How to hire a software testing manager

How to hire a software testing manager, step by step

Here's a step-by-step software testing manager hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a software testing manager job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new software testing manager
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a software testing manager do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the software testing manager you need to hire. Certain software testing manager roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect software testing manager also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list presents software testing manager salaries for various positions.

   Type of Software Testing Manager	Description	Hourly rate
   Software Testing Manager	Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device... Show more	$48-88
   Developer	Developers are usually system or application developers in a company who work on specific projects related to networks or applications from conception to implementation. They attend planning sessions to ensure that the program is feasible... Show more	$36-62
   SQL Server Developer	A structured query language (SQL) server developer is a specialist who is tasked to develop and maintain systems to store, organize, and access databases. With their experience in data architect and management, SQL server developers can develop and scale SQL databases based on the needs of their organization... Show more	$34-54

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Software Development
   • C++
   • Test Automation
   • Java
   • Development Process
   • Project Management
   • Test Results
   • Regression
   • Test Cases
   • Jenkins
   • Prototyping
   • SQL
   • QA
   • End Testing

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage a software team developing new UI.
   • Manage technical integration of large relational databases, product fulfillment systems and architecture; directly report to CTO.
   • Provide technical leadership to software testing and QA organizations.
   • Conduct readiness reviews and go / no-go meetings with stakeholders.
   • Institute the Sarbanes-Oxley and ITIL documentation compliance and auditing process.
   • Fix jQuery and JavaScript bugs and help other developers with all kind of UI bugs.

   More software testing manager duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the software testing manager job description is a good way to get more applicants. A software testing manager salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a software testing manager in Ohio may be lower than in California, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level software testing manager. Additionally, a software testing manager with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average software testing manager salary

   $136,780yearly

   $65.76 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level software testing manager salary

   $100,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 18, 2026

   Average software testing manager salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$188,640	$91
   2	Washington	$176,577	$85
   3	Oregon	$150,771	$72
   4	District of Columbia	$143,896	$69
   5	Delaware	$131,851	$63
   6	Michigan	$130,192	$63
   7	New Jersey	$130,179	$63
   8	New York	$129,010	$62
   9	Arizona	$128,136	$62
   10	Massachusetts	$127,484	$61
   11	Texas	$119,210	$57
   12	Connecticut	$118,500	$57
   13	North Carolina	$117,710	$57
   14	Illinois	$117,109	$56
   15	Colorado	$117,033	$56
   16	Florida	$115,704	$56
   17	Georgia	$110,127	$53
   18	Missouri	$110,100	$53
   19	Ohio	$106,210	$51

   Average software testing manager salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	NVIDIA	$189,054	$90.89	283
   2	Databricks	$181,181	$87.11	76
   3	Amazon	$168,258	$80.89	576
   4	Ambarella	$167,716	$80.63	6
   5	Arista Networks	$165,812	$79.72	22
   6	Citi	$155,142	$74.59	4
   7	Lucid Motors	$153,114	$73.61	27
   8	Nokia	$152,849	$73.49	25
   9	Sony Electronics	$144,242	$69.35	9
   10	Lt Engineering	$143,464	$68.97
   11	endpoint Clinical	$142,917	$68.71
   12	Rehrig Pacific	$142,182	$68.36
   13	SAS Institute	$141,998	$68.27	23
   14	Sears Holdings	$141,729	$68.14
   15	FCA US LLC	$140,501	$67.55	5
   16	Univera	$140,023	$67.32	2
   17	Deloitte Digital	$139,798	$67.21
   18	AEVA	$139,749	$67.19	4
   19	ALTEN Cresttek - An ALTEN Group	$139,738	$67.18
   20	Twitch	$139,641	$67.14	23

4. Writing a software testing manager job description

   A job description for a software testing manager role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a software testing manager job description:

   Software testing manager job description example

   Leading the future in luxury electric and mobility
   At Lucid, we set out to introduce the most captivating, luxury electric vehicles that elevate the human experience and transcend the perceived limitations of space, performance, and intelligence. Vehicles that are intuitive, liberating, and designed for the future of mobility.
   
   We plan to lead in this new era of luxury electric by returning to the fundamentals of great design - where every decision we make is in service of the individual and environment. Because when you are no longer bound by convention, you are free to define your own experience.
   
   Come work alongside some of the most accomplished minds in the industry. Beyond providing competitive salaries, we're providing a community for innovators who want to make an immediate and significant impact. If you are driven to create a better, more sustainable future, then this is the right place for you.
   
   We are currently seeking a Program Test Manager. This position requires an experienced professional with a strong background in managing complex test projects from planning to execution and continuous improvement. Our ideal candidate exhibits a can-do attitude and approaches his or her work with vigor and determination. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate excellence in their respective fields, to possess the ability to learn quickly and to strive for perfection within a fast-paced environment.
   The Role:Create and maintain program-level test plans and strategies covering all layers from component level HW/SW testing to final vehicle validation with a focus on E/E systems Lead test plan reviews to ensure completeness and alignment of component, domain and system test plans Set and communicate test goals and standards for both, LUCID internal teams as well as suppliers Align test schedules with program milestones and SW release schedules Establish test metrics, drive for consistency of test methodologies, test reporting and terminology Participate in change management, test results, release readiness and program milestone reviews Continuously improve test coverage and efficiency through systematic analysis of test coverage and defects Coordinate test asset availability between test teams and PMOWork with software quality and process engineering teams to define and document test processes, standards and metrics
   Qualifications:Bachelors in the areas of Computer Science or any related fields, Masters preferred5+ years of experience in test management of complex systems Advanced knowledge of test, software and product development methodologies Demonstrated leadership, ability to coordinate cross-functional work to completion, analytical skills and attention to detail Experience with agile and waterfall development methodologies Experience with testing related tools and techniques, including requirements, test, debug and defect management tools.Excellent written and verbal communication skills
   Preferred: Experience with testing to meet industry and automotive standards (IEEE, ASPICE, ISO 26262, homologation, localization, …) Automotive test engineering experience, incl. ADAS/AD, ASPICE, functional safety testing Formal training and certification in project and test management (PMP, ISTQB, …) Experience with driving organizational change
   At Lucid, we don't just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable State or Federal laws and regulations.
   
   Notice regarding COVID-19 protocols
   At Lucid, we prioritize the health and wellbeing of our employees, families, and friends above all else. In response to the novel Coronavirus all new Lucid employees, whose job will be based in the United States may or may not be required to provide original documentation confirming status as having received the prescribed inoculation (doses). Vaccination requirements are dependent upon location and position, please refer to the job description for more details.
   
   Individuals in positions requiring vaccinations may seek a medical and/or religious exemption from this requirement and may be granted such an accommodation after submitting a formal request to and the subsequent review and approval thereof by our dedicated Covid-19 Response team.
   
   To all recruitment agencies: Lucid Motors does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our careers alias or other Lucid Motors employees. Lucid Motors is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find software testing managers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   To find software testing manager candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting software testing managers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   If your interviews with software testing manager applicants aren't enough to make a decision, you should also consider including a test project. These are often the best, most straightforward, and least bias-prone ways of determining who will likely succeed in the role. If you don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new software testing manager

   Once you've decided on a perfect software testing manager candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new software testing manager first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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