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Software Test Automation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Test Automation Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Test Automation Engineer Salary: $60,000-$80,000 Benefits include: * Paid vacation, holiday and ... Strong understanding of Agile/Scrum methodologies and software development lifecycle practices.

Test Automation Engineer

Chicago, IL

$47.50 - $62.50/hr

We are seeking an experienced Test Automation Engineer to join our P&C Quality Assurance and Test ... In this role, you will leverage your expertise in automated testing frameworks, software quality ...

Test Automation Engineer, Software Automation Engineer, Quality Automation Engineer, Automation Test Engineer, Automation Developer, Software Development Engineer in Test Base Salary: $80,000 - $100 ...

Automation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Test Automation Engineer, Software Automation Engineer, Quality Automation Engineer, Automation Test Engineer, Automation Developer, Software Development Engineer in Test Base Salary: $80,000 - $100 ...

SDET

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

AKA Senior SDET Extend testing automation framework using JAVA/JAVA Script Take ownership in ... understanding business requirements/Client and develop test strategy/test plan Develop automation ...

Principal QA Automation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$121K - $151K/yr

... in software quality assurance, test automation, and QA strategy development in QA Automation Engineer, Sr. QA Automation Engineer, Lead QA Automation Engineer, or relevant position. This position ...

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Software Test Automation Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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$77

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

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for software test automation engineer in Chicago, IL is $52.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.58 and $60.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary for a QA automation engineer?

The average salary for a QA automation engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals with skills in scripting, testing tools like Selenium, and certifications may earn higher salaries.

What is the difference between Software Test Automation Engineer vs QA Automation Tester?

AspectSoftware Test Automation EngineerQA Automation Tester
CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, certifications like ISTQB, automation tools knowledgeSimilar credentials, focus on testing certifications and automation skills
Work EnvironmentDevelops and maintains automation frameworks, collaborates with development teamsExecutes automated tests, reports bugs, ensures quality standards
Industry UsageUsed across software development companies, tech firms, and QA teamsCommonly found in QA departments within various industries

While both roles focus on automation testing, the Software Test Automation Engineer typically designs and develops automation frameworks and tools, whereas the QA Automation Tester primarily executes automated test cases and reports issues. The engineer's role is more technical and development-oriented, while the tester's role emphasizes test execution and quality assurance.

What are Software Test Automation Engineers?

Software Test Automation Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, developing, and executing automated tests to ensure the quality and functionality of software applications. They use specialized tools and scripts to automate repetitive testing tasks, identify bugs, and improve the efficiency of the software development process. Their work helps teams deliver reliable software more quickly and with fewer manual errors.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Software Test Automation Engineer can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation tools like Selenium or Appium, and roles in high-paying industries such as finance or technology. Achieving this level often requires seniority, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes stock options or bonuses.

Will AI replace automation testers?

AI can automate many repetitive testing tasks and assist in identifying issues more quickly, but Software Test Automation Engineers are essential for designing, maintaining, and interpreting automated tests. Human expertise is needed to develop test strategies, handle complex scenarios, and ensure quality, making AI a tool that complements rather than replaces automation testers.

What are some common challenges faced by Software Test Automation Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Software Test Automation Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining test scripts amid frequent code changes, ensuring test coverage for new features, and dealing with flaky or unreliable tests. These can be addressed by regularly updating automated tests alongside development, implementing robust test design patterns, and collaborating closely with developers to understand code changes. Additionally, effective use of version control and continuous integration can help teams quickly identify and resolve automation issues, making the testing process more reliable and efficient.

What does a test automation engineer do?

A test automation engineer designs, develops, and maintains automated testing scripts and frameworks to verify software functionality and quality. They use tools like Selenium, JUnit, or TestNG to improve testing efficiency and often collaborate with development teams to identify and resolve issues early in the software development lifecycle.

