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Junior Test Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Provide mentorship to junior test team members, technicians, third-party labs, and contractors ... Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or ...

Provide mentorship to junior test team members, technicians, third-party labs, and contractors ... Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or ...

Qualifications 5+ years Mentoring Junior QA Engineers 5+ years as a Sr. Test Engineer or Sr. QA Team Lead 5+ years with Automated Testing experience Building an Automated Test Suite of of Test Cases ...

Qualifications 5+ years Mentoring Junior QA Engineers 5+ years as a Sr. Test Engineer or Sr. QA Team Lead 5+ years with Automated Testing experience Building an Automated Test Suite of of Test Cases ...

Gives procedural and technical advice and supports junior Test Professionals directly. Monitors and ... Leads a team of qualified Scientists, Test Professionals, Engineers, and Test Technicians. Ensures ...

Junior Engineer

Niles, IL · On-site

$63K - $79K/yr

The Junior Engineer supports the operations team with assigned tasks based on the teams needs ... This role will observe and test the operation of machinery to diagnose malfunctions, as well as ...

Lead SDET Location: Chicago IL Duration: Long term Role Summary We are looking for a Sr Lead, SW ... Mentor junior SETs to improve technical ability and effectiveness · Promote and support ...

SDET Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Experience mentoring or coaching junior QA/SDET team members * Strong ability to analyze requirements and create detailed test coverage * Expertise in defect tracking and documentation * Experience ...

Eagle Seven is seeking a Junior FPGA Design / Verification Engineer to become an integral member of ... Utilizing Python to create automated test scripts and data-processing tools that validate hardware ...

Eagle Seven is seeking a Junior FPGA Design / Verification Engineer to become an integral member of ... Utilizing Python to create automated test scripts and data-processing tools that validate hardware ...

Eagle Seven is seeking a Junior FPGA Design / Verification Engineer to become an integral member of ... Utilizing Python to create automated test scripts and data-processing tools that validate hardware ...

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Junior Test Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$74K

$112.9K

How much do junior test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior test engineer in Chicago, IL is $74,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $82,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior test engineer?

Junior Test Engineers are entry-level professionals responsible for assisting in the testing of software, hardware, or systems to ensure they meet quality standards. They typically write and execute test cases, identify software bugs, and collaborate with developers to resolve issues. Junior Test Engineers often work under the guidance of senior testers or quality assurance leads, gaining hands-on experience with testing tools and methodologies. Their role is crucial in ensuring that products are reliable and function as intended before release.

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

To thrive as a Junior Test Engineer, you need foundational knowledge of software testing principles, attention to detail, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with test management tools (like JIRA or TestRail), scripting languages (such as Python), and automated testing frameworks is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and a proactive attitude are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying software defects, ensuring product quality, and collaborating efficiently with development teams.

What are some typical challenges a junior test engineer may face during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

During the first year, Junior Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex software systems, adapting to various testing tools, and managing tight project deadlines. It's common to feel overwhelmed when learning new automation frameworks or interpreting detailed bug reports. Overcoming these challenges involves proactively seeking mentorship from senior team members, participating in training sessions, and regularly communicating with developers and QA leads to clarify requirements. Embracing continuous learning and openly discussing any roadblocks can accelerate skill development and build confidence in the role.

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

AspectJunior Test EngineerQA Tester
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer certifications like ISTQBHigh school diploma; ISTQB certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, testing labs, Agile/Scrum environmentsTesting teams, software companies, quality assurance departments
Common UsageEntry-level role focused on executing test cases and reporting bugsEntry to mid-level role focused on manual testing and defect tracking

Both roles are entry-level testing positions within software development. A Junior Test Engineer often involves more technical tasks, such as writing test scripts, whereas a QA Tester primarily executes manual tests. The roles overlap in skills and work environment, but the Junior Test Engineer may have additional responsibilities related to test automation and scripting.

Is QA a good entry-level job?

A Junior Test Engineer role is generally considered a good entry-level position for those interested in software quality assurance, as it provides foundational skills in testing methodologies, scripting, and tools like Selenium or JIRA. It offers opportunities to learn about software development processes and can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced roles in QA or software engineering.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Junior Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Junior Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Junior Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Junior Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Test Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,022 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Senior Test Engineer (Hybrid Cary, IL)

Stryker

Cary, IL • On-site

$85K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Stryker rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Work Flexibility: Hybrid
Stryker Sage is seeking a highly skilled Test Engineering professional to support the design, development, and validation of innovative medical products. This role plays a critical part in ensuring product safety, efficacy, and performance through advanced test systems and fixtures, while also serving as a technical leader within the organization.
This role is hybrid in Cary, IL with the expectation to be in office 3 days a week.
Check out our product portfolio: Stryker Sage
What You Will Do:
  • Develop, execute, and own comprehensive test plans through an understanding of design requirements in collaboration with quality, design, and test engineering to assess safety, efficacy, and any other product requirements.
  • Design, develop, and refine mechanical, electrical, and virtual test fixtures for components and sub-systems, ensuring designs meet functional requirements, design inputs, and reliability targets.
  • Able to leverage laboratory capabilities, including hardware configurations, software integration, and data acquisition systems.
  • Lead the development of test systems and fixtures that support product development, validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Analyze test data, investigate failures, and lead root-cause analysis efforts, delivering clear, actionable insights through formal test reports aligned with company standards.
  • Provide mentorship to junior test team members, technicians, third-party labs, and contractors, acting as a trusted subject matter expert.
  • Evaluate, recommend, procure, and maintain actuation systems, instrumentation, sensors, and testing technologies to advance testing methods and capabilities.
  • Act as an internal point of contact on test methods, industry standards, and reliability tools, including statistical analysis, design of experiments, Weibull analysis, stress and strain analysis, FEA, and use, misuse, and abuse testing.

What You Need (Required Qualifications):
  • Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
  • 2+ years of experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Test system automation experience
  • Medical device or regulated industry experience
  • Understanding of medical device design controls and product development processes

$85,500 - $142,500 USD Annual
Travel Percentage: 10%
Stryker Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Stryker is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability.
Stryker Corporation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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