements and specifications
Qualifications
5+ years of Manual Testing experience
Android Manual testing experience.
Additional Information
eTouch Systems Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity.