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Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in Washington

Application SDET

Reston, VA · On-site

$52 - $67/hr

Highly experienced Senior SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) to help deliver test automation across our software development lifecycle. This role is ideal for someone with deep expertise in ...

Job Title: SDET (JAVA) Location: Mclean,VA Duration: 12+ Months Visa: USC, GC, H1B and EAD Contract Type: W2 Key Skills: * Experience in design and building test framework * Strong programming skills ...

SDET 4

Rockville, MD · On-site

$51 - $65.75/hr

The main function of a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is to develop and execute software test plans in order to identify software problems and their causes. Job Responsibilities:

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 3

Rockville, MD

$51 - $65.75/hr

The main function of a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is to develop and execute software test plans in order to identify software problems and their causes. Job Responsibilities:

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 ...

BCforward's team of dedicated staffing professionals has placed thousands of talented people over the past decade, with retention rates that are consistently higher than the industry average. SDET ...

Locals or Nearby Only Urgent Need SDET

Rockville, MD · On-site

$51 - $65.75/hr

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET Location : Rockville, MD, Duration: 6-12 Months Description : Summary: The main function of a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is to develop ...

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Software Development Engineer In Test information

See Washington salary details

$13

$62

$84

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 Washington is $62.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.47 and $70.24 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 are the most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Software Development Engineer In Test jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Software Development Engineer In Test job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Development Engineer In Test job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,009 per year, or $62 per hour.
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 21 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.