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Senior Software Test Engineer Jobs in Washington

Senior Software Test Engineer

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$88K - $134K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Senior Software Test Engineer is responsible for the testing of major components of present and future MSD software products. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Independently create ...

Sr Software Test Engineer

Suitland, MD ยท On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

They are seeking an experienced Senior Test Engineer to lead system testing efforts, ensuring ... recommend software/hardware component changes as required โ€ข participate in development phases ...

Sr Software Test Engineer

Suitland, MD ยท On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Test Engineer to support the design, coordination, and ... The use of version control software * Experience with the BLS standard information technology ...

Sr Software Test Engineer

Suitland, MD ยท On-site

$119K - $154K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Test Engineer to support the design, coordination, and ... The use of version control software * Experience with the BLS standard information technology ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$113K - $147K/yr

The selected candidate will work closely with software engineers, systems engineers, DevOps ... Contribute to test automation frameworks and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Software Test Engineer Location - Herndon, VA With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel development and boost agility. Our flexible schedules ...

Software Test Engineer Location - Herndon, VA With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel development and boost agility. Our flexible schedules ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Software Test Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$25.5K

$142.2K

$185.2K

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software test engineer in Washington is $142,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,200.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

A Senior Software Test Engineer needs deep expertise in software testing methodologies, automation frameworks, and programming languages like Java, Python, or C#, typically backed by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools such as Selenium, JUnit, TestNG, and bug-tracking systems like Jira, as well as certifications like ISTQB, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills enable collaboration and leadership within QA and development teams. These competencies are crucial to ensuring software quality, minimizing defects, and delivering reliable products in complex technical environments.

What are the typical collaboration points between a Senior Software Test Engineer and other teams during a project lifecycle?

Senior Software Test Engineers frequently collaborate with developers, product managers, and DevOps engineers throughout the project lifecycle. Early in the process, they work closely with developers to understand requirements and clarify acceptance criteria. During development, they coordinate on bug tracking and test coverage, and participate in sprint planning or daily stand-ups. They also interact with DevOps to integrate automated tests within CI/CD pipelines, ensuring smooth deployment and feedback cycles. This cross-functional collaboration is essential for delivering high-quality software efficiently.

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

AspectSenior Software Test EngineerSoftware Test Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires 5+ years of experience, certifications like ISTQBEntry to mid-level, often with 1-3 years of experience, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads testing projects, mentors junior staff, designs test strategiesPerforms test execution, reports bugs, follows test plans
Industry UsageUsed across software development companies, especially in larger teamsCommon in various tech companies, startups, and software firms

The main difference between a Senior Software Test Engineer and a Software Test Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior roles involve strategic planning, mentorship, and complex testing, while Software Test Engineers focus on executing tests and reporting issues. Both roles are essential in ensuring software quality, with the senior position requiring more expertise and leadership skills.

What does a Senior Software Test Engineer do?

A Senior Software Test Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and executing comprehensive test plans to ensure the quality and functionality of software products. They lead testing efforts, identify defects, and work closely with development teams to resolve issues. In addition, they may mentor junior testers, implement automation frameworks, and help define testing standards and best practices within the organization. Their goal is to ensure software reliability, performance, and user satisfaction before release.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Test Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Software Test Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Software Test Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Senior Software Test Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Software Test Engineer job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,210 per year, or $68.4 per hour.

Senior Software Test Engineer

Meso Scale Discovery

Rockville, MD โ€ข On-site, Remote

$88K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARYย 

ย The Senior Software Test Engineer is responsible for the testing of major components of present and future MSD software products.

ย DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESย 

  • Independently create, improve, maintain, and execute a testing framework (manual and automated).
  • Develop and execute smoke tests, test software patches, test internal releases and test full product releases.
  • Develop and execute end-to-end, operational, and performance tests for software products.
  • Interfacing with other departments when needed to coordinate testing efforts or resources.
  • Verify and/or validate software products providing official verification results.
  • Aide in the creation of release documentation and ensure they are complete and accurate.
  • Review, improve, and audit based on our processes used for verification and validation.ย 

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONSย 

  • A minimum of Bachelorโ€™s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related area is required.
  • 3-5 years experience in testing through a full software development life cycle.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Working knowledge of testing tools like Selenium WebDriver and Postman.
  • Working knowledge of Java, Python, version management control software, and bug-tracking software.
  • Knowledge of test management software is desired.
  • Knowledge of scripting, building tools, databases, and installations desirable.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with developers to integrate and test software components into a system to meet requirementsย 
  • Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot the test framework to resolve problems during automated test development.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with personnel at all levels.
  • Effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy and reliability of test data.
  • Ability to analyze requirements and user stories to ensure test coverage.
  • Creativity in test approach is expected.
  • Strong written and verbal skills required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is typically performed in a traditional office environment or remotely as needed.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY
ย 

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $88,100 to $134,400. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidateโ€™s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.
ย 

BENEFITS SUMMARY
ย 

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.
ย 

EEO/AA STATEMENT
ย 

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here. Meso Scale Diagnostics usesย E-Verifyย to validate the work eligibility of candidates.