Entry Level Software Test Lead Jobs
New grad software test lead jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong portfolio or internship work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings reflect a mix of on-site, remote, and hybrid work settings across Technology & Software, Consulting & Professional Services, and Aerospace & Defense, with employers like TikTok, SpaceX, and Trace3 hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 22+ Entry Level Software Test Lead jobs
INTRODUCTION
Applied Medical is a new-generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute to a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
As a Software Test Engineer at Applied Medical, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of our advanced surgical devices, including the Voyant Intelligent Energy System. You will focus on testing embedded software and components, collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams to validate product performance, identify issues, and support regulatory compliance throughout the product lifecycle. This role is centered on testing, not software development, making it an excellent opportunity for those passionate about quality assurance in embedded medical systems.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Verify and validate embedded software and PC applications for medical devices
- Review, analyze, and decompose requirements into effective test plans and protocols
- Design, execute, and document manual and automated test procedures in accordance with regulatory standards
- Participate in design reviews to ensure comprehensive test coverage and adequacy
- Log, track, and drive issues to closure while collaborating closely with development and engineering teams
- Collect and analyze test data, report findings, and support engineering documentation for compliance and submissions
SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE
- Delivering thorough, well-documented test protocols and reports that ensure regulatory compliance and product safety
- Building strong relationships with software and hardware engineers to proactively identify and resolve issues
- Increasing reliability and performance of embedded software systems through rigorous testing and validation
- Contributing to efficient product development cycles by providing clear, actionable test feedback
- Demonstrating growth from early learning to independently leading complex testing projects
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires the following skills and attributes:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
- Knowledge of the software development life cycle and testing methodologies
- Strong documentation, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills
- Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities
- Willingness to learn and work at the hardware–software boundary of embedded devices
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Commitment to quality by maintaining compliance with Applied Medical’s Quality Management System
PREFERRED
The following skills and attributes are preferred:
- Programming experience with C, C++, assembly, Python, or other comparable languages
- Familiarity with embedded firmware, Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), and test automation frameworks
- Industry experience in medical device or embedded systems testing
- Knowledge of electronic test practices, schematics, and test equipment
- Experience supporting electronics teams in development or manufacturing
- Exposure to content and document management systems
BENEFITS
- Competitive compensation range: $72500 - $85000 / year (California).
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Training and mentorship opportunities.
- On-campus wellness activities.
- Education reimbursement program.
- 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
- Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.
Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.
Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life. All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Applied Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.
INTRODUCTION
Applied Medical is a new-generation medical device company with a proven business model and commitment to innovation fueled by rapid business growth and expansion. Our company has been developing and manufacturing advanced surgical technologies for over 35 years and has earned a strong reputation for excellence in the healthcare field. Our unique business model, combined with our dedication to delivering the highest quality products, enables team members to contribute to a larger capacity than is possible in typical positions.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
As a Software Test Engineer at Applied Medical, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of our advanced surgical devices, including the Voyant Intelligent Energy System. You will focus on testing embedded software and components, collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams to validate product performance, identify issues, and support regulatory compliance throughout the product lifecycle. This role is centered on testing, not software development, making it an excellent opportunity for those passionate about quality assurance in embedded medical systems.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Verify and validate embedded software and PC applications for medical devices
- Review, analyze, and decompose requirements into effective test plans and protocols
- Design, execute, and document manual and automated test procedures in accordance with regulatory standards
- Participate in design reviews to ensure comprehensive test coverage and adequacy
- Log, track, and drive issues to closure while collaborating closely with development and engineering teams
- Collect and analyze test data, report findings, and support engineering documentation for compliance and submissions
SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE
- Delivering thorough, well-documented test protocols and reports that ensure regulatory compliance and product safety
- Building strong relationships with software and hardware engineers to proactively identify and resolve issues
- Increasing reliability and performance of embedded software systems through rigorous testing and validation
- Contributing to efficient product development cycles by providing clear, actionable test feedback
- Demonstrating growth from early learning to independently leading complex testing projects
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires the following skills and attributes:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
- Knowledge of the software development life cycle and testing methodologies
- Strong documentation, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills
- Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities
- Willingness to learn and work at the hardware–software boundary of embedded devices
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Commitment to quality by maintaining compliance with Applied Medical’s Quality Management System
PREFERRED
The following skills and attributes are preferred:
- Programming experience with C, C++, assembly, Python, or other comparable languages
- Familiarity with embedded firmware, Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), and test automation frameworks
- Industry experience in medical device or embedded systems testing
- Knowledge of electronic test practices, schematics, and test equipment
- Experience supporting electronics teams in development or manufacturing
- Exposure to content and document management systems
BENEFITS
- Competitive compensation range: $72500 - $85000 / year (California).
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Training and mentorship opportunities.
- On-campus wellness activities.
- Education reimbursement program.
- 401(k) program with discretionary employer match.
- Generous vacation accrual and paid holiday schedule.
Please note that the compensation range may be adjusted in the future, and bonus and incentive compensation plans may apply.
Our total reward package reflects our commitment to employee growth and well-being, as we invest in your development and offer a range of benefits designed to enhance your career and life. All compensation and benefits are subject to plan documents and written agreements.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Applied Medical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws in the locations where Applied Medical operates.
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- Aerospace & Defense3
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- Media & Entertainment1
Entry Level Software Test Lead Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level software test lead job?
Start by building hands-on experience through internships, academic projects, or open-source contributions that demonstrate test planning and defect tracking. Employers at this level look for candidates who understand basic testing methodologies like manual and functional testing, can write clear test cases, and communicate findings to a team. A portfolio showing real test artifacts gives you a concrete edge over candidates who only list coursework.
Which companies hire entry level software test leads?
Companies hiring entry level software test leads right now include TikTok, SpaceX, and Trace3, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level comes from a mix of tech startups, mid-size product companies, and large enterprises building out dedicated QA teams who prefer to train junior talent from the ground up.
Are there remote entry level software test lead jobs?
Yes, though remote availability varies by employer and team structure. About 22% of entry level software test lead openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, so candidates are not limited to roles in their immediate city. Hybrid arrangements are common for junior roles where in-person onboarding or team collaboration is part of the ramp-up.
Are these new grad software test lead jobs?
Yes, many of these listings are new grad and junior roles that explicitly welcome candidates with little or no professional experience. A new-grad-friendly posting typically accepts zero to two years of experience, counts internships or academic projects toward that threshold, and values a testing portfolio or relevant coursework over a long work history. Recent graduates and career changers entering QA will find openings suited to where they are starting out.
Which industries hire the most entry level software test leads?
Entry Level software test lead roles concentrate in Technology & Software, Consulting & Professional Services, and Aerospace & Defense, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they ship software products frequently and need junior QA contributors who can support test cycles, log defects, and grow into broader quality ownership over time.