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Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in Chicago, IL

SDET

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Education Requirements: - Bachelor's degree Looking for a Senior SDET with 10 +years of experience. Must have a strong Java and APIs testing Webservices (REST APIs) background, experience with BDD ...

Senior SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) - Hybrid - Glenview, IL About the Role We are looking for a highly experienced Senior SDET with a strong background in both functional and ...

Strong SDET experience with DevOps mindset, Jenkins's - building CI/CD pipelines, must understand how Jenkins/ CI/CD works. * Experience with Wiremock and other mocking frameworks. * Understanding ...

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 ...

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

See Chicago, IL salary details

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

As of Jul 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.

Is SDET in high demand?

Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) are in high demand due to the increasing emphasis on quality assurance and automation in software development. Companies seek SDETs skilled in programming, testing frameworks, and tools like Selenium and Jenkins to improve product reliability and speed up release cycles.

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 developers to identify testing requirements, write test cases, and use tools like Selenium or JUnit to execute tests, often integrating testing into continuous integration pipelines.

What engineers make $500,000?

Software Development Engineers In Test (SDETs) in senior or specialized roles at large tech companies can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, and other compensation. High earnings typically require extensive experience, advanced skills in automation and testing tools, and often involve working in competitive tech environments or leadership positions.

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 remains essential for designing test strategies, interpreting results, and ensuring software quality. Therefore, AI is more likely to augment rather than replace SDET roles in the foreseeable future.
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:
Infographic showing various Software Development Engineer In Test job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,432 per year, or $56.5 per hour.
Sr. Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Sr. Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Automox Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

 WHO YOU ARE

You are a seasoned Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), or Automation QA Engineer, who is passionate about delivering a high quality product at a fast pace. You are enthusiastic about software quality, and can interact directly with product owners and delivery team members to plan, scope, schedule and implement testing activities. You have very strong communication, collaboration and analytical skills and an ability to work as part of an Agile team.  You will be part of a small, high performance team and will have the opportunity to excel and grow your career while helping grow our testing efforts and ensuring quality of the releases. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Own test strategy and execution for one or more feature areas, working closely with the cross-functional team to ensure that we meet our quality objectives

  • Design complex IT configurations to test product capabilities in simulated production-like environments

  • Perform and participate in all aspects of manual and automated test verifications. This includes feature and functional testing, load, performance, and regression testing

  • Perform root cause analysis for bugs and work with the development team to resolve them

  • Work collaboratively as part of a scrum team to deliver great software and promote an overall culture of quality

  • Identify and execute on opportunities to improve our processes to facilitate increased test coverage


DESIRED SKILLS

  • 7+ years of combined software development, QA and test automation experience.

  • 5+ years hands-on experience as an SDET or Automation QA Engineer defining test strategy, test design patterns, and executing tests with varied complexity for commercial SaaS products.

  • Proficiency with Python and experience using testing frameworks such as PyTest

  • Understanding of PHP, Python and/or Golang from the standpoint of applying automation tests.

  • API and RESTful architecture test automation experience.

  • Experience working in a Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) model including Github and CI pipeline automation tools.

  • Intellectual curiosity and a willingness for continual learning. e.g. we mostly use Python today; we may move to other languages in the future.

  • Comfortable working asynchronously on a distributed team. 

  • Proactively collaborates with other teams/team members across time zones.

  • A degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related subject.


WHAT WE VALUE:

Growth Mindset: We are a fast-growing company, and need people who will take initiative and take ownership to be successful in the role. 

Customer Mindset: You demonstrate customer fluency by advocating their needs, understanding their friction and have the urgency to solve their problems. 

Extraordinary Communicator: Communication is the key to success. Regardless of your level or position, you treat people and their opinions with respect. You are able to be concise, articulate and honest in the delivery of your message. 

Humbly Courageous: Learn through a willingness to fail, correct and move on.

Innately Curious: Status quo is not for you. You are inquisitive and remain open to new ideas and points of view. You seek to understand the 'why' and understand the how to our business. 

Thoughtful Decision Making: Ability to make tough decisions by identifying the root cause and applying second-order thinking. 

Highly Impactful: Results speak louder than words and you have the drive and resilience to rapidly shifting priorities to meet business objectives. 


WHY AUTOMOX

We are on a mission to raise the world's security confidence. To enable every IT Admin to automate the fundamental tasks that keep their corporation secure. This mission can only be accomplished with a culture embodies entrepreneurialism, accountability and providing our employees with the clear direction and freedom to do their best work. We don't measure excellence based on how but on the what. Each employee has a value and contribution to the success of Automox. We look forward to working with you and seeing the success you will bring on our journey. 


LOCATION: Home office in the US

This is an entrepreneurial opportunity to own and put your name on something truly special. Don't let the opportunity pass you by. 


Come join the adventure!