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Senior Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in Virginia

Full Stack SDET

Vienna, VA · On-site

$50.25 - $64.75/hr

Description Mid-Senior Level Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Location: Vienna, Virginia 22180 Work Arrangement: On-site Role Overview The Digital Delivery team develops innovative member ...

Full Stack SDET

Vienna, VA · On-site

$50.25 - $64.75/hr

Mid-Senior Level Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Location: Vienna, Virginia 22180 Work Arrangement: On-site Role Overview The Digital Delivery team develops innovative member and team ...

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 ...

SDET / Automation Engineer

Vienna, VA

$46.25 - $61/hr

SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test)/ Automation Engineer 12 Months contract - Extension long term Contract Location: Vienna, VA 22182 : Note : SDET/Automation Engineer role - We are looking ...

New

SDET

Reston, VA · On-site

$52 - $67/hr

SDET Reston, VA (3 days a week onsite) Interview Process: 1 in-person panel (no videos) *Prior Mortgage Industry experience if highly desired* Key Responsibilities: Lead and execute end-to-end ...

SDET consultant

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50.75 - $65.25/hr

SDET Work Mode : Day 1 - Onsite (Complete Onsite Position) Location : McLean, Virginia (Only Local to Virginia or nearby Candidates) Passport No Mandatory - • 6+ years of proven experience and well ...

SDET

Arlington, VA · On-site

$57.50 - $74.25/hr

Test Strategy Development: Design and implement comprehensive test strategies, including functional ... senior role. * Experience in financial services or alternative investments is highly desirable.

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Senior Software Development Engineer In Test information

See Virginia salary details

$22.3K

$124.5K

$162.1K

How much do senior software development engineer in test jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software development engineer in test in Virginia is $124,484.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,600.00 and $142,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Software Development Engineer In Test, you need advanced programming skills, deep knowledge of software testing methodologies, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise with automation frameworks (such as Selenium, Cypress, or Appium), CI/CD tools, and scripting languages is typically required, along with relevant certifications like ISTQB. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and driving quality initiatives. These capabilities ensure rigorous test coverage, faster release cycles, and high-quality software products.

How does a Senior Software Development Engineer In Test typically collaborate with development and product teams to ensure software quality?

As a Senior Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET), you will work closely with both development and product teams throughout the software development lifecycle. This includes participating in design and requirements discussions to identify potential test cases early, contributing to test automation strategies, and providing feedback on testability and quality risks. SDETs often pair with developers to review code, co-create test plans, and triage bugs together, ensuring that testing is fully integrated into the CI/CD pipeline. Effective communication and cross-team collaboration are essential for proactively identifying issues and maintaining high software quality standards.

What does a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) do?

A Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated test frameworks and tools to ensure the quality and reliability of software products. They work closely with development and QA teams to identify test requirements, create robust test cases, and integrate automated tests into the CI/CD pipeline. In addition to coding and scripting, Senior SDETs mentor junior team members, analyze test results, and help troubleshoot complex issues to continuously improve software quality. Their expertise bridges the gap between development and testing, ensuring both speed and quality in software releases.

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

AspectSenior Software Development Engineer In TestSoftware Development Engineer In Test
ExperienceTypically 5+ years in testing and developmentEntry to mid-level, 1-3 years experience
ResponsibilitiesDesigns complex test frameworks, mentors juniors, leads testing initiativesDevelops test cases, automates tests, executes testing tasks
Skills & CertificationsAdvanced coding, automation, testing tools, leadership skillsProgramming, automation, testing tools
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with cross-functional teams, often in Agile settingsWorks closely with developers, focuses on automation and manual testing

In summary, a Senior Software Development Engineer In Test has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and strategic testing roles compared to a Software Development Engineer In Test, who primarily focuses on developing and executing tests.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Virginia? For Senior Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Software Development Engineer In Test jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Software Development Engineer In Test job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Software Development Engineer In Test job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,484 per year, or $59.8 per hour.
Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Zetier

Arlington, VA

Other

Posted 21 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.