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Software Test Engineer Contract Jobs in Virginia

ECS is seeking a Software Test Engineer - Journeyman to support the Army National Guard ENOCS program by developing and executing comprehensive test plans to ensure the functionality, security, and ...

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 ...

Senior Software Test Engineer

Herndon, VA

$113K - $147K/yr

The selected candidate will work closely with software engineers, systems engineers, DevOps ... Contribute to test automation frameworks and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

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Software Test Engineer Contract information

See Virginia salary details

$40.9K

$101.2K

$158.2K

How much do software test engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for software test engineer contract in Virginia is $101,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,900.00 and $116,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Software Test Engineer on contract, you need a solid understanding of software testing methodologies, test case development, and a relevant technical background, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automated testing tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit), bug tracking systems, and knowledge of scripting languages are typically required, and certifications like ISTQB can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with development teams and ensuring product quality. These skills and qualifications enable contract engineers to quickly adapt, identify defects efficiently, and deliver reliable software within tight project timelines.

What does a Software Test Engineer on a contract basis do?

A Software Test Engineer on a contract basis is responsible for evaluating software applications to ensure they meet required standards and function correctly. They create and execute test plans, identify bugs or issues, and document their findings for the development team. Contract Software Test Engineers often work on specific projects for a set period, providing flexibility for both employers and professionals. Their work helps improve product quality before software is released to users.

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

As a contract Software Test Engineer, one common challenge is quickly adapting to new teams, tools, and product domains, since contracts are often project-based and time-limited. Building effective communication with developers and understanding the existing testing frameworks can take time, but proactively seeking documentation and scheduling introductory meetings helps smooth the transition. Additionally, balancing workload expectations and maintaining high-quality standards under tight deadlines is essential. Staying organized, clarifying deliverables, and leveraging industry-standard testing tools can help contract engineers succeed in these dynamic environments.

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

AspectSoftware Test Engineer ContractSoftware Test Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant degree and testing certifications (e.g., ISTQB)Same as contract; often the same certifications and experience needed
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based roles often with consulting firms or as freelancersPermanent or long-term employment within a company
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, consulting, and software development firmsWidely used across industries with dedicated testing teams
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on short-term contracts, flexibility, and project scopeEmphasizes stability, career growth, and long-term roles

In summary, Software Test Engineer Contract roles are temporary, project-based positions suitable for those seeking flexibility, while Software Test Engineer roles are permanent, offering stability and ongoing career development within organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Test Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Software Test Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Software Test Engineer Contract jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Software Test Engineer Contract job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Test Engineer Contract job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,181 per year, or $48.6 per hour.
Software Test Engineer

Software Test Engineer

Bespoke Technologies, Inc.

