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Senior Test Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Test Automation

Chicago, IL · On-site

$47.50 - $62.75/hr

... a Senior Test Lead. • Telecommunications Experience, as applicable • EBS Domain Experience ... • Work with engineers and product managers to create, implement, and seek to improve QA ...

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Senior Test Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$70.6K

$122.1K

$173.6K

How much do senior test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior test engineer in Chicago, IL is $122,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,400.00 and $140,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior test engineer?

Senior Test Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing testing processes to ensure the quality and reliability of software products or systems. They develop test plans, create automated and manual test cases, and collaborate with developers and other stakeholders to identify and resolve issues. Their role often includes mentoring junior team members, improving testing strategies, and ensuring that products meet industry standards and customer requirements.

How does a senior test engineer typically collaborate with development and product teams during the software release cycle?

As a Senior Test Engineer, you will work closely with software developers and product managers throughout the software release cycle. You'll participate in design and requirement reviews to identify potential quality issues early, help define testing strategies, and provide feedback on testability. Regular communication and collaboration are essential, as you'll often coordinate test plans, report on defects, and ensure that issues are resolved before release. This cross-functional teamwork not only helps deliver high-quality software but also broadens your understanding of the product and enhances your problem-solving skills.

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

To thrive as a Senior Test Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of software testing methodologies, test automation, and quality assurance principles, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise with automation tools such as Selenium, JUnit, or TestNG, and familiarity with CI/CD systems like Jenkins are often required, as well as certifications like ISTQB. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring software reliability, optimizing testing processes, and collaborating effectively with development teams.

What is the difference between Senior Test Engineer vs QA Analyst?

AspectSenior Test EngineerQA Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; experience in testing; certifications like ISTQBBachelor's in IT, Computer Science, or related; testing experience; ISTQB certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams; involved in test planning, automation, and executionQuality assurance teams; focuses on manual testing, documentation, and process improvement
Industry UsageUsed across software, tech, and IT industries for testing rolesCommon in software development, IT, and tech sectors for quality assurance

While both roles focus on software quality, Senior Test Engineers typically handle more complex testing tasks, automation, and test strategy, whereas QA Analysts often focus on manual testing, documentation, and process adherence. The Senior Test Engineer role usually requires more technical expertise and experience in automation tools.

How much does a senior test engineer earn?

A senior test engineer's salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have expertise in automation tools, scripting, and quality assurance processes, which can influence compensation levels.

What are the most commonly searched types of Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Senior Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Test Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Test Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Test Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,066 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

Sr. Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems)

Northrop Grumman

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Job Description Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security.

We have awide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battlemanagement and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awarenessand understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is looking for you to join our team as a Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer - Manufacturing Test Engineering (RF Systems) based out of Rolling Meadows, IL. Manufacturing Engineers thrive in an environment of daily unique challenges and close proximity to products.

Partnering with production, successful test engineers lead troubleshooting and ensure excellence. Engineers who do well in this setting enjoy seeing their work perform in a test or a product, collaborate and communicate well across functions, and are innovative problem solvers. Best suited to this role are those who enjoy learning and bring a sense of urgency and energy to their tasks.

This position will support test station hardware efforts associated with testing Radio Frequency (RF) production hardware in a dynamic, fast-paced and technically challenging production environment. Behavioral Traits sought out: The Manufacturing Test Engineers are expected to be problem solvers with the ability to provide results that are innovative and often achieved through collaboration across functional groups. We seek individuals with proven excellence in the following 6 core competencies: a) High levels of Self-accountability and Ownership b) Acts with Speed c) Responds to Challenges with Resilience d) Leads with Courage e) Sets vision for the assigned products f) Builds a High Performing Team This individual will be responsible for all aspects of test development from requirements capture through final validation and release.

A successful person in this role will be very effective at leading collaboration with the product Design Engineer, the Test Hardware Engineer, the Quality Assurance Engineer and the Manufacturing Technician. This position would include providing needed efforts to set up and support the acceptance testing of the Shop Replaceable Units, as well as acceptance testing and environmental screening at the payload (Line Replaceable Unit) level. This position will support aerial, military-grade, or space-grade Electronic Warfare Systems and Subsystems.

What you will get to do: Support to Production: Coordinate with Design Engineering, Production technician, Project Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Quality organizations to test and provide solutions to support nonconformance systems for contractual acceptance testing and environmental screening commitments. Test station design - debug & integration/validation: Investigate, design, and provide solutions to meet new or modified testing requirements. Test procedure development/Maintenance: Generate and maintain/revise Manufacturing Acceptance testing procedures, Environmental Screening procedures, hardware drawings of test equipment and fixtures.

Continuous improvement: Review of quality metrics to identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce cost, cycle time, defects. Testability reviews: Collaborate with design engineering to achieve testability in new and updated product design. Test station/fixture development: Design and maintain/revise Manufacturing Acceptance testing fixture and stations for functional and environmental testing.

This includes test station concepts (Schematics, block diagram, simulations, test requirement creation) Ability to interface/communicate with multiple levels of leadership, clients, and vendors. Building a strong professional relationship with other Manufacturing disciplines (Process Engineering, Project Management, Shop Operations, Mission Assurance), strong decision-making skills and a high-level ethical standard is essential. Basic Qualifications for the Sr.

Principal Manufacturing Test Engineer (RF Systems): Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering or a related STEM field with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience; OR a Master of Science (MS) degree in equivalent fields with 6 or more years of experience. Experience with troubleshooting of hardware, and test issues Experience with schematic generation such as Cadence. Experience completing hardware projects involving hardware design / development activities and/or integration and validation activities on schedule and on budget.

Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. US Citizenship required. Preferred Qualifications: Python and MATLAB experience.

Experience with programming languages such as C#, C, Java or Lab Windows CVI Experience with schematic generation such as Cadence. Prior hardware troubleshooting experience of test equipment or prime hardware. Experience in troubleshooting unit under test.

Experience with RF Electronic systems in manufacturing or design (hardware, firmware, etc.) environment. Experience working with use of any test instruments such as (but not limited to) Oscilloscope, Signal Generator, Spectrum Analyzer, Network Analyzer, etc. Experience with reading schematics and interpreting electrical one-lines

Experience using GitHub. Active DoD Security Clearance. What We Can Offer You: Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages yourgrowth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company.

Northrop Grumman benefits give you theflexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits includingEducation Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more. #MPR Primary Level Salary Range: $138,500.00 - $203,600.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S

Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939