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Software Test Engineer Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

Role: Senior Test Engineer Duration: 6-12 Months Summary of Experience: * Test Automation ... Work experience in software requirements, development or testing with creating and executing ...

... software requirements, development or testing with creating and executing quality assurance test ... analysts, developers and the business community directly related to quality assurance ...

The Test Engineer II also uses computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform daily assignments, applying principles of science and mathematics to develop economical ...

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Software Test Engineer information

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How much do software test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for software test engineer in Bothell, WA is $57.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.02 and $65.58 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 does a test software engineer do?

A test software engineer designs, develops, and executes tests to ensure software quality and functionality. They identify bugs, document issues, and work with developers to improve the product, often using testing tools and scripting languages. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of testing methodologies are essential for this role.

Is QA harder than coding?

For a Software Test Engineer, QA involves understanding software requirements, designing test cases, and identifying defects, which requires analytical skills and attention to detail. Coding focuses on writing and maintaining software programs, often involving programming languages and algorithms. Both roles require different skill sets, and difficulty depends on individual strengths and experience.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-paying industries like finance or tech, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, particularly at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

Are QA testers in demand in 2026?

Software Test Engineers are expected to remain in demand through 2026 due to ongoing software development and the need for quality assurance. Skills in automation tools, scripting, and understanding of Agile methodologies will enhance job prospects in this field.
What are popular job titles related to Software Test Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA? For Software Test Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Bothell, WA are hiring for Software Test Engineer jobs? Cities near Bothell, WA with the most Software Test Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Test Engineer job openings in Bothell, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,629 per year, or $57.5 per hour.
Software Engineer, Development Test (Starlink)

Software Engineer, Development Test (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, DEVELOPMENT TEST AUTOMATION (STARLINK)

As a software engineer on the development test automation team you will design, build, and automate test systems to support the development and production of satellite payloads, propulsion systems, mechanisms, and more. Your focus will be on developing software solutions that combine satellite hardware, vacuum systems, high-power test equipment, instrumentation, data acquisition, and production systems to enable test capabilities. These test systems enable subscale testing of components, support iteration on designs for future vehicles, qualify new hardware before flight, and verify production flight hardware.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - engineers on this team are curious, collaborative, love to learn new things, and work effectively in a dynamic environment to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python and similar languages for development and qualification testing
  • Write automation software to interact with hardware, test equipment, instrumentation, and production systems
  • Invent tools that enable more frequent and reliable software deployment, test execution, and data analysis as part of a continuous integration and release system
  • Develop custom automation solutions to engineering challenges using a combination of embedded electronics and innovative hardware
  • Design user interfaces that make complex machines and processes easy to use and troubleshoot

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or STEM discipline; OR 2+years of professional experience insoftware development in lieu of a degree
  • Development experience in Python and/or C, C++

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience developing application, test, or automation software in an interdisciplinary environment
  • Experience with configuration management and version control software
  • Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition system design, or electronics test engineering
  • Experience writing software that interacts with one or more of the following electrical test equipment: oscilloscopes, DMMs, DAQs, power supplies, electronic loads, spectrum analyzers, source measure units
  • Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation
  • Extensive knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems, with a thorough knowledge of computer architecture and networks
  • Experience with configuration management and version control software
  • Experience in one or more of the following: electronics test rack design and build, data acquisition setup and field measurements, build of electronics systems or test systems for local assembly or industrial applications
  • Extensive knowledge of a range of digital and analog interfaces including USB, VISA, TCP/IP, CAN bus, SPI, I2C, Modbus, analog-to-digital conversion
  • Experience working with spacecraft, automotive, or other industrial hardware, such as high-powered electrical systems and ground-support equipment
  • Solid fundamental knowledge of networks, electronics, RF communications, optics, math, and physics
  • Strong skills in troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Willing to work weekends and extended hours as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year
Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation & will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.


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