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Lead Software Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atego HighRely is currently searching for a Software Test Engineer. Please note this position is a 6 month contract position with the possibility of substantial extension. Purpose: The Software Test ...

Software Test Engineer

Lakehurst, NJ · On-site

$95 - $135/hr

NDI Engineering Company is seeking a software test engineer to support the Software Test Branch of the Prototype, Manufacturing and Test Department at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division ...

Purpose: The Software Test Engineer will verify the design and validate the implementation of software supplied to ensure it meets and/or exceeds the specified expectations. Additionally, the ...

Software Test Engineer

Eaton, OH · On-site

$55 - $65/hr

The Sr Software Test Engineer plays a key role in supporting the design, development, validation ... We lead with passion, positivity, and accountability through our words and actions, creating an ...

Software Test Engineer OASYS, INC., a Leading-Edge Government contractor, is seeking applicants for a Software Test Engineer to support our customer in Huntsville, AL. Summary: OASYS, INC. is seeking ...

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Lead Software Test Engineer information

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$90K

$125.3K

$183K

How much do lead software test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead software test engineer in the United States is $125,264.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,000.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead software test engineer do?

A Lead Software Test Engineer is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of software testing processes within a project or organization. They lead a team of testers, design test strategies, develop test plans, and ensure that software products meet quality standards before release. Additionally, they collaborate with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to identify and resolve defects, implement automation frameworks, and continuously improve testing methodologies. Their role is crucial in ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of software applications.

How does a lead software test engineer typically collaborate with development and product teams during a project lifecycle?

A Lead Software Test Engineer works closely with development and product teams throughout the project lifecycle to ensure quality standards are met. This collaboration often involves participating in requirement reviews, clarifying acceptance criteria, and providing feedback on testability. They coordinate regular meetings to discuss progress, identify potential bottlenecks, and adjust testing strategies as needed. By fostering open communication and aligning testing efforts with business priorities, they help streamline releases and improve overall product quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead software test engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Software Test Engineer, you need strong expertise in software testing methodologies, test planning, and quality assurance, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automation frameworks (like Selenium or Appium), bug tracking systems, and certifications such as ISTQB are commonly expected. Outstanding leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you coordinate teams and collaborate with developers. These skills ensure robust software quality and the efficient delivery of reliable products in complex development environments.

What is the difference between Lead Software Test Engineer vs Software Test Engineer?

AspectLead Software Test EngineerSoftware Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related, often with ISTQB or similar certificationsBachelor's in CS or related, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentLeads testing teams, designs test strategies, coordinates testing effortsExecutes test cases, reports bugs, performs manual and automated testing
Industry UsageUsed across software development companies, especially in larger teamsCommon in various tech companies, startups, and software firms

The main difference is that Lead Software Test Engineers oversee testing teams and strategies, while Software Test Engineers focus on executing tests and identifying bugs. The lead role involves more coordination and planning, whereas the test engineer role is more hands-on with testing activities.

More about Lead Software Test Engineer jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Software Test Engineer jobs?

The top employers for Lead Software Test Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Lead Software Test Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Software Test Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Lead Software Test Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Software Test Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Lead Software Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,264 per year, or $60.2 per hour.

Lead Software Test Engineer - Prime Online

Peoria, IL • On-site


Caterpillar

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 487 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

271st of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Career Area:
Technology, Digital and Data
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Cat Digital is the digital and technology arm of Caterpillar Inc., leveraging the latest technologies to build industry leading digital solutions for our customers and dealers. With over 1.5 million connected assets worldwide, our teams use data, technology, advanced analytics, telematics, and AI capabilities to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated Lead Software Test Engineer to drive quality engineering practices across our Cat.com/Prime Online applications. This role is responsible for defining test strategy, leading automation initiatives, improving release quality, and ensuring reliable, scalable customer experiences across web, API, and integrated enterprise systems.
The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in software testing with strong leadership skills, enabling them to influence quality practices across cross-functional teams while remaining hands-on in automation, performance testing, and release readiness activities. This role will serve as a champion for AI-first quality engineering practices, helping teams maximize productivity through responsible adoption of AI-assisted development and testing tools.
What You Will Do:
Quality Leadership & Governance
  • Lead and mentor software test engineers, fostering technical growth and continuous improvement within the quality engineering organization.
  • Establish testing standards, quality metrics, and governance practices across multiple product teams.
  • Drive defect prevention initiatives through root-cause analysis, quality reviews, and process improvements.
  • Provide quality status reporting, release readiness assessments, and risk evaluations to stakeholders.
  • Champion an AI-first approach to quality engineering, leveraging generative AI and intelligent automation tools to accelerate test design, test data creation, defect analysis, and test maintenance.

