ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Software Tester Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Nextern

Senior Software Engineer

Maple Grove, MN

$125K - $165K/yr

Unit and module level software testing experienc Benefits * Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) * Retirement Plan with Company Match * Paid Time Off, Personal Days, AND Birthday Holiday!

Nextern

Senior Software Engineer

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Unit and module level software testing experienc Benefits * Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) * Retirement Plan with Company Match * Paid Time Off, Personal Days, AND Birthday Holiday!

Nextern

Senior Software Engineer

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Unit and module level software testing experienc Benefits * Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision) * Retirement Plan with Company Match * Paid Time Off, Personal Days, AND Birthday Holiday!

Palco

QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTER II

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

The QA Tester II plays a key role in ensuring software releases meet business and technical specifications, are free of defects, and are ready for production deployment. This role requires strong ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsSoftware Tester JobsSoftware Tester Jobs in Minnesota

Software Tester information

See Minnesota salary details

$18

$42

$68

How much do software tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for software tester in Minnesota is $42.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.74 and $51.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Tester, you need a solid understanding of software development life cycles, attention to detail, and knowledge of testing methodologies, often supported by a degree in computer science or related certifications. Familiarity with testing tools such as Selenium, JIRA, and experience with automated and manual testing systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help testers identify, document, and resolve issues efficiently. These skills ensure software quality, minimize defects, and contribute to successful product releases.

What is the difference between Software Tester vs QA Analyst?

AspectSoftware TesterQA Analyst
CertificationsISTQB, CSTEISTQB, CSTE
Work EnvironmentTesting teams, development projectsQuality assurance teams, project management
Industry UsageSoftware companies, IT firmsSoftware companies, IT firms
Primary FocusExecuting test cases, finding bugsDesigning test plans, process improvement

While both Software Testers and QA Analysts work to ensure software quality, Software Testers primarily focus on executing test cases and identifying bugs. QA Analysts take a broader role in designing testing strategies and improving quality processes. Both roles require similar certifications and are integral to software development teams, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Is it easy to become a software tester?

Becoming a software tester generally requires basic knowledge of software development and testing principles, which can be gained through training, certifications, or self-study. Many entry-level positions are available for those with attention to detail and problem-solving skills, and learning testing tools like Selenium or JIRA can improve job prospects. The difficulty varies depending on individual background and the complexity of the testing role.

What is a software tester?

A software tester conducts the QA (quality assurance) testing phase of the project lifecycle. Responsibilities include examining software or websites as a user would—as it will be used post-release. During these test cases, the software tester records any issues (“bugs”) and reports them to the development team so they can be fixed. A software tester explores the software with a critical mindset, assesses the functionality and overall experience, and reports their findings.

What are some common challenges software testers face when collaborating with developers, and how can these be effectively addressed?

Software testers often encounter challenges such as communication gaps with developers, differences in understanding requirements, and tight deadlines for bug fixes. These issues can lead to misunderstandings about defect severity or unclear expectations regarding test coverage. Effective strategies include maintaining open, respectful communication, participating in agile ceremonies like daily stand-ups, and using collaborative tools to track issues and share feedback. Building strong professional relationships and fostering a culture of mutual respect greatly enhances teamwork and leads to higher-quality software.

Are software testers still in demand?

Software testers remain in demand as companies prioritize quality assurance and software reliability. Skills in automation tools, scripting, and understanding of development processes enhance job prospects in this field.
More about Software Tester jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Tester jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Software Tester jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Tester jobs in Minnesota? For Software Tester jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Tester jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Software Tester jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Software Tester jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Software Tester job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Software Tester jobs in MN? For Software Tester jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Software Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Tester job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,627 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer- Machine Automation

IPG Photonics

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$140K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

IPG Photonics rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

IPG's Material Processing Systems Group is focused on integrating state-of-the-art IPG lasers into turn-key systems to be used in the semiconductor, medical and other industries. We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join the Material Processing Systems Group in the development of advanced laser-based manufacturing systems. This position serves as a principal technical contributor responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting software solutions for IPG's laser processing equipment.

The successful candidate will leverage extensive experience in industrial automation, machine control, and software engineering to develop new machine capabilities, improve existing platforms, and support customer-driven enhancements. While working within established software architectures, this individual will provide technical leadership, mentor less experienced engineers, and help drive engineering excellence across projects.

In addition to software development responsibilities, the Principal Software Engineer will work closely with manufacturing, applications, service, and project teams to support machine builds, system integration, commissioning activities, and project execution on the production floor. This role requires strong system-level problem-solving skills and the ability to coordinate efforts across software, electrical, mechanical, and applications engineering disciplines.

  • Analyze machine requirements, customer requests, and engineering specifications to develop software solutions for laser-based material processing systems.
  • Design, implement, test, and maintain software features within established machine control architectures.
  • Serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert within assigned projects and areas of responsibility, providing technical guidance and collaborating with other principal engineers to align engineering standards and implementation approaches.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through design reviews, code reviews, troubleshooting, and technical guidance.
  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, controls, and applications engineers to deliver integrated machine solutions.
  • Support machine integration, testing, validation, and commissioning activities during machine builds.
  • Provide technical leadership for assigned projects and coordination during machine build, integration, commissioning, and acceptance activities, ensuring software deliverables are executed according to project objectives and engineering standards.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex system-level issues involving software, motion control, machine vision, communications, and hardware integration.
  • Drive software quality through adherence to coding standards, testing practices, and maintainability guidelines.
  • Evaluate and implement improvements to existing machine architectures, software frameworks, and development processes.
  • Support field service teams and customers in resolving advanced software and machine performance issues.
  • Participate in customer visits and occasional domestic or international travel to support installations and project execution.

Requirements:

  • 15+ years professional software engineering experience.
  • Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and mentoring engineers.
  • BSCE, BSCS, BSEE, or equivalent. MS, a plus.
  • Demonstrated history of solving complex technical challenges in industrial automation, CNC, robotics, or manufacturing systems.
  • Expert proficiency in Microsoft C#/.NET development.
  • Experience developing industrial automation, CNC, robotics, or precision automation equipment software.
  • Strong understanding of multithreaded and distributed systems.
  • Experience integrating motion control systems, machine vision systems, and industrial hardware.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) tools such as Microsoft Azure DevOps and Git
  • Strong understanding of object-oriented design principles and software development best practices.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills at an overall system level (software, electrical and mechanical).
  • Strong professional organization and task priority skills.


Experience Desired (not required):

  • Experience with advanced software testing technologies in .NET
  • Experience using a PC to interface with external sensors and control peripheral devices via vendor SDK, serial or TCP/IP communications.
  • Experience with web services and APIs including ASP.NET, JSON, and RESTful interfaces.
  • Experience developing automated manufacturing equipment, particularly factory-connected systems and Industry 4.0 solutions.
  • Experience with databases (Microsoft SQL Server).
  • Motion control systems (Aerotech A3200, Aerotech Automation 1, ACS).
  • Machine vision (Dalsa/Sapera/Sherlock, Cognex, Matrox).

#ZR
IND123

What IPG Photonics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply