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Contract Test Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Contract Test Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

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$73

How much do contract test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract test engineer in Elgin, IL is $43.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.03 and $51.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract test engineer?

Contract Test Engineers are professionals hired on a temporary basis to design, execute, and document tests for products, systems, or software to ensure they meet quality standards and function as intended. They often work for a fixed period or on specific projects, providing specialized testing expertise. Their responsibilities may include developing test plans, performing automated or manual testing, identifying bugs, and collaborating with development teams to resolve issues. Contract Test Engineers are commonly found in industries like software development, manufacturing, and electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract test engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Test Engineer, you need expertise in software testing methodologies, test case development, debugging, and a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with automated testing tools (such as Selenium or JUnit), version control systems, and knowledge of CI/CD pipelines are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and adaptability are essential soft skills for collaborating with diverse project teams and quickly integrating into new environments. These competencies ensure high-quality deliverables, efficient problem-solving, and successful project outcomes in dynamic contract-based roles.

What are some common challenges contract test engineers face when joining new projects, and how can they overcome them?

Contract Test Engineers often face challenges such as quickly understanding unfamiliar systems, adapting to varied testing frameworks, and integrating into established teams with existing workflows. To overcome these, it's important to proactively communicate with team members, review project documentation thoroughly, and seek clarity on project goals and testing standards early on. Building rapport with developers and other engineers can also ease the onboarding process and help ensure effective collaboration throughout the contract period.

What is the difference between Contract Test Engineer vs QA Tester?

AspectContract Test EngineerQA Tester
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in Computer Science or related field, with certifications like ISTQBOften requires a similar degree or relevant experience, with ISTQB certification common
Work EnvironmentWorks on specific projects, often contract-based, in software development teamsWorks within quality assurance teams, testing software for bugs and usability
Industry UsageCommon in software development, IT consulting, and tech companiesWidely used across software companies, especially in testing and quality assurance roles

Contract Test Engineers and QA Testers both focus on software quality, but Contract Test Engineers often work on specific projects with a focus on testing automation and integration, while QA Testers typically perform manual testing and bug tracking. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to software development teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Test Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Test Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Contract Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Contract Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Test Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,970 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

IT Software Engineer (SDET)

Accord Technologies Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Title: IT Software Engineer (SDET)
Location:Chicago, IL (Locals needed)
Position type: W2 contract

 
This is a senior-level Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) position. 
The primary function is to apply computer science principles to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of software systems. 
The role focuses on extending and maintaining test automation frameworks for Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) pipelines.

Required Skills
Java: 3–5 years of strong design and development experience.
BDD Frameworks: 3–5 years of experience with Cucumber, JBehave, or other BDD testing frameworks.
Test Automation Framework Design: At least 8 years of experience designing automation frameworks from scratch.
API Testing: 3+ years of strong experience testing Webservices / REST APIs.
Performance Testing: 3+ years developing scenario-based performance tests using JMeter.
Database: Proven ability to write queries in SQL or other relational databases.
Testing Types: Experience with full-stack testing, end-to-end system integration testing, and 3rd-party integration testing.
SDLC Knowledge: Expert-level understanding of the full software development lifecycle (from requirements gathering through delivery).
Mandatory Soft Skills
• Communication: Very strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with developers and business users.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt quickly to a complex environment.
• Mindset: Pro-active, flexible, and creative problem-solver.
• Mentorship: Expert mentoring skills to provide support and constructive performance feedback.
• Independence: Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
Desired / Nice-to-Have Skills 
• Hands-on experience with Python.
• Development experience in AWS Cloud technologies.
• Experience with Apigee or other API gateways.
• Experience with TDD, continuous integration, and code review practices.
• Familiarity with DevOps concepts and tools (e.g., CI/CD, Jenkins, Git).
• At least 2 years working on an Agile/Lean team.
• Understanding of microservice architecture.
• Experience with load and performance testing.
• Strong documentation skills.
Core Responsibilities
• Develop and maintain test automation code for CI/CD of systems, infrastructure, and test frameworks.
• Plan, design, develop, and maintain an API test automation framework that facilitates scripting, execution, and results analysis.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring for test engineers across multiple projects (onshore and offshore).
• Train and mentor project team members to create, execute, analyze, and maintain automated regression suites.
• Coordinate with product owners to resolve open issues, enhancements, and understand functionality requirements.
• Develop automated functional scripts using tools such as Java, Karate, and JMeter.
• Perform exploratory and manual testing of the product suite as appropriate.
• Provide expertise in testing methodologies, best practices, and standards.
• Review and approve modifications to databases, direct database development, and approve project scope.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information.
 
Required Education
• Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a relevant field.
• Experience Level: 10+ years of professional experience (the job description explicitly states 10+ years required, ).