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Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in Chicago, IL

Merican

SDET Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Duration: 6-18 months Work Mode: Onsite Location: Chicago, IL Purpose We are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to ...

R2 Technologies Corporation

SDET

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Senior Software Development Engineer in Test Chicago, IL Who We Are: Northern Trust is a Chicago-based bank with more than 20 international locations and 16,500 employees. From sovereign wealth funds ...

SysMind Tech

Senior SDET || Glenview, IL - Hybrid

Glenview, IL · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

Senior SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) Location: Glenview, IL - Hybrid (3 days onsite per week, LOCAL candidates preferred) Duration: 6+ Months (Possible Extension) About the Role: We ...

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Software Development Engineer In Test information

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for software development engineer in test in Chicago, IL is $56.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.57 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software development engineer in test?

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?

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.

How does a software development engineer in test 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 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.

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Software Development Engineer In Test jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Software Development Engineer In Test job openings:

Software Development Engineer In Test jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Development Engineer In Test job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,432 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

SDET Consultant

Merican

Chicago, IL • On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Role: Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
Duration: 6-18 months
Work Mode: Onsite
Location: Chicago, IL
Purpose
We are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to ensure high-quality software delivery through robust testing strategies. This role involves QA/UAT execution, test planning, automation development, and mentoring team members to improve testing practices and product quality.
Key Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with product, design, and development teams to understand requirements and identify risks
  • Design, create, and execute comprehensive test plans and test scripts
  • Analyze test results, report defects, and ensure adherence to QA best practices
  • Develop, maintain, and enhance automation frameworks using Java, Groovy, or Kotlin
  • Conduct code reviews to ensure maintainable, scalable automation code
  • Define and implement QA standards and testing methodologies
  • Communicate testing progress, results, and quality metrics to stakeholders
  • Mentor and coach QA team members on test setup, data management, and best practices
  • Continuously improve test coverage, reliability, and accuracy
Must-Have Skills
  • Strong understanding of Agile/Scrum methodologies
  • Experience with JUnit or TestNG frameworks
  • Hands-on experience with Kafka queues
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proficiency with version control tools (Git/Subversion)
  • Experience with Java, XML, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML
  • API testing experience (REST/SOAP) using tools like Postman or SoapUI
  • Experience building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, Azure DevOps)
  • Strong expertise in Selenium/Appium automation frameworks
  • Proficiency in Java/Groovy-based test automation
Experience & Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience as an SDET in application development and release environments
  • Experience mentoring or coaching junior QA/SDET team members
  • Strong ability to analyze requirements and create detailed test coverage
  • Expertise in defect tracking and documentation
  • Experience with cross-browser and mobile testing tools (e.g., Sauce Labs or similar)
  • Familiarity with log analysis tools such as Splunk
  • Hands-on experience with automated testing tools and reporting frameworks
  • Experience in test data preparation and maintenance
  • Strong understanding of testing methodologies and best practices
  • Experience working with CI/CD tools like Jenkins
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About Merican

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Merican is a IT Service consulting firm, specialized in Digital adoption and Business automation. With our diverse collection of skilled and committed consultants, technology companies, businesses and digital experts, we provide our subject expertise and our unique client service approach, a best-in-class global model of delivery suited to the business demands of our clients. We ensure that we implement future-oriented solutions for our clients via investments in people, solutions, technologies, competencies and infrastructure.

Industry

It services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia , MD, US

Year founded

2020

Social media

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