Software Testing Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Under administrative direction provided by the CSPS Functional Team Chief (ITM II), the Testing Manager (ITM I) is responsible for managing the testing team performing a variety of complex analytical, technical, and project management activities for the California State Payroll System (CSPS) Project, a statewide initiative to modernize and replace the State's personnel and payroll systems. CSPS will deliver a modern Human Capital Management (HCM) and Payroll solution utilizing CGI Advantage to support position control administration, personnel administration, benefits administration, time management, travel advance and expense management, payroll processing, employee self-service, and streamlined business processes.
The incumbent is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and overseeing all testing activities associated with the implementation of the future solution. The Testing Manager provides leadership and direction to Test Architects, Test Analysts, vendor resources, and business testing participants responsible for validating system functionality, business processes, interfaces, and payroll calculations. The incumbent ensures testing activities are executed in accordance with industry best practices, the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), System Testing Life Cycle (STLC), Agile methodologies, and project governance standards.
The incumbent serves as the project authority for testing strategy, test execution, defect management, testing governance, and testing readiness activities. The Testing Manager is responsible for ensuring the successful planning, coordination, execution, monitoring, and completion of System Integration Testing (SIT), User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Interface Testing, Regression Testing, and Parallel Testing activities. The incumbent ensures all testing activities provide sufficient validation that the future solution meets business requirements, complies with applicable policies and regulations, and functions as intended before production implementation.
The incumbent must demonstrate advanced knowledge of software testing methodologies, quality assurance principles, business systems analysis, risk management, project management practices, change management processes, and complex enterprise system implementations.
Duties Performed:
(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

• Provides leadership and management oversight for all testing activities supporting the CSPS Project. Establishes testing policies, procedures, standards, and objectives to ensure consistent execution across all testing phases. Directly supervises Test Architects and Test Analysts and is responsible for assigning work, setting priorities, evaluating performance, developing staff, and ensuring adequate training and resource allocation.

• Develops and maintains a high-performing testing organization capable of supporting the complex testing requirements of statewide personnel and payroll system implementation. Ensures testing resources possess the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to effectively perform assigned responsibilities.

• Provides strategic direction regarding testing readiness, testing risks, testing scope, defect management, quality assurance practices, and release recommendations.

• Monitors testing progress and defect trends to identify risks, issues, and quality concerns. Directs corrective actions necessary to maintain project schedules and test objectives. Establishes and monitors testing quality metrics and key performance indicators to measure testing effectiveness and project readiness. Ensure all testing activities comply with SCO office standards, established quality assurance standards, project methodologies, governance requirements, implementation milestones, and industry best practices.

• Directs the development, maintenance, and execution of comprehensive testing strategies, testing plans, testing schedules, and testing procedures for all project testing activities. Oversee the planning, coordination, execution, monitoring, reporting, and successful completion of all project testing phases, including: System Integration Testing (SIT); User Acceptance Testing (UAT); Interface Testing; Regression Testing; Parallel Testing.

• Leads the planning and execution of User Acceptance Testing (UAT) by establishing testing schedules, coordinating State and vendor testing resources, coordinating testers across multiple departments and vendors, confirming business tester availability for training and execution, monitoring testing progress, and ensuring business validation activities are completed in accordance with project timelines, quality standards, and implementation objectives.

• Provides management oversight for the planning and coordination of integration and interface testing activities to ensure successful end-to-end validation of system integrations, interfaces, and business processes. Manage UAT readiness, stake holder engagement, and production cutover testing.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This position is located at The Emerald Tower on Capitol Mall, steps from Tower Bridge and is walking distance to the State Capitol. The building offers affordable monthly parking, employee gym access, an amenities center, and a beautiful mid-tower garden terrace. It is conveniently situated only blocks from Old Sacramento, numerous restaurants, a seasonal farmer's market, and the Crocker Art Museum. Overlooking the Golden 1 Arena and Downtown Commons, the office is accessible from Sacramento Regional Transit's light rail and bus systems, with convenient access to I-5, I-80, US 50 & US 99.
This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-526942
Position #(s):
051-221-1405-XXX
Working Title:
Testing Manager
Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER I $9,387.00 - $12,579.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Facility:
California State Payroll System
Department Information
The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination employer within the State of California. As California's chief fiscal officer, the Controller's Office ensures accountability and transparency of California's financial practices while promoting fairness and opportunity for all. Here, you'll work in a collaborative and supportive environment with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development. A career with the SCO offers meaningful work that directly impacts the state's future.
The California State Payroll System (CSPS) Project at the State Controller's Office plays a vital role in modernizing the state's human resources and payroll infrastructure. This project leads the implementation of an innovative Human Capital Management system that will streamline services for 300,000 state employees. The team manages the development of essential functions including personnel administration, payroll processing, benefits management, and employee self-service capabilities. By joining CSPS, you'll be at the center of a historic transformation, contributing to solutions that will enhance government operations for decades to come.
Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives!
Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller's Office.
How did you hear about us? Take our survey!
Special Requirements A resume is required.
A Statement of Qualifications is required; please see 'Required Application Package Documents' for instructions.
Take the required examination here: Information Technology Manager I Examination
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/20/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, J.W.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
State Controller's Office
Human Resources
Attn: Human Resources Office, J.W.
300 Capitol Mall 3rd Floor, Ste 300
Sacramento , CA 95814
Applications dropped off in person must be received by 5 p.m. in HR, by the final filing date.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - Please submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) responding to the prompts below. The SOQ should be no longer than two pages in length and size 12 font. Include your first and last name in the upper right corner. Applications submitted without a SOQ in a narrative format will automatically be excluded from the recruitment process.
  • Describe your relative work experience in leading a large project team through the various phases of the System Testing Development Lifecycle (STLC) and System Development Lifecycle.
  Resumes and cover letters cannot be substituted for the SOQs. Applications submitted without the SOQ will not be considered for the position.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Ability to uphold SCO's T.R.U.S.T.E.D values

• Ability to communicate effectively while using tact and good judgment

• Ability to work under pressure with changing priorities and/or deadlines

• Ability to work well with others at all levels

• Ability to formulate and recommend policies and procedures

• Ability to analyze and resolve complex business problems

• Ability to make critical and timely decisions

• Ability to develop and foster collaborative working relationships

• Ability to develop new and innovative approaches and recommend changes

• Ability to guide staff in navigating sensitive situations

• Ability to guide staff in the completion of project artifacts from various sources to facilitate software design, development, t