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Associate Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in Chicago, IL

Position: Sr. SDET & Lead SDET Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid) Type: Contract/Full Time Job Overview : We are seeking a Senior SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) to extend and enhance our ...

SDET Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Duration: 6-18 months Work Mode: Onsite Location: Chicago, IL Purpose We are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to ...

SDET

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Senior Software Development Engineer in Test Chicago, IL Who We Are: Northern Trust is a Chicago-based bank with more than 20 international locations and 16,500 employees. From sovereign wealth funds ...

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Associate Software Development Engineer In Test information

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$43

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How much do associate software development engineer in test jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate software development engineer in test in Chicago, IL is $43.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.44 and $46.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the SDET engineer's salary?

The salary for an Associate Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. SDETs with strong programming skills and knowledge of automation tools like Selenium or JUnit tend to earn higher salaries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Software Development Engineer In Test, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Software Development Engineer In Test, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or JavaScript), software testing principles, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automated testing frameworks (like Selenium or JUnit), version control systems (such as Git), and CI/CD tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with development teams and identify issues efficiently. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring software quality, reducing defects, and supporting the agile development process.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced software engineers, especially those in senior or lead roles at large tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Roles such as Staff Software Engineers, Principal Engineers, or Engineering Directors often reach this compensation level, particularly in competitive markets and with extensive expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or large-scale systems.

Will QA or SDET get replaced by AI?

QA and SDET roles involve designing, developing, and maintaining automated testing frameworks, which require critical thinking and understanding of complex systems. While AI can assist with test automation and generate test cases, human oversight remains essential for interpreting results, handling edge cases, and ensuring software quality. Therefore, these roles are likely to evolve rather than be fully replaced by AI.

What is an Associate Software Development Engineer in Test?

An Associate Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is an entry-level professional who designs, develops, and maintains automated tests to ensure the quality and functionality of software applications. They work closely with software developers and quality assurance teams to identify bugs, create test scripts, and automate testing processes. Their primary focus is on improving software reliability and streamlining the testing workflow by using programming skills to build robust test frameworks. This role often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced positions in quality engineering or software development.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Associate Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) when collaborating with development teams?

As an Associate SDET, one common challenge is ensuring clear communication between QA and development teams, especially when clarifying requirements or reporting bugs. SDETs often need to advocate for quality while balancing release deadlines, which requires effective collaboration and negotiation skills. Additionally, integrating automated tests into fast-paced development cycles can be complex, especially when dealing with evolving codebases or shifting priorities. Overcoming these challenges involves proactive communication, continuous learning, and adaptability within agile team structures.

Are SDET and QA the same?

An SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) is a specialized QA professional who develops automated tests and often has programming skills, whereas traditional QA roles focus on manual testing and quality assurance processes. While both aim to ensure software quality, SDETs typically have a stronger emphasis on automation, coding, and testing tools, making their roles distinct within the software development lifecycle.

What is the difference between Associate Software Development Engineer In Test vs Software Development Engineer In Test?

AspectAssociate Software Development Engineer In TestSoftware Development Engineer In Test
QualificationsBachelor's in CS or related field, some experienceBachelor's or higher in CS, more experience often required
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, collaborative teams, learning-focusedMore autonomous, complex testing tasks, leadership roles
ResponsibilitiesWriting basic test scripts, executing tests, learning automation toolsDesigning test frameworks, automating tests, improving testing processes

The main difference is experience level and scope. Associate Software Development Engineer In Test roles are entry-level, focusing on learning and executing tests, while Software Development Engineer In Test positions involve more complex automation and design responsibilities, often requiring more experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Chicago, IL? For Associate Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Software Development Engineer In Test jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Software Development Engineer In Test job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Software Development Engineer In Test job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $90,485 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Sr. SDET & Lead SDET

Infodyne Solutions

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Details:

Position: Sr. SDET & Lead SDET Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid) Type: Contract/Full Time

Job Overview:
We are seeking a Senior SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) to extend and enhance our testing automation framework using Java/JavaScript. The role requires strong ownership of business requirements, test strategy development, and hands-on automation expertise.

Required Qualifications:
Technologies and tools: Java (3-5 years) Cucumber (3-5 years), JBehave or other BDD testing frameworks
At least 8 years of test automation framework design
Strong experience in testing Webservices (REST APIs) (3+5 years)
Proven experience developing test scripts, test cases, and test data
The ability to write queries in SQL or other relational databases
3+ years of experience in developing scenario based performance testing using JMeter
Experience testing full stack and integration testing with 3rd paties
End-to-end system integration testing experience for software platforms