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Senior Software Tester Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$126K - $166K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Location: Chantilly, Virginia Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI with ... Support installation, configuration, testing, and maintenance of software systems and applications

Sr. Software Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

Conduct benchmark testing, debugging, and performance analysis across multiple software components. * Prepare and maintain technical documentation such as Software Development Plans (SDPs ...

$121K - $159K/yr

\n \n \n Senior Software Engineer Richmond, VA $150,000 I am hiring for a Senior Full Stack Software ... Ensure platform reliability through testing, automation, and cloud\-based best practices. \n

Senior Software Engineer

Reston, VA

$127K - $168K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer shall perform with a high degree of independence and expertise to ... integration testing, and active support to verification/validation testers perform Production ...

Senior Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer shall perform with a high degree of independence and expertise to ... verification/validation testers • perform Production support work as assigned (issue ...

Senior Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

The Senior Software Engineer will implement solutions for complex software products and features, ensuring high quality through design, implementation, and testing. Responsibilities : • participate ...

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$141K - $186K/yr

They are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to join their multidisciplinary cyber ... software testing, evaluation best practices, and industry-standard development lifecycles • ...

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

STR is hiring experienced Senior Software Engineers to join our multidisciplinary cyber/networking ... In this role, you will take a leadership role in designing, implementing, and testing software that ...

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$141K - $186K/yr

They are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to join their cyber/networking team to ... software testing, evaluation best practices, and industry-standard development lifecycles • ...

We are seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer to join our team in developing the forefront ... Modeling & Simulation for verification and software testing Primary Responsibilities * Analyze ...

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer to join our team in developing the forefront ... Modeling & Simulation for verification and software testing Primary Responsibilities * Analyze ...

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Senior Software Tester information

See Virginia salary details

$29

$52

$75

How much do senior software tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior software tester in Virginia is $52.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.21 and $60.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Software Tester, you need expertise in software testing methodologies, test case design, and defect management, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and several years of experience. Familiarity with automation tools (such as Selenium or JUnit), bug tracking systems, and relevant certifications like ISTQB is highly valued. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure that software products are reliable, high-quality, and meet user requirements before release.

What is the difference between Senior Software Tester vs Software Tester?

AspectSenior Software TesterSoftware Tester
CredentialsTypically requires 3+ years experience, certifications like ISTQBEntry-level or 1-2 years experience, may have ISTQB or similar
Work EnvironmentLeads testing projects, mentors junior testersPerforms testing tasks under supervision
ResponsibilitiesDesigns test plans, reviews testing processesExecutes test cases, reports bugs

The main difference between a Senior Software Tester and a Software Tester lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior testers often lead testing efforts and mentor others, while software testers focus on executing tests. Both roles are essential in software quality assurance and share similar credentials, but the senior role involves more strategic oversight.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers or developers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or companies can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, especially in technology firms or executive roles.

What is the highest salary of a software tester?

The highest salary for a senior software tester can exceed $100,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in automation tools. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and company size, with some senior testers earning significantly more in high-demand markets.

Will AI replace software testers?

AI can automate many testing tasks such as regression testing and bug detection, but it cannot fully replace the critical thinking, creativity, and domain knowledge that senior software testers bring. Testers will increasingly work alongside AI tools to improve efficiency and coverage, making their skills in designing test cases and analyzing complex issues still essential. Continuous learning and familiarity with automation tools remain important for testers to stay relevant in evolving environments.

What are Senior Software Testers?

Senior Software Testers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and executing tests to ensure the quality and functionality of software applications. They lead testing efforts, mentor junior testers, and collaborate closely with developers to identify and resolve issues. Senior Software Testers also help define testing strategies, develop automated test scripts, and contribute to continuous improvement in software development processes. Their expertise helps ensure that released software meets both technical requirements and user expectations.

What are some common challenges Senior Software Testers face when working on large-scale projects?

Senior Software Testers often encounter challenges such as managing complex test environments, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring thorough test coverage across multiple modules. Balancing tight project deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards can also be demanding. Additionally, adapting testing strategies to accommodate evolving requirements and integrating automated testing tools effectively are frequent hurdles in large-scale projects.

