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Software Test Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

Collabera

Software Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

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 ...

INENT INC

QA-Engineer-Software Test II

San Jose, CA

INENT, Inc. provides full implementation, upgrade, support and staff augmentation services QA-Engineer-Software Test II (Please check this is not a generic QA) Location : San Jose CA Duration: 1-2 ...

InvestedintheMission

Engineer, Test Software

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

Position Engineer, Test Software Location San Jose, CA Job ID 619 Openings 0 Overview Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged ...

Joby Aviation

System Test Software Lead

Santa Cruz, CA

$158K - $257K/yr

As the System Test Software Engineering Lead, you will guide a team of software and data analytics engineers responsible for developing, sustaining, and upgrading Test Enabling Software (TES) used ...

Joby Aviation

System Test Software Lead

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$158K - $257K/yr

As the System Test Software Engineering Lead, you will guide a team of software and data analytics engineers responsible for developing, sustaining, and upgrading Test Enabling Software (TES) used ...

Joby Aviation

System Test Software Lead

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$158K - $257K/yr

As the System Test Software Engineering Lead, you will guide a team of software and data analytics engineers responsible for developing, sustaining, and upgrading Test Enabling Software (TES) used ...

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All JobsSoftware Test Engineer JobsSoftware Test Engineer Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Software Test Engineer information

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$12

$59

$84

How much do software test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for software test engineer in Santa Cruz, CA is $59.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.56 and $67.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Software Test Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Test Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA?

The most popular types of Software Test Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Software Test Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA?

For Software Test Engineer jobs in Santa Cruz, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Software Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Software Test Engineer job openings:

Software Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Test Engineer job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $123,565 per year, or $59.4 per hour.

Manufacturing Software Test Engineer

Figure

San Jose, CA • On-site

$130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is based in San Jose, CA and require 5 days/week in-office collaboration.
We are looking for a Manufacturing Software Test Engineer to write, troubleshoot, and maintain our end of line software for programming, calibrating, and verifying subassemblies.
Responsibilities:
  • Implement improvements to our existing end of line automation software
  • Use results from full subassembly validation campaigns to write automation tests for new hardware from scratch
  • Spend time on the manufacturing line understanding and responding to key pain points, including troubleshooting failures, improving visibility and debuggability, and increasing test coverage to catch downstream issues
  • Develop user-friendly GUI screens for production technicians to operate

Requirements:
  • 5+ years of industry experience.
  • Strong proficiency in writing Python and C++ for interfacing with real hardware including actuators, sensors, relays, etc
  • Experience with common embedded stacks: Debian Linux, Ethernet, USB, SPI, UART, SCPI
  • Capable of reading and interpreting electronic circuit diagrams and integrating sensors and actuators
  • Strong understanding of best practices in software engineering

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in Software, Mechanical, Electrical, or Controls Engineering
  • Manufacturing software experience
  • Previous work on mobile robots

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $130,000 and $300,000 annually.
The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.

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