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Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in Iowa

Software Test Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $110K/yr

The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and thrives in a collaborative engineering ... Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to support product development and ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Functional and integration testing prior to hand-off to software test and evaluation group ... Previous experience in a structured software development process * Ability to interpret hardware ...

Test Engineer

Peterson, IA · On-site

$61K - $141K/yr

Functionality, reliability, and user experience are key to successful software development-and that ... You Have: * 3+ years of experience in developmental testing * Experience performing requirements ...

Entry Level Software Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Functional and integration testing prior to hand-off to software test and evaluation group ... Previous experience in a structured software development process * Ability to interpret hardware ...

As the Software Development Lead, you will own the architecture, engineering, and operational ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or ...

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Software Development Engineer In Test information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$51

$69

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

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for software development engineer in test in Iowa is $51.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.14 and $58.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is SDET still in demand?

Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) remain in demand due to the increasing emphasis on automation, quality assurance, and continuous integration in software development. SDETs with skills in programming, testing frameworks, and tools like Selenium or Jenkins are highly sought after across various industries, especially in organizations adopting Agile and DevOps practices.

What is the role of a software development engineer in testing?

A Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) designs, develops, and maintains automated test frameworks and scripts to ensure software quality. They collaborate with development teams to identify testing requirements, write test cases, and use tools like Selenium or JUnit to execute tests, often integrating testing into continuous integration pipelines.

Is SDET a good career?

A Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is a valuable role that combines software development and testing skills to improve product quality. SDETs often work with automation tools, programming languages, and testing frameworks, making it a technically demanding and in-demand career path with good growth prospects. It is suitable for those interested in both coding and quality assurance.

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

AspectSoftware Development Engineer In TestSoftware Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing automated tests, ensuring software qualityDeveloping software applications and features
Skills & CertificationsProgramming, testing frameworks, automation toolsProgramming, software design, system architecture
Work EnvironmentQuality assurance teams, development teams, testing labsDevelopment teams, product teams, engineering environments
Industry UsageTech companies, software firms, QA departmentsTech companies, startups, software product companies

While both roles require strong programming skills, Software Development Engineer In Test focuses on automation and testing to ensure software quality, whereas Software Engineers primarily develop new features and applications. Both roles are integral to software development but serve different aspects of the product lifecycle.

How does a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) typically collaborate with developers and QA teams during the software development lifecycle?

As an SDET, you'll work closely with both software developers and quality assurance teams throughout the development process. Your role involves participating in design and code reviews to ensure testability, creating automated test frameworks, and writing test cases alongside developers. You'll also help identify bugs early, contribute to continuous integration pipelines, and facilitate communication between development and QA to ensure high-quality releases. This collaborative environment allows you to bridge the gap between coding and testing, making you a key player in delivering reliable software.

What is a Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET)?

A Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) is a professional who combines software development skills with expertise in testing to ensure the quality of software products. SDETs design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks, write test scripts, and work closely with developers to identify and resolve defects early in the software development lifecycle. They play a critical role in integrating testing into the development process, improving test coverage, and enabling continuous integration and delivery. SDETs often have strong programming abilities and a deep understanding of both software engineering and quality assurance best practices.

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

To thrive as a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), you need a solid background in software engineering principles, programming skills (often in languages like Java, Python, or C#), and a strong understanding of testing methodologies. Familiarity with automated testing frameworks (such as Selenium, JUnit, or TestNG), CI/CD tools, and sometimes certifications like ISTQB are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills that help SDETs collaborate with developers and identify issues efficiently. These skills are crucial to ensure robust, scalable, and high-quality software products through efficient test design and automation.

Will QA or SDET get replaced by AI?

Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) and QA professionals perform complex testing tasks that require critical thinking, creativity, and understanding of system design, 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. Therefore, SDET roles are likely to evolve with AI rather than be completely replaced.
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Software Development Engineer In Test jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Software Development Engineer In Test job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Development Engineer In Test job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,988 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

AI Test Automation Engineer

Rogers Freels & Associates Inc

Johnston, IA

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) supports industry-leading clients through the full software development lifecycle to build cutting-edge precision agriculture, machine guidance, vehicle automation and autonomy applications. We are seeking passionate, talented engineers to work on exciting projects using the latest tools and technologies including robotics, computer-vision, machine learning, IoT, cloud computing, and much more. Collaborate with a team of industry experts onsite at our client's world-class engineering center and contribute to developing innovative solutions that drive sustainable agriculture practices.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

AI Test Automation Engineer

We are seeking multiple AI Test Automation Engineers to help transform and modernize software testing through the use of artificial intelligence, intelligent automation, and advanced data-driven tools. This team will focus on creating smarter, faster, and more scalable approaches to software validation by leveraging AI-assisted workflows, automation technologies, intelligent agents, and advanced analytics.

This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy solving complex problems, building innovative tools, and applying AI technologies to real-world engineering and operational challenges.

Job Responsibilities

  • Develop AI-assisted tools and workflows that improve software testing efficiency and productivity
  • Design and implement intelligent automation solutions for regression testing and validation activities
  • Create AI-enabled systems for anomaly detection, issue identification, and automated analysis
  • Build tools that assist with test planning, test execution, reporting, and diagnostics
  • Develop scripts, utilities, dashboards, and integrations that automate repetitive engineering tasks
  • Leverage machine learning, agentic AI, large language models, or intelligent agents to improve engineering workflows
  • Analyze testing data and system behavior to identify trends, inefficiencies, and optimization opportunities
  • Integrate automation tools with APIs, databases, cloud services, and existing engineering platforms
  • Collaborate with engineering, software, and test teams to understand pain points and develop scalable solutions
  • Rapidly prototype and evaluate proof-of-concept AI solutions
  • Contribute to long-term strategies focused on transforming software testing and engineering operations
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on smarter and more autonomous testing processes

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Experience with software development, automation, or engineering tool development
  • Experience programming in Python, JavaScript, C++, or similar languages
  • Strong understanding of automation concepts, scripting, and workflow optimization
  • Experience working with APIs, data processing, or systems integration
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with AI/ML technologies, large language models, or agentic AI systems
  • Experience building intelligent automation tools or AI-assisted workflows
  • Familiarity with machine learning frameworks, data analytics, or anomaly detection techniques
  • Experience with cloud platforms, databases, or distributed systems
  • Experience integrating with engineering or testing platforms
  • Familiarity with software testing, validation, or DevOps workflows
  • Experience with telemetry, logging, or real-time data analysis tools
  • Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks
  • Experience using AI coding assistants or AI-enhanced development tools

Desired Attributes

  • Passion for AI, automation, and emerging technologies
  • Creative mindset focused on solving problems in new ways
  • Strong curiosity and willingness to experiment with new tools and approaches
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently on ambiguous challenges
  • Interest in transforming traditional engineering processes through intelligent automation
  • Ability to balance rapid innovation with practical engineering solutions

    Pay Range: $90,000-$150,000 – Commensurate with experience

    About RFA Engineering

    RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
    Competitive Benefits

    • Health and Dental Insurance
    • TelaDoc Healthiest You
    • Supplemental Vision Insurance
    • Company Paid Life Insurance
    • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
    • Short-term Disability
    • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
    • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
    • HSA for Medical Expenses
    • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
    • Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • Paid Holidays
    • Bereavement Leave
    • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
    • Education Assistance

    Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly