1

Software Development Engineer Test Jobs in Alexandria, VA

NAVA Software solutions is looking for a SDET Engineer Details: SDET Engineer Location : Merrifield, VA(Hybrid) - Weekly once onsite Duration: 12 Months Top 3 Required Skills: * Hands-on development ...

SDET

Merrifield, VA · On-site

$49.75 - $64.25/hr

Full Stack SDET (Front-End and Back-End Automation Test Exp Required) Location: Vienna, VA or San Diego, CA or Pensacola, FL Duration: Contract Top 3 Required Skills: Hands-on development/coding ...

SDET Developer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$51.75 - $66.75/hr

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is to develop and execute software test plans in order to identify software problems and their causes. Strong java development skills JavaScript ...

SDET/ Automation Engineer

Vienna, VA

$46.25 - $61/hr

SDET/ Automation Engineer 6 Months contract - Extension long term Contract Location: Vienna, VA 22182= : Note : SDET/Automation Engineer role - We are looking for strong Automation Engineers with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Software Development Engineer Test information

See Alexandria, VA salary details

$11

$55

$78

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

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for software development engineer test in Alexandria, VA is $55.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.05 and $62.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectSoftware Development Engineer Test (SDET)Software Development Engineer (SDE)
Primary FocusDeveloping automated tests, testing frameworks, and ensuring software qualityDesigning, coding, and implementing software features and applications
Skills & CertificationsProgramming, testing tools, automation frameworks, QA methodologiesProgramming, software architecture, system design
Work EnvironmentCollaborates closely with developers and QA teams, often in Agile teamsWorks on software development, coding, and system integration
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies emphasizing quality automationWidespread across software development companies

While both roles require strong programming skills and collaboration, SDETs focus on testing automation and quality assurance, whereas SDEs primarily develop software features. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Infographic showing various Software Development Engineer Test job openings in Alexandria, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,538 per year, or $55.1 per hour.
Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Zetier

Arlington, VA

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Zetier seeks Software Development Engineers in Test (SDET) to design, build, and maintain scalable automated testing capabilities for embedded hardware, cyber platforms, and operational software systems. This role focuses on developing robust test infrastructure, improving product reliability, and enabling continuous validation across hardware and software solutions. Candidates will develop automated validation frameworks, integrate testing into CI/CD pipelines, and support verification activities spanning low-level firmware, networking systems, and mission-driven software capabilities. Work includes functional, integration, regression, and hardware-in-the-loop testing aligned with quality, operational effectiveness, and compliance objectives.

Required:

  • 5+ years experience in software development or test engineering
  • Strong programming experience in Python, C/C++, and/or Rust
  • Experience deploying automated test frameworks (e.g. pytest, Robot)
  • Experience testing embedded or Linux-based systems platforms
  • Hands-on experience integrating testing into CI/CD pipelines
  • Familiar debugging complex HW/SW system interactions
  • Comfortable writing clear technical documentation (e.g. test reports)
  • Strong communication skills across engineering and customer teams
  • Active U.S. security clearance

Desired:

  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and device automation
  • Experience testing embedded systems, networking devices, or mobile
  • Experience with containerization (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, QEMU)
  • Familiar with network/protocol validation (e.g. Wireshark, Scapy)
  • Experience with RF or wireless systems (e.g. 802.11ac, Zigbee, SDR)
  • Experience testing firmware, drivers, and low-level code/services
  • Exposure to cybersecurity, vulnerability research, or pentest teams
  • Experience with observability, telemetry, or reliability engineering


Positions available in Arlington, VA.

Zetier is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by law. All employment is decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business need.