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Software Engineer In Test Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer in Test

Reston, VA · On-site

$115K - $149K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer in Test (SSET) to mature and automate our Test and QA processes, yielding world-class programs that ensure our products exceed our clients' expectations.

SDET 4

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 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 Developer

Silver Spring, MD

$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 ...

Job Title: Sr. Test Engineer Location: Arlington, VA Duration: 12 months Client is seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SSDET) who is well-versed in agile methodologies, has a ...

Full Stack SDET

Vienna, VA · On-site

$50.25 - $64.75/hr

Full Stack SDET Location: Hybrid - Vienna, VA | Pensacola, FL | San Diego, CA Description We are seeking a highly skilled Full Stack Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to join the Digital ...

SDET

Merrifield, VA · On-site

$49.75 - $64.25/hr

Full Stack SDET (Front-End and Back-End Automation Test Exp Required) Top 3 Required Skills: Hands-on development/coding (Java) Hand on experience with UI+API+DB automation testing Hands experience ...

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 Engineer In Test information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$10

$52

$74

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

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for software engineer in test in Ashburn, VA is $52.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.03 and $60.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will QA or SDET get replaced by AI?

Software Engineers in Test (SDET) and QA professionals perform complex testing tasks that require critical thinking, creativity, and understanding of software behavior. While AI tools can automate repetitive testing and assist in identifying issues, they are unlikely to fully replace the need for skilled testers who design test strategies, interpret results, and adapt to new challenges. Continuous learning and proficiency with automation tools remain important for these roles.

What is the difference between Software Engineer In Test vs QA Engineer?

AspectSoftware Engineer In TestQA Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, coding skillsBachelor's in CS, QA certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDevelops automated tests, collaborates with developersDesigns test plans, manual and automated testing
Industry UsageTech companies, software firmsVariety of industries, including tech and manufacturing
Search IntentAutomation, testing, developmentManual testing, quality assurance

Software Engineer In Test roles focus on developing automated testing solutions and collaborating closely with developers, requiring coding skills. QA Engineers typically design test plans and perform manual and automated testing, often with less emphasis on coding. Both roles aim to ensure software quality but differ in technical depth and responsibilities.

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. The role is suitable for those interested in coding, quality assurance, and continuous learning.

What is a Software Engineer In Test?

A Software Engineer In Test (SET) is a professional who specializes in developing and maintaining automated tests and testing frameworks to ensure software quality. Unlike traditional testers, SETs are skilled in programming and work closely with development teams to design testable software, automate repetitive testing tasks, and identify bugs early in the development cycle. Their main goal is to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and coverage of software testing processes, often contributing to both code quality and faster release cycles.

What are some common challenges faced by Software Engineers In Test when collaborating with development teams?

Software Engineers In Test (SETs) often face the challenge of ensuring their testing processes keep pace with rapid development cycles. Coordinating closely with developers is essential to identify potential issues early and to align on testing priorities. Communication gaps can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about requirements or missed edge cases, so proactive collaboration is key. Additionally, SETs may need to advocate for sufficient time for thorough test automation, balancing quality with project deadlines.

What engineers make $500,000?

Software engineers, especially those in senior or specialized roles at large tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High compensation often requires extensive experience, expertise in in-demand skills like machine learning or cloud computing, and working in competitive markets or leadership positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineer in Test, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer in Test, you need a solid background in computer science, strong programming skills (often in Java, Python, or similar languages), and experience with automated testing frameworks. Familiarity with tools such as Selenium, JUnit, TestNG, and CI/CD systems, as well as knowledge of test management platforms, is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication are critical soft skills that help you design effective test cases and collaborate with development teams. These skills ensure that software products are reliable, scalable, and meet quality standards before release.

What does a software engineer in a test do?

A software engineer in test designs, develops, and maintains automated test scripts and frameworks to ensure software quality. They identify bugs, perform regression testing, and collaborate with development teams to improve product reliability using tools like Selenium, JUnit, or TestNG. Their role often requires programming skills and understanding of software development life cycles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer In Test jobs in Ashburn, VA? The most popular types of Software Engineer In Test jobs in Ashburn, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer In Test jobs in Ashburn, VA? For Software Engineer In Test jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for Software Engineer In Test jobs? Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Software Engineer In Test job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Engineer In Test job openings in Ashburn, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,433 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Steampunk

Mclean, VA

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

As a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), you will work with our growing DevSecOps practice delivering quality assurance services to support application, cloud, and data systems development. We are looking for candidates with 3-5 years of experience in quality assurance and test automation practices within an Agile/DevSecOps work environment


Responsibilities

  • Understand the needs of stakeholders and conveying requirements to development teams 
  • Collaborate with product design teams to determine testing parameters and acceptance criteria 
  • Write comprehensive test plans, create test cases, develop test procedures, document bug reports, and produce final QA reports for products 
  • Manage test data architecture definition and coordinate test data requests 
  • Develop automated testing scripts with consideration for parallelization and idempotency 
  • Integrate test automation including performance, security, and functional tests into CI/CD pipelines 
  • Execute testing and examination of code written by others and analyze results, including three or more of the following: 
  • Data validation testing 
  • Functional testing 
  • Performance and load testing 
  • Usability testing 
  • Accessibility (Section 508) testing 
  • Develop automated testing scripts considering parallelization and idempotency 
  • Ensuring that systems are safe and secure against cybersecurity threats 
  • Working with software developers and software engineers to ensure that development follows established processes and works as intended 
  • Document as-is state of the environment, perform gap analysis, and produce artifacts that articulate options and recommendations 
  • Engineer and implement solutions and provide recommendations for continuous improvement of services provided 
  • Present regular status updates and provide cross-training to other DevOps team members 
  • Act as an individual contributor and mentor more junior team members 

Required

    • Ability to obtain a U.S. government Security Clearance 
    • Bachelors Degree and 10 years of experience (7 must be relevant)
    • 3 Years of Experience with Git SCM providers such as GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket 
    • 3 Years of Experience with one or more programming or scripting languages 
    • 7 Years of application DevSecOps Experience with actual/active development experience in an Agile environment 
    • Experience utilizing docker containers and utilizing platforms such as Kubernetes 
    • 3 Years of Experience implementing test automation, using tools such as Selenium, Appium, Soap UI, RestAssured, Postman 
    • Experience integrating test automation including performance, security, and functional tests into CI/CD Pipelines 
    • Experience with performance and load testing 
    • Experience in one or more cloud computing environments (e.g. AWS, Azure, or GCP) 

 Preferred

    • Certifications: 
    • CAST (Certified Associate in Software Testing) 
    • International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Certification 
    • Cloud certifications (AWS Certified Developer, Azure Developer Associate, etc.) 
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal and collaborative skills 
    • Experience with behavior-driven development (BDD) and test-driven development (TDD) methodologies 

Steampunk relies on several factors to determine salary, including but not limited to geographic location, contractual requirements, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience. The projected compensation range for this position is $90,000 to $130,000.  The estimate displayed represents a typical annual salary range for this position. Annual salary is just one aspect of Steampunk’s total compensation package for employees. Learn more about additional Steampunk benefits here. 

Identity Statement

As part of the application process, you are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients in the Homeland, Federal Civilian, Health and DoD sectors.  Through our Human-Centered delivery methodology, we are fundamentally changing the expectations our Federal clients have for true shared accountability in solving their toughest mission challenges.  As an employee owned company, we focus on investing in our employees to enable them to do the greatest work of their careers – and rewarding them for outstanding contributions to our growth. If you want to learn more about our story, visit http://www.steampunk.com.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Steampunk participates in the E-Verify program.