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Software Validation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Altera

Software Validation Engineer

San Jose, CA

Altera is seeking a motivated Software Validation Engineer to ensure the quality and reliability of our cutting-edge software solutions for programmable logic devices! Responsibilities: * Design ...

Semtech

Silicon Validation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

The Validation Engineer is responsible for pre- and post-silicon validation of mixed-signal ... Validate pre-silicon and post-silicon hardware and software/firmware developed by the design team ...

Etched

Silicon Validation Engineer, Software

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

Job Summary We are seeking a skilled and motivated Silicon Validation Firmware Engineer to develop the firmware and low-level software that validates our AI/ML accelerator ASICs across their entire ...

Hark

System Test & Validation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $300K/yr

As a System Validation Engineer, you will be the critical bridge between our hardware and software. You will champion the end-user experience by ensuring our systems work flawlessly together.

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Software Validation Engineer information

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$10

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How much do software validation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for software validation engineer in California is $55.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.06 and $69.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a software validation engineer do?

A Software Validation Engineer is responsible for ensuring that software applications meet specified requirements and function as intended. They design and execute tests, document results, and work closely with development teams to identify and resolve defects. Their work helps ensure software reliability, compliance with industry standards, and user satisfaction. Software Validation Engineers play a critical role in industries where quality and safety are paramount, such as healthcare, automotive, and aerospace.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a software validation engineer?

To thrive as a Software Validation Engineer, you typically need a background in computer science or engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with software testing methodologies. Familiarity with automated testing tools (such as Selenium or Jenkins), scripting languages, and relevant certifications like ISTQB are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating across teams and identifying issues. These skills ensure software reliability, compliance with industry standards, and successful product releases.

How does a software validation engineer collaborate with development and QA teams during a project?

As a Software Validation Engineer, you will work closely with both software development and quality assurance teams to ensure products meet rigorous standards before release. This often involves reviewing requirements, developing validation plans, and executing comprehensive test cases while providing feedback to developers on potential issues. Regular meetings and clear communication are key, as you'll need to coordinate schedules, share test results, and troubleshoot defects collaboratively. This cross-functional teamwork ensures any problems are addressed early, leading to a more robust final product.

What is the difference between Software Validation Engineer vs Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer?

AspectSoftware Validation EngineerSoftware Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
Primary FocusVerifying that software meets specified requirements and functions correctly through validation processesEnsuring overall quality of software through testing, process audits, and quality standards
CertificationsOften holds certifications like ISTQB, CSTEOften holds certifications like ISTQB, CSQA
Work EnvironmentTypically in regulated industries like healthcare, aerospace, or automotiveCommon across various industries including tech, finance, and healthcare
Key ResponsibilitiesDeveloping validation protocols, executing validation tests, documenting complianceDesigning test plans, executing tests, identifying defects, process improvement

While both roles focus on software quality, the Software Validation Engineer emphasizes verifying that software meets specific requirements through validation, often in regulated industries. The Software QA Engineer has a broader scope, focusing on overall quality assurance and testing across diverse sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Software Validation Engineer jobs in California?

For Software Validation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Validation Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Validation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Software Validation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Software Validation Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Software Validation Engineer jobs in CA?

For Software Validation Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Software Validation Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,589 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Software Validation Engineer

San Jose, CA

Altera
Business Management Consulting • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Alteraexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Details:Job Description:

Altera is seeking a motivated Software Validation Engineer to ensure the quality and reliability of our cutting-edge software solutions for programmable logic devices!
Responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, review and execute comprehensive test plans and test cases for Quartus Software Design Suite.

  • Automate testing processes using scripting languages (e.g., Python, Perl, TCL and Bash) and established testing frameworks.

  • Collaborate closely with software development, hardware design, and applications engineering teams to understand product requirements and ensure testability.

  • Analyze test results, generate reports, and present findings to stakeholders. Identify, document, and track software defects using bug tracking systems.

  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of validation processes and methodologies.

  • Stay current with industry best practices in software testing and validation.


The pay range below is for Bay Area California only. Actual salary may vary based ona number offactors including job location, job-related knowledge, skills, experiences,trainings, etc. We also offer incentive opportunities that reward employees based on individual and company performance.

$133.2K- $192.8KUSD

We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for the position.Applicants must be eligible for any required U.S. export authorizations.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

  • Working knowledge of FPGA software flows (e.g., Quartus, Vivado, Lattice) is a plus.

  • 3+ years of experience in software validation, quality assurance, or testing.

  • Strong understanding of software development life cycles (SDLC) and various testing methodologies.

  • Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Perl, Tcl and Bash).

  • Experience with defect tracking systems (e.g., Jira, Bugzilla) and version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce).

  • Knowledge of hardware description languages (Verilog/VHDL) and FPGA design flows and System Verilog is a plus.

  • Experience with embedded systems, operating systems (Linux/Windows), and device drivers is a plus.

  • Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills and attention to detail.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

  • Knowledge about protocols like PCIE, Ethernet, Memory, and AXI4 interface is desired.

  • Use GUI Automation and AI for effective testcase creation and test analysis.

Job Type: RegularShift:Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location:San Jose, California, United StatesAdditional Locations:Posting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

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