1

Software Development Engineer Test Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 ...

SDET Level 4

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Titles: SDET Level 4 (Official Title: IT Software Engineer 4) Locations : Chicago, IL (Hybrid) Duration : 12-month contract Position's Contributions to Work Group : * AKA Senior SDET Extend testing ...

Lead SDET Location: Chicago IL Duration: Long term Role Summary We are looking for a Sr Lead, SW Quality Eng who is self-motivated, creative and proactive, to work successfully in a fast-paced ...

SDET

Chicago, IL · On-site

Technical Test engineer with experience in automation programs . Proficiency in at least one ... Development and Automation

Showing results 21-40

Software Development Engineer Test information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$53

$75

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for software development engineer test in Chicago, IL is $53.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.32 and $60.43 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 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 $110,240 per year, or $53 per hour.

Lead Software Development Engineer in Test

3Core Systems Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$110 - $180/hr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Lead Software Development Engineer in Test

Chicago, United States

Role

Lead Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Location

Chicago, IL - Hybrid onsite (initially 2-3 onsite days, with possibility of full 5 days required in few months)

Duration

12+ month contract

Must Have Skills / Attributes

API, AWS, Cucumber, Java, Jenkins, Python, REST, SQL

Experience Desired
  • Experience in full-stack testing, integration testing with 3rd parties, and end-to-end system integration (10 years)
  • Experience with DevOps tools (CI/CD, Jenkins, Git) (10 years)
  • Strong experience developing test scripts, test cases, and test data (10 years)
  • Ability to write queries in SQL or other relational databases (10 years)
Required Minimum Education
  • Bachelor’s Degree

Only those lawfully authorized to work in the designated country associated with the position will be considered.

Please note that all position start dates and durations are estimates and may be reduced or lengthened based upon a client’s business needs and requirements.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the expansion of the SIT (System Integration Testing) automation framework and drive overall test strategy for the program.
  • Develop test automation code for Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) of systems, infrastructure, and test frameworks.
  • Plan, design, develop, and maintain the API test automation framework to facilitate scripting, execution, and results analysis.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring for test engineers across multiple applications/projects (onshore and offshore); train team members to create, execute, analyze, and maintain automated regression suites.
  • Coordinate with the Product Owner to resolve open issues, enhancements, upgrades, and understand specific functionality usage.
  • Develop automated functional scripts using tools such as Java, Karate, and JMeter.
  • Perform exploratory and manual testing of the product suite as appropriate.
  • Provide expertise in testing methodologies, best practices, and standards.
  • Work within a larger team of 20+ members.
  • Participate in AVT calls, design discussions, and coordinate with several other cross-functional teams.
  • Position is hybrid onsite (Chicago office) starting Day 1, with full return to office (5 days/week) expected eventually.
Required Education
  • Degree: Bachelor’s degree (required).
  • Total Experience: 10+ years of overall professional experience.
  • Leadership Tenure: 5+ years in a Lead role (with minimum experience leading 5 QE folks at a time).
Required Skills
  • Test Automation Framework: 8+ years of experience in test automation framework design.
  • Programming: 5+ years of strong design and development experience in Java.
  • BDD Tools: 3–5 years of experience with Cucumber, JBehave, or other BDD testing frameworks.
  • API Testing: 3–5 years of strong experience testing Web Services (REST APIs).
  • Database: Ability to write queries in SQL or other relational databases.
  • Testing Scope: Proven experience in full-stack testing, integration testing with 3rd parties, and end-to-end system integration testing for software platforms.
  • DevOps: Experience with CI/CD concepts and tools (e.g., Jenkins, Git).
  • Test Artifacts: Proven experience developing test scripts, test cases, and test data.
Desired Technical Skills (Nice-to-Have)
  • Hands-on experience with Python.
  • Development experience in AWS Cloud technology.
  • 3+ years of experience in scenario-based performance testing using JMeter.
  • Experience with Apigee or other API gateways.
  • Experience with TDD, continuous integration, and code review practices.
  • Understanding of microservice architecture.
  • Experience with load and performance testing.
Required Soft Skills
  • Ability to adapt quickly to a complex environment.
  • Pro‑active, flexible, and creative mindset.
  • Very strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with developers and business users.
Critical Disqualifiers (Skill/Logistics Related)
  • Choppy tenure / consistent job hopping.
  • Absolutely no 100% remote work – must be willing to work in the Chicago office (eventually 5x/week).
  • If not local, must relocate at their own expense and be onsite Day 1 (must be stated clearly on the resume).
#J-18808-Ljbffr