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Contract Sdet Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

NAVA Software solutions is looking for a SDET Engineer Details: SDET Engineer Location : Merrifield, VA(Hybrid) - Weekly once onsite Duration: 12 Months Top 3 Required Skills: * Hands-on development ...

Sr SDET

Reston, VA · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

Senior SDET (Automation Testing) | Hybrid | Reston, VA We are seeking a Senior Software Development ... This is a short-term contract opportunity through the end of the year, requiring local candidates ...

Sr SDET

Reston, VA · On-site

$115K - $149K/yr

Senior SDET (Automation Testing) | Hybrid | Reston, VA We are seeking a Senior Software Development ... This is a short-term contract opportunity through the end of the year, requiring local candidates ...

Job Title: SDET (JAVA) Location: Mclean,VA Duration: 12+ Months Visa ... USC, GC, H1B and EAD Contract Type: W2 Key Skills: * Experience in design and building test ...

SDET

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50.50 - $65.25/hr

Job Title: SDET Location: Onsite in McLean, VA Responsibilities • Design, develop, and maintain automation frameworks using Playwright, Selenium, Cucumber, Java, and TypeScript • Execute end-to ...

The SDET will develop test automation for integration, regression, and functional testing for systems to ensure compliance with system requirements and Navy Federal business practices and policies.

Senior SDET

Vienna, VA · On-site

$65/hr

Senior Level Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Location: Vienna, VA - 3 days a week onsite each week Openings: 4 Pay Rate: $65/hr on W2 Top Skills: Top 3 Required Skills: * Hands-on ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Sdet information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$54

$73

How much do contract sdet jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract sdet in Virginia is $54.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.64 and $61.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract Sdet?

A Contract SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) is a temporary or project-based role focused on developing, maintaining, and executing automated tests to ensure software quality. Contract SDETs work with development teams to identify defects, implement testing frameworks, and improve test automation strategies. These roles typically require strong coding skills, experience with test automation tools, and the ability to create scalable testing solutions. Contracts can vary in length and may be with different companies or industries, depending on project needs.

What does a contract Sdet do?

As a Contract Sdet, you will typically work on project-based assignments focused on designing, implementing, and executing automated test suites for new or existing software applications. Your daily tasks may include collaborating with developers, writing test scripts, reviewing code, debugging issues, and reporting on software quality metrics. You might also be asked to contribute to building and maintaining test frameworks or updating them based on project needs. The role often involves working in agile environments, interacting closely with product managers, QA analysts, and other team members to ensure timely and high-quality software releases. This variety of projects allows you to build a diverse skill set and gain exposure to different technologies and workflows.

What skills and qualifications are needed for a contract Sdet?

To thrive as a Contract Sdet (Software Development Engineer in Test), you need a strong background in software testing and programming, typically with experience in automation frameworks and scripting languages such as Python, Java, or C#. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Appium, Jenkins, version control systems, and test management platforms, as well as relevant certifications such as ISTQB, is highly advantageous. Exceptional problem-solving skills, adaptability, and clear communication are valuable soft skills, especially when working on short-term or project-based contracts. These skills ensure high-quality, efficient test automation, seamless integration with development teams, and successful delivery within tight contract timelines.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sdet jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Sdet jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Sdet jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Sdet job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Sdet job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 14% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,929 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Arlington, VA • On-site

Zetier
Network Security • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Zetier seeks Software Development Engineers in Test (SDET) to design, build, and maintain scalable automated testing capabilities for embedded hardware, cyber platforms, and operational software systems. This role focuses on developing robust test infrastructure, improving product reliability, and enabling continuous validation across hardware and software solutions. Candidates will develop automated validation frameworks, integrate testing into CI/CD pipelines, and support verification activities spanning low-level firmware, networking systems, and mission-driven software capabilities. Work includes functional, integration, regression, and hardware-in-the-loop testing aligned with quality, operational effectiveness, and compliance objectives.

Required:

  • 5+ years experience in software development or test engineering
  • Strong programming experience in Python, C/C++, and/or Rust
  • Experience deploying automated test frameworks (e.g. pytest, Robot)
  • Experience testing embedded or Linux-based systems platforms
  • Hands-on experience integrating testing into CI/CD pipelines
  • Familiar debugging complex HW/SW system interactions
  • Comfortable writing clear technical documentation (e.g. test reports)
  • Strong communication skills across engineering and customer teams
  • Active U.S. security clearance

Desired:

  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and device automation
  • Experience testing embedded systems, networking devices, or mobile
  • Experience with containerization (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, QEMU)
  • Familiar with network/protocol validation (e.g. Wireshark, Scapy)
  • Experience with RF or wireless systems (e.g. 802.11ac, Zigbee, SDR)
  • Experience testing firmware, drivers, and low-level code/services
  • Exposure to cybersecurity, vulnerability research, or pentest teams
  • Experience with observability, telemetry, or reliability engineering


Positions available in Arlington, VA.

Zetier is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by law. All employment is decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business need.