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Software Validation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are currently seeking a Sr. ADAS Validation Engineer to join our Software Quality and Validation Engineering team. This requires an experienced professional with a background in software quality ...

The Validation Engineer II is a mid-level role responsible for creating, planning, and executing software verification activities, and contributing to continuous improvement and validation processes.

The Validation Engineer will be responsible for the following. * Develop, approve, and execute ... Control system software development * Control system hardware design * Network design * MES system ...

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Software Validation Engineer information

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$10

$55

$97

How much do software validation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 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.

How does a Software Validation Engineer typically 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Validation Engineer, and why are they important?

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.

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 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:
Senior System Software Validation Engineer

Senior System Software Validation Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Palo Alto, CA

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Ford Model E is responsible for developing the key technologies and capabilities - such as EV platforms, batteries, e-motors, inverters, charging and recycling - to create ground-up breakthrough electric vehicles. By joining the best software, engineering, design and UX talent, you will be a part of creating new technologies and concepts that can be applied across the Ford enterprise. Being on the Ford Model E team means building the future as Ford's center of innovation and growth through electric and connected vehicles and services.  

As a Senior System Software Integration and Validation Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the quality and reliability of our automotive systems. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and executing verification and validation activities to ensure that our software meets the highest standards of safety and performance. Your expertise will be vital in driving the success of our projects and maintaining our reputation for excellence.

You'll have...

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in the automotive or relevant industry 
  • Strong understanding of automotive systems, embedded software, and control systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with automotive testing instrumentation and tools.
  • Proficiency in automotive communication protocols such as CAN, LIN, Ethernet, and FlexRay.
  • Working knowledge of IDLs such as DBC, LDF, ARXML, and work with internal IDLs and frameworks.
  • Experience with automotive or aerospace HIL test benches, particularly with dSPACE, Vector VT, or similar platforms
  • Experience writing and executing automated and manual tests.
  • Deep expertise in the EE architecture and integration of complex automotive systems, including interactions across multiple domains (e.g., body, powertrain, chassis, ADAS) and ECUs.
  • Proven track record of collaborating with large, cross-functional teams across hardware, software, and systems engineering.
  • Deep understanding of software development lifecycle and automotive testing methodologies.
  • Experience in system-level debugging and root-cause analysis across software and hardware boundaries.
  • Proficiency in understanding wiring and logical schematics, network diagram and harness drawings. 
  • Ability to define and drive system validation plan from concept to production.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with safety-critical software development and industry standards like ISO 26262.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, Python, or MATLAB.
  • Experience testing fully electric vehicles.

We will offer immigration support for this position.

What you'll receive in return:

As part of the Ford family, you'll enjoy excellent compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous PTO, retirement, savings and stock investment plans, incentive compensation and much more. You'll also experience exciting opportunities for professional and personal growth and recognition.

If you have what it takes to help us redefine the future of mobility, we would love to have you join us. Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status.

Ford, the health and safety of our employees is our top priority. Vaccination has been proven to play a critical role in combatting COVID-19. As a result, Ford has made the decision to require U.S. salaried employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless employees require an accommodation for religious or medical reasons. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination or an approved medical or religious exemption. 

#LI-SE1 #UEV

What you'll do...

  • Design, build and maintain complex automotive system level test benches to validate automotive systems with a focus on automation.
  • Develop comprehensive verification and validation plans for automotive software systems and features.
  • Design and execute test cases and test scripts to verify system functionality, performance, and safety.
  • Develop and implement automation scripts and tools to enhance testing efficiency and accuracy.
  • Integrate hardware and software components to create reliable and scalable test environments.
  • Lead debug of any issues encountered working with cross functional teams across the organization on identifying root cause, confirming fixes and providing guidance on how we can protect against future regressions
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software developers, controls engineers, and systems engineers to define and implement V&V strategies.
  • Continuously improve testing processes and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Prepare and present detailed reports on verification activities and results to stakeholders.

Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982