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Software Test Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Test Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$175 - $200/hr

Space Micro Inc. is looking for a Test Engineer Manager to join a team of designers of cutting‑edge components for space applications including Software Defined Radios, Single Board Computers and ...

... with team members, management and customer representatives Experience/Education Required ... test scripts, and test reports. Ability to troubleshoot embedded C devices and software ...

Software Test Analyst 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The Software Test Analyst 2 is a unique position that bridges the gap between biology and software ... Exposure to test management tools. * Exposure to image analysis concepts such as segmentation ...

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

... Key Management. At Leidos , we offer competitive benefits , including Paid Time Off, 11 paid ... The Software Test Engineer will join an agile development team building a mobile-focused user ...

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$73K - $132K/yr

... Key Management. At Leidos , we offer competitive benefits , including Paid Time Off, 11 paid ... The Software Test Engineer will join an agile development team building a mobilefocused user ...

... management and customer representatives Experience/Education Required: • Demonstrated experience in test development and test automation development including, but not limited to thorough ...

Software Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$36.06 - $43.27/hr

THE OPPORTUNITY The Software Test Engineer position reports to the Software Quality Assurance ... Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time at its discretion. ROLE ...

Software Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$36.06 - $43.27/hr

THE OPPORTUNITY The Software Test Engineer position reports to the Software Quality Assurance ... Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time at its discretion. ROLE ...

Software Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $185K/yr

We leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software ... management. * Experience with IXIA and/or Spirent test tools desired * Familiarity with test ...

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$55 - $64.75/hr

Hybrid in San Diego, CA Our client seeks a Software Test Engineer to lead and execute advanced ... manage and collaborate; effective communication skills. Education Requirements: Bachelor's or ...

We leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software ... management. * Experience with IXIA and/or Spirent test tools desired * Familiarity with test ...

Showing results 21-40

Software Test Manager information

See California salary details

$107.6K

$141K

$195.4K

How much do software test manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for software test manager in California is $140,964.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,900.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a software test manager do?

As a Software Test Manager, your day often involves overseeing test plan development, coordinating test execution, and reviewing testing progress with both your team and project stakeholders. You may spend time mentoring testers, analyzing defect reports, and collaborating closely with development and product management teams to align on quality goals. Regular meetings and status updates are a staple, as is the need to adapt quickly to project changes or address challenges as they arise. This role combines hands-on problem solving with leadership responsibilities, ensuring both the quality of deliverables and the professional growth of your team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software test manager?

To thrive as a Software Test Manager, you need a solid background in software testing methodologies, test planning, team leadership, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automated testing tools (such as Selenium or JUnit), defect tracking systems, and certifications like ISTQB are commonly expected. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills help managers lead teams and coordinate with multiple stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality software releases and fostering a collaborative, efficient testing environment.

What is a software test manager?

A Software Test Manager is responsible for overseeing the testing process in software development to ensure quality and reliability. They lead a team of testers, develop test strategies, and coordinate with developers and stakeholders to identify and resolve defects. Their role includes test planning, execution, and automation while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Test jobs in California? The most popular types of Software Test jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Test Manager jobs in California? For Software Test Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Test Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Software Test Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Software Test Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Software Test Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Test Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, and 46% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,964 per year, or $67.8 per hour.

Manager, Software Test & Autonomation (R5461)

Shield AI

San Diego, CA • On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

Shield AI's Software Test & Automation Team is responsible for developing the verification, validation, and automation capabilities that enable rapid delivery of Hivemind autonomy across the Expeditionary and Emerging Operations portfolio. The team provides objective evidence of software quality, reliability, and mission readiness by developing scalable automation frameworks, repeatable validation environments, and software readiness assessments spanning Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL), and operational test environments. 

As the Software Test & Automation Manager, you will lead a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for defining verification strategies, building automated validation capabilities, and establishing software readiness standards across a diverse portfolio that includes XBAT, VBAT, Weapons, Space, Maritime, and other emerging autonomy programs. You will partner closely with software engineering, systems engineering, platform integration, digital infrastructure, and flight test organizations to ensure autonomy capabilities are thoroughly validated and ready for operational deployment. 

This role is ideal for a technical leader who enjoys building high-performing engineering teams, developing scalable automation strategies, and improving software quality through modern verification and continuous validation practices. 

What you'll do:
  • Lead and grow a team of Software Test & Automation Engineers supporting Expeditionary and Emerging Operations.  
  • Define verification and validation strategies spanning simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and operational test environments.  
  • Drive the development of automated regression testing, validation frameworks, and test infrastructure that improve software quality and engineering velocity.  
  • Establish software readiness criteria, quality gates, and objective performance metrics used to assess autonomy maturity throughout the development lifecycle. 
  • Partner with Digital Infrastructure to integrate automated validation into CI/CD pipelines and expand continuous testing capabilities.  
  • Develop common automation frameworks, reusable test assets, and validation methodologies across multiple autonomy programs. 
  • Coordinate software readiness activities with software engineering, systems engineering, platform integration, and flight test teams.  
  • Develop technical roadmaps, staffing plans, and engineering priorities aligned with organizational objectives.  
  • Mentor engineers, conduct performance reviews, recruit top talent, and foster technical excellence across the organization.  
  • Present software readiness assessments, technical risks, and validation status to program leadership, Chief Engineers, and executive stakeholders. 
Required qualifications:
  • Lead and grow a team of Software Test & Automation Engineers supporting Expeditionary and Emerging Operations.  
  • Define verification and validation strategies spanning simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and operational test environments.  
  • Drive the development of automated regression testing, validation frameworks, and test infrastructure that improve software quality and engineering velocity.  
  • Establish software readiness criteria, quality gates, and objective performance metrics used to assess autonomy maturity throughout the development lifecycle. 
  • Partner with Digital Infrastructure to integrate automated validation into CI/CD pipelines and expand continuous testing capabilities.  
  • Develop common automation frameworks, reusable test assets, and validation methodologies across multiple autonomy programs. 
  • Coordinate software readiness activities with software engineering, systems engineering, platform integration, and flight test teams.  
  • Develop technical roadmaps, staffing plans, and engineering priorities aligned with organizational objectives.  
  • Mentor engineers, conduct performance reviews, recruit top talent, and foster technical excellence across the organization.  
  • Present software readiness assessments, technical risks, and validation status to program leadership, Chief Engineers, and executive stakeholders. 
Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience supporting autonomous systems, robotics, or unmanned platforms.  
  • Experience with software quality tools such as SonarQube. 
  • Experience with ROS. 
  • Experience developing software readiness metrics, dashboards, and executive reporting.  
  • Experience supporting DoD programs and customer demonstrations. 
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Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
 
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
 
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
 
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.