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Senior Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in Virginia

SDET

Merrifield, VA · On-site

$49.75 - $64.25/hr

Full Stack SDET (Front-End and Back-End Automation Test Exp Required) Top 3 Required Skills: Hands-on development/coding (Java) Hand on experience with UI+API+DB automation testing Hands experience ...

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

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

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.

Role: SDET FullStack Engineer Location: McLean, VA (Day 1 Onsite) Job Type: Contract Skill Metrics: Java Angular Playwright Microservices Testing Javascript * At least 7+ year of relevant experience.

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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 Jul 9, 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.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior Software Development Engineers In Test (SDETs) with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and working at large tech companies or in high-cost-of-living regions can earn $500,000 or more annually. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially for those in leadership roles or with rare expertise in testing automation, cloud platforms, or security tools.

Will QA or SDET get replaced by AI?

Senior Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) and QA professionals perform complex testing tasks that require critical thinking, creativity, and understanding of system architecture, which AI currently cannot fully replicate. While AI tools can automate repetitive testing and assist in identifying issues, human oversight and expertise remain essential for designing test strategies, interpreting results, and ensuring software quality in a fast-evolving environment.

What is the SDET engineer's salary?

The salary for a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) typically ranges from $90,000 to $140,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. SDETs with strong programming skills and experience with automation tools like Selenium or Jenkins tend to earn higher salaries.

Is SDET still in demand?

Senior Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) are in strong demand due to the increasing emphasis on quality assurance and automation in software development. SDETs with skills in programming, test automation tools, and CI/CD pipelines are particularly sought after across various industries, ensuring continuous testing and faster release cycles.

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 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.

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 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:
Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET II)

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET II)

TheIncLab

Mclean, VA • On-site

$50.50 - $65.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Mission Starts Here

TheIncLab engineers and delivers intelligent digital applications and platforms that revolutionize how our customers and mission-critical teams achieve success.

We are where innovation meets purpose; and where your career can meet purpose as well.  As a SDET II, you will be a mid-level role focused on designing, building, and maintaining automated test suites to ensure software accuracy, reliability, and performance. We encourage you to apply and take the first step in joining our dynamic and impactful company.

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept

As a Software Development Engineer in Test this position involves translating requirements into test scenarios, validating APIs and integrations, and embedding testing into CI/CD pipelines. Beyond execution, the role emphasizes improving automation coverage, and driving process improvements to deliver secure, high-quality releases.

What will you do?

  • Develop, execute, and maintain automated test suites for desktop, mobile, web, and cloud-based applications.
  • Translate user stories, acceptance criteria, and technical requirements into comprehensive manual and automated test scenarios.
  • Own assigned quality control domains and deliver with minimal oversight.
  • Conduct automated and manual functional, regression, integration, performance, and exploratory testing.
  • Design and maintain testing frameworks (e.g., Playwright, Jest) integrated with CI/CD pipelines.
  • Validate RESTful and GraphQL APIs, databases, and third-party integrations for accuracy and performance.
  • Document and track defects with clear reproduction steps; collaborate with developers for resolution.
  • Participate in test planning, backlog grooming, sprint planning, and retrospectives.
  • Drive improvements in quality control processes, coverage, and tooling.
  • Support release readiness by validating builds, environments, and deployment pipelines.
  • Mentor junior team members in SDET practices and automation.
  • Stay current with evolving QA tools and methodologies.
  • Identify gaps in automation coverage and propose improvements.
  • Adhere to company policies and maintain alignment with company culture

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 3–5 years of professional experience in software quality assurance.
  • 3+ years of experience in at least one programming language (JavaScript/TypeScript/Python/Java or C#).
  • Proficiency with automated testing frameworks such as Playwright or React.
  • Strong experience in manual test design, execution, and exploratory testing.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD practices, version control systems (e.g., Git), and Agile methodologies.
  • Experience validating APIs and using tools like Postman.
  • Ability to troubleshoot, debug, and communicate issues clearly.
  • Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to travel up to 10% based on company and customer needs.

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience with performance or load testing tools (e.g., JMeter, Locust, k6).
  • Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) or containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Familiarity with DevSecOps principles and security testing practices.
  • Background in geospatial, mission-focused, or defense-related applications.

Benefits

At TheIncLab we recognize that innovation thrives when employees are provided with ample support and resources. Our benefits packages reflect that:

  • Hybrid and flexible work schedules
  • Professional development programs
  • Training and certification reimbursement
  • Extended and floating holiday schedule
  • ·Paid time off and Paid volunteer time
  • Health and Wellness Benefits include options for Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance along with access to Wellness, Mental Health, and Employee Assistance Programs.
  • 100% Company Paid Benefits that include STD, LTD, and Basic Life insurance.
  • 401(k) Plan Options with employer matching
  • Incentive bonuses for eligible clearances, performance, and employee referrals.
  • A company culture that values your individual strengths, career goals, and contributions to the team.

About TheIncLab

Founded in 2015, TheIncLab (“TIL”) is the first human-centered artificial intelligence (AI+X) lab. We engineer complex, integrated solutions that combine cutting-edge AI technologies with emerging systems-of-systems to solve some of the most difficult challenges in the defense and aerospace industries. Our work spans diverse technological landscapes, from rapid ideation and prototyping to deployment.

At TIL, we foster a culture of relentless optimism. No problem is too hard, no project is too big, and no challenge is too complex to tackle. This is possible due to the positive attitude of our teams. We approach every problem with a “yes” attitude and focus on results. Our motto, “demo or die,” encompasses the idea that failure is not an option.

We do all of this with a work ethic rooted in kindness and professionalism. The positive attitude of our teams is only possible due to the support TIL provides to each individual.

At TIL, we believe that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and innovation. Our teams are encouraged to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to complex problems. We understand that the path to success is not always straightforward, but we are committed to persevering and finding a way forward.

Our culture of relentless optimism is not just about having a positive attitude; it is about taking action and making things happen. We believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork, and we know that by working together, we can achieve great things. Our teams are made up of individuals who are passionate about their work and dedicated to making a difference.

Learn more about TheIncLab and our job opportunities at www.theinclab.com.

**Salary range guidance provided is not a guarantee of compensation. Offers of employment may be at a salary range that is outside of this range and will be based on qualifications, experience, and possible contractual requirements.

**This is a direct hire position, and we do not accept resumes from third-party recruiters or agencies.