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Software Quality Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Supplier Quality Engineer The Supplier Quality Engineer shall provide quality support to production ... ETQ, JD Edwards software quality experience is a plus. * Experience with any ERP is acceptable

Job Title Sr. Software Engineer, Quality Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You'll also ...

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Software Quality Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$19

$50

$80

How much do software quality engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for software quality engineer in Chicago, IL is $50.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.38 and $57.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software quality engineer?

Software Quality Engineers are professionals responsible for ensuring that software products meet established quality standards before they are released to customers. They design and execute tests, identify bugs or issues, and collaborate with developers to resolve problems. Their work helps prevent defects, enhances user satisfaction, and ensures the reliability and safety of software applications. Software Quality Engineers may use automation tools and manual testing methods to validate functionality, performance, and security.

How does a software quality engineer typically collaborate with development and product teams to ensure high-quality releases?

As a Software Quality Engineer, you’ll work closely with developers and product managers throughout the software development lifecycle. Regular collaboration involves participating in sprint planning, reviewing requirements, designing test cases, and providing feedback on user stories. You’ll also be responsible for communicating defects clearly, suggesting improvements, and validating fixes, ensuring everyone is aligned on quality goals. This close teamwork ensures that issues are caught early and that the final product meets both technical and user expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software quality engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Quality Engineer, you need a solid understanding of software development lifecycles, test methodologies, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automated testing tools (like Selenium or JUnit), bug tracking systems (such as Jira), and scripting languages is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong communication are vital soft skills that set top performers apart. These abilities ensure software products meet high standards for reliability and functionality, reducing defects and improving user satisfaction.

What is the difference between Software Quality Engineer vs Software Tester?

AspectSoftware Quality EngineerSoftware Tester
Primary FocusEnsuring overall quality, process improvement, and defect preventionIdentifying bugs and verifying software functionality
ResponsibilitiesDeveloping quality strategies, automating tests, collaborating with teamsExecuting test cases, reporting bugs, manual testing
Required SkillsTesting tools, automation, quality assurance processesManual testing, test case execution, defect tracking
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, cross-functional teams in software developmentPrimarily testing teams or QA departments

While both roles focus on software quality, Software Quality Engineers take a broader approach, emphasizing process improvement and automation, whereas Software Testers mainly focus on executing tests and identifying bugs. The roles often overlap but serve different stages of the quality assurance process.

More about Software Quality Engineer jobs

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

The most popular types of Software Quality Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Software Quality Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Software Quality Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Quality Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Quality Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Software Quality Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,096 per year, or $50 per hour.

Engineer Software Quality

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site


Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 367 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

83rd of 544 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$79K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Start your future with a new mission, Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector is hiring an Engineer Software Quality to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals supporting a diversity of programs across the. This opportunity will be located in Rolling Meadows, IL.
In this role the selected candidate will ensure compliance with all Quality-related contractual requirements, sector/division policies, and procedures while contributing to the program's effective process implementation.
What you will get to do:
  • Develop, modify, and maintain software quality standards, processes, and procedures.
  • Conduct inspection, testing, verification, and validation of software through witnessing extensive test executions in the labs.
  • Ensure reliability measures meet accepted standards and define operating criteria that align the quality program with project, process, and contract requirements.
  • Verify that project and process-control documentation complies with all requirements and objectives.
  • Review designs, change specifications, and plans for contractual and process compliance, including related specifications, materials, tools, techniques, and methodologies.
  • Confirm requirement allocations are traceable and testable.
  • Apply software design methods to produce robust, scalable solutions.
  • Possess Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize, plan, and execute in rapidly changing, fast-paced environment while maintaining high quality results.
  • Strong collaboration and work product organizing skills.

Basic Qualifications:
  • 2 years of experience with a Bachelor's in Science OR a Master's in Science degree
  • Knowledge of Software Quality Assurance standards and practices
  • Software programming experience along with Software Development Lifecycle knowledge
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Confluence and Jira
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret Clearance
  • US Citizenship Required

Preferred Qualifications:
  • An active US Government Secret or Top Secret Clearance with an investigation date within the last 6 years
  • Familiar with software quality operating processes, procedures, and process-control documentation compliance
  • Knowledge of software design methods and delivering robust solutions
  • Knowledge of non-conforming product tracking systems
  • Experience conducting peer and code reviews
  • Experience with software build testing, qualification, and integration & test activities
  • Able to work with enterprise-wide systems and issue-tracking tools (e.g., SAP, DOORs, Jira, Confluence)
  • Knowledge of Agile methodologies

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,600.00 - $119,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939


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