What is the role of a senior software tester?

A senior software tester is responsible for designing, executing, and managing testing processes to ensure software quality. They analyze requirements, develop test plans, identify defects, and often mentor junior testers while using tools like test management software and automation frameworks.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Tester jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Software Tester jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Software Tester jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Software Tester job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Software Tester jobs in VA? For Senior Software Tester jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Senior Software Tester job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,661 per year, or $52.7 per hour.
Senior Software Tester

Senior Software Tester

Joint Research and Development, LLC

Arlington, VA • On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

JRAD is seeking candidates for a Senior Level Software Tester position responsible for executing test cases, identifying defects, documenting issues, and helping ensure software applications meet quality standards. Will work closely with software developers, senior systems engineers, and senior architects. This position requires proficiency in design and execution of detailed test plans and test cases. Candidates will lead: Functional testing, Regression testing, Integration testing, System testing, User acceptance testing (UAT), API testing, Performance testing, validate software against business and technical requirements, Identify, document, prioritize, and track defects. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong problem-solving skills, writes clean and maintainable code, and leads system testing / quality assurance / verification & validation discussions and improvements. Experience with automated testing solutions is a plus. The position is a remote/telework position with frequent on-site meetings at the TSA HQs (Springfield, VA) and the TSA System Integration Facility (TSIF) at Reagan National Airport (DCA), Arlington, VA.


Roles/Responsibilities:

  • Test software applications in programming languages such as Java, C#, C++, ASP.Net Python, JavaScript.
  • Participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle, including planning, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
  • Collaborate with product owners, designers, and QA teams to deliver high-quality, user-focused solutions.
  • Debug, test, and resolve software defects and performance bottlenecks.
  • Write and maintain technical documentation including code comments, manuals, and API references.
  • Familiar with Agile Software Development such as SAFe and other Agile tools such as Github, JIRA
  • Follow best practices in version control (e.g., Git), agile development, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Ensure software complies with security, accessibility, and quality standards (e.g., OWASP, Section 508, NIST).
  • Contribute to architectural decisions and recommend improvements for existing applications and systems.
  • Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends relevant to the team's tech stack.
  • Provide support and mentoring to junior developers and database administrators.

Required Skills and Education:

Candidate must possess the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree in: Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in software testing.
  • Java/Spring MVC and Spring Boot experience are highly preferred.
  • Single Sign On (SSO) / session management / complex permissions environments.
  • Deep understanding of object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms.
  • Scala/Http4s experience desired.
  • Data engineering skills are also desirable. Specifically “ETL” (extract, transform, load) experience.
  • Proficiency in one or more backend languages (e.g., Java, .NET, Node.js) and frontend frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js).
  • Experience with relational and/or NoSQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB).
  • Familiarity with RESTful APIs, microservices architecture, and containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Strong understanding of software development best practices and design patterns.
  • Experience with automated testing solutions e.g. Postman
  • Experience using Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
  • Experience working in DevOps environments with tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or GitHub Actions.
  • Familiarity with automated testing frameworks (e.g., JUnit, PyTest, Jest).
  • Security clearance or eligibility (for government roles).
  • Relevant certifications (e.g., AWS Developer Associate, Microsoft Certified Developer).
  • Experience in DevSecOps or Infrastructure as Code (IaC) environments.

Security Clearance:

  • Capable of passing DHS suitability screening or DHS financial responsibility standards.


When you work for JRAD you will never be just a number. We put people before profits!


JRAD is committed to the health and well-being of its employees. We offer more paid time off than the average company upon hire and the following benefits are available to all full-time employees:

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts for unreimbursed medical & dependent day care
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401K Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement


JRAD is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.


The JRAD salary range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. There are many factors considered when determining the compensation provided in an offer. These factors include, but are not limited to position responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and contract terms and conditions.


PLEASE NOTE: Once you apply, to ensure you continue to receive important updates on your application and status, please add JRAD to your approved email list and/or check your spam and junk mail often for updates.