Test Strategy & Execution
  • Define and execute comprehensive test strategies for web, mobile, API, and enterprise platform solutions.
  • Lead functional, integration, regression, system, user acceptance, and end-to-end testing efforts.
  • Utilize risk-based testing methodologies to prioritize testing efforts for business-critical functionality.
  • Ensure quality validation across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android environments.

Test Automation & Continuous Testing
  • Design, develop, maintain, and scale automated testing frameworks for UI, API, and end-to-end validation.
  • Integrate automated quality gates into CI/CD pipelines to improve deployment confidence and reduce production defects.
  • Drive automation strategy using modern tools and frameworks such as Playwright, WebdriverIO, Selenium, Appium, and API automation tools.
  • Continuously improve regression coverage, execution efficiency, and testing reliability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner closely with Product Managers, Software Engineers, Architects, and DevOps teams to refine requirements and establish acceptance criteria.
  • Participate in sprint planning, backlog refinement, and design discussions to promote shift-left quality practices.
  • Support production releases through validation, monitoring, defect analysis, and continuous feedback.

What You Will Have:
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
Software Development: Knowledge of software development tools and activities; ability to produce software products or systems in line with product requirements.
Software Development Life Cycle: Knowledge of software development life cycle; ability to use a structured methodology for delivering and managing new or enhanced software products to the marketplace.
Software Product Design/Architecture: Knowledge of software product design; ability to convert market requirements into the software product design.
Software Product Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of technical aspects of a software products; ability to design, configure and integrate technical aspects of software products.
Software Product Testing: Knowledge of software product testing; ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure software product quality and adherence to stated requirements.
Considerations For Top Candidates:
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent experience.
  • 7+ years of experience in software testing, quality engineering, or test automation.
  • We are specifically seeking candidates with strong experience in test automation, defining and driving test strategy across large teams, and applying modern QA best practices, including the effective use of AI-enabled testing approaches.
  • Demonstrated experience leading quality initiatives and mentoring software test engineers.
  • Extensive experience testing web applications, mobile applications, APIs, and integrated enterprise systems.
  • Proven experience designing and implementing automated testing frameworks and strategies.
  • Strong understanding of Agile software development and DevOps practices.
  • Experience working with CI/CD pipelines and continuous testing methodologies.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience leading or mentoring QA teams in Agile environments.
  • Experience using Microsoft Copilot, GitHub Copilot, Azure AI services, or similar AI-assisted engineering tools.
  • Experience supporting enterprise digital platforms, commerce and other similar platforms.
  • Experience with test automation using JavaScript/TypeScript and modern testing frameworks.
  • Experience validating microservices and API-driven architectures.
  • Experience integrating automated testing into Azure DevOps pipelines and GitHub-based workflows.
  • Experience with performance testing, reliability testing, and release certification activities.
  • We are specifically seeking candidates with strong experience in test automation, defining and driving test strategy across large teams, and applying modern QA best practices, including the effective use of AI-enabled testing approaches.Experience with cloud-native applications and distributed systems.

Technical Skills
Test Automation
  • Playwright
  • WebdriverIO
  • Selenium
  • Appium
  • Robot Framework
  • TestCafe

API Testing
  • Postman
  • Swagger / OpenAPI
  • REST API Validation
  • Microservices Testing

Programming Languages
  • JavaScript
  • TypeScript
  • Python
  • SQL

CI/CD & DevOps
  • Azure Pipelines
  • GitHub Actions
  • Continuous Testing
  • Deployment Validation

Platforms
  • Web Applications
  • Mobile Applications (iOS & Android)
  • APIs & Microservices
  • Enterprise Integrated Systems

What You Will Get:
Working with a Fortune 100 leader, you can build your career on a global scale and take advantage of development opportunities with emerging technologies. We've created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters. Join Us.
About Caterpillar:
Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $208,770.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
August 18, 2026 - August 28, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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