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

To thrive as a Software Test Automation Engineer, you need a strong understanding of software testing principles, programming skills (often in languages such as Java, Python, or JavaScript), and a background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with test automation frameworks (like Selenium, Cypress, or Appium), CI/CD systems, and relevant certifications such as ISTQB are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring software quality, streamlining development processes, and facilitating collaboration between development and QA teams.
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Software Test Automation Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Software Test Automation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Test Automation Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,871 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Test Automation Engineer

Scigon Solutions

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description


Test Automation Engineer

Salary: $60,000-$80,000

Benefits include:

  • Paid vacation, holiday and sick time
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
  • 401(k)/profit sharing


Position Overview

We are seeking a Test Automation Engineer to drive quality assurance and automation initiatives across web, mobile, and API platforms. This individual will play a key role in designing scalable automation solutions, expanding test coverage, improving release quality, and accelerating delivery through CI/CD integration. The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on automation expertise, a proactive quality mindset, and the ability to collaborate effectively with Product, Engineering, and QA teams in an Agile environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain scalable automation frameworks for web, mobile, and API applications using tools such as Playwright, WebDriverIO, Appium, and related technologies.
  • Develop and execute automated test coverage for functional, regression, integration, and end-to-end testing across multiple platforms.
  • Create and maintain BDD test scenarios using Cucumber, SpecFlow, or similar frameworks, ensuring alignment and traceability to business and technical requirements.
  • Build, integrate, and optimize automated tests within CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or equivalent tools.
  • Perform API testing and automation using Postman, Swagger/OpenAPI, Karate, and other API testing frameworks.
  • Lead testing efforts for Android and iOS applications, including native, hybrid, and mobile web environments.
  • Conduct cross-browser, cross-platform, and cross-device testing to ensure a consistent user experience across supported environments.
  • Perform exploratory testing to uncover edge cases, usability concerns, and potential quality risks.
  • Participate actively in Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, backlog grooming, daily standups, retrospectives, and release planning sessions.
  • Collaborate with developers, business stakeholders, and QA team members to review requirements, test strategies, and acceptance criteria.
  • Own defect management activities, including defect reporting, documentation, prioritization support, validation, and root cause analysis.
  • Provide testing insights, quality metrics, and risk assessments to support Go/No-Go release decisions.
  • Troubleshoot automation failures and continuously improve framework stability, performance, and maintainability.
  • Evaluate emerging testing technologies, including AI-enabled testing solutions for test generation, execution optimization, and flakiness detection.

Required Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in Software Quality Assurance and Test Automation.
  • Hands-on experience developing and maintaining automation frameworks using Playwright, WebDriverIO, Appium, Selenium, or comparable technologies.
  • Strong experience testing and automating web, mobile, and API applications.
  • Proven experience testing and automating Android and iOS applications, including native, hybrid, and mobile web platforms.
  • Hands-on experience with Appium or similar mobile automation solutions.
  • Experience performing cross-browser, cross-platform, and cross-device testing across multiple operating systems, browsers, and mobile devices.
  • Strong knowledge of API testing and automation using Postman, Swagger/OpenAPI, Karate, REST Assured, or equivalent tools.
  • Experience creating and maintaining BDD automation frameworks using Cucumber, SpecFlow, or similar technologies.
  • Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, C#, or Python.
  • Experience integrating automated test suites into CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, or similar platforms.
  • Strong understanding of Agile/Scrum methodologies and software development lifecycle practices.
  • Experience with defect tracking, test management, and release validation processes.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management abilities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in DevOps and continuous delivery environments.
  • Exposure to cloud-native, microservices, or distributed system architectures.
  • Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, or containerized testing environments.
  • Familiarity with performance, security, or accessibility testing practices.
  • Exposure to AI-powered quality engineering tools, automated test generation, self-healing automation, or flakiness detection solutions.
  • Experience mentoring junior QA or automation engineers.

Core Competencies
  • Test Automation Framework Development
  • Mobile Test Automation (Android & iOS)
  • API Testing & Automation
  • CI/CD Quality Engineering
  • Agile Testing Practices
  • Defect Management & Root Cause Analysis
  • Cross-Platform Validation
  • Release Readiness Assessment
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Stakeholder Collaboration

Success Measures
  • Increased automation coverage across web, mobile, and API platforms.
  • Improved test reliability and reduced flaky test occurrences.
  • Faster feedback cycles through CI/CD integration.
  • Reduced escaped defects and production incidents.
  • Improved release confidence and software quality.
  • Strong collaboration across Product, Engineering, and QA teams to deliver business-critical functionality successfully.