Mclean, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Bespoke Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Software Test Engineer to ensure compliance with security and architectural policies for their applications. The role involves collaborating with stakeholders, managing the software development lifecycle, and conducting functionality testing in a cloud environment.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Ensure that all development and modifications to existing Sponsor applications comply with Sponsorโ€™s security and architectural policies and regulations.
โ€ข Work with a variety of individuals, including key stakeholders and other development teams in adjacent organizations. However, the Sponsor Project Manager (PM) will manage priorities.
โ€ข Communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
โ€ข Be responsible for identifying, documenting, and communicating risks and mitigations across the designed system.
โ€ข Review the existing and designed system to identify gaps and minimize overlaps, analyze project needs for alternative solutions, and identify needed layers and modules and how they work together for the system.
โ€ข Review technical implementation strategies and plans, identifies inconsistencies and opportunities for improvement and communicates those results to the Sponsor PM.
โ€ข Document and maintain code and workflows such as version control systems/code repositories, task management tools, and open source-style contribution models and issue tracking.
โ€ข Manage, with Sponsor oversight, the developed systemsโ€™ lifecycle (to include operating system upgrades, updates, patches, security scans, and configuration changes) and other duties requiring in-depth knowledge of server hardware and software technologies.
โ€ข Be responsible for setting user permissions (including roles) and troubleshooting permission issues.
โ€ข Provide operations and maintenance of applications in the cloud infrastructure.
โ€ข Support Sponsorโ€™s representatives in cloud environment provisioning, engineering, and architecture related activities as applicable to applications.
โ€ข With Sponsor concurrence, implement changes to current applications and data pipelines based on Sponsor requirements.
โ€ข Provide support to manage the Sponsor Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) process.
โ€ข Continuously evaluate progress and evaluate incoming information to ensure the schedules are met.
โ€ข Assist the Sponsorโ€™s product owner with the assessment of program requirements.
โ€ข Assist the Sponsorโ€™s product owner with mitigating or avoiding risks.
โ€ข Use a Sponsor-approved tracking system for issues and problems.
โ€ข Assist the Sponsorโ€™s product owner in alleviating program issues.
โ€ข Interface with stakeholders to ensure user stories are recorded.
โ€ข Coordinate stakeholder engagements, such as user requirements sessions and training.
โ€ข Prepare meeting agendas and meeting minutes.
โ€ข Track work requirements and action items to meet program deadlines.
โ€ข Support tasks requiring collecting, compiling, evaluating, and publishing information and statistical data included in documents, records, forms, reports, plans, policies, and regulations.
โ€ข Deliver development requirements as requested by the Sponsor.
โ€ข Provide applications development and programming support to develop software to implement system-level requirements.
โ€ข Maintain and enhance software solutions based on changing partner requirements, legislation, and policy.
โ€ข Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices.
โ€ข Conduct functionality testing for existing applications.
โ€ข Create and maintain an automated test environment in the Sponsorโ€™s AWS environment using technologies such as Selenium or comparable testing tools.
โ€ข Assist in the technical documentation of and design for meeting security requirements, ensuring compliance with Sponsor A&A processes.
โ€ข Develop applications and modifications to existing and new Sponsor applications in compliance with the Sponsorโ€™s architectural guidelines and Authorization and Accreditation (A&A) process.
Qualifications:
Required:
โ€ข Active Poly clearance
โ€ข Ensure that all development and modifications to existing Sponsor applications comply with Sponsorโ€™s security and architectural policies and regulations.
โ€ข Work with a variety of individuals, including key stakeholders and other development teams in adjacent organizations.
โ€ข Communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
โ€ข Identify, document, and communicate risks and mitigations across the designed system.
โ€ข Review the existing and designed system to identify gaps and minimize overlaps.
โ€ข Analyze project needs for alternative solutions.
โ€ข Identify needed layers and modules and how they work together for the system.
โ€ข Review technical implementation strategies and plans.
โ€ข Identify inconsistencies and opportunities for improvement and communicate those results to the Sponsor PM.
โ€ข Document and maintain code and workflows such as version control systems/code repositories, task management tools, and open source-style contribution models and issue tracking.
โ€ข Manage the developed systemsโ€™ lifecycle with Sponsor oversight.
โ€ข Be responsible for setting user permissions (including roles) and troubleshooting permission issues.
โ€ข Provide operations and maintenance of applications in the cloud infrastructure.
โ€ข Support Sponsorโ€™s representatives in cloud environment provisioning, engineering, and architecture related activities.
โ€ข Implement changes to current applications and data pipelines based on Sponsor requirements.
โ€ข Provide support to manage the Sponsor Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) process.
โ€ข Continuously evaluate progress and evaluate incoming information to ensure the schedules are met.
โ€ข Assist the Sponsorโ€™s product owner with the assessment of program requirements.
โ€ข Assist the Sponsorโ€™s product owner with mitigating or avoiding risks.
โ€ข Use a Sponsor-approved tracking system for issues and problems.
โ€ข Assist the Sponsorโ€™s product owner in alleviating program issues.
โ€ข Interface with stakeholders to ensure user stories are recorded.
โ€ข Coordinate stakeholder engagements, such as user requirements sessions and training.
โ€ข Prepare meeting agendas and meeting minutes.
โ€ข Track work requirements and action items to meet program deadlines.
โ€ข Support tasks requiring collecting, compiling, evaluating, and publishing information and statistical data included in documents, records, forms, reports, plans, policies, and regulations.
โ€ข Deliver development requirements as requested by the Sponsor.
โ€ข Provide applications development and programming support to develop software to implement system-level requirements.
โ€ข Maintain and enhance software solutions based on changing partner requirements, legislation, and policy.
โ€ข Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices.
โ€ข Conduct functionality testing for existing applications.
โ€ข Create and maintain an automated test environment in the Sponsorโ€™s AWS environment using technologies such as Selenium or comparable testing tools.
โ€ข Assist in the technical documentation of and design for meeting security requirements, ensuring compliance with Sponsor A&A processes.
โ€ข Develop applications and modifications to existing and new Sponsor applications in compliance with the Sponsorโ€™s architectural guidelines and Authorization and Accreditation (A&A) process.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with Agile/Scrum development methodologies in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience working effectively in high-performing, cross-functional teams with multiple concurrent projects.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience working directly with stakeholders to gather requirements, understand needs, and translate them into technical solutions with minimal oversight.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience in self-directed work with a strong ownership mentality and commitment to code quality, testing, and documentation.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience context-switching between projects and systems as priorities demand.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience testing applications deployed on AWS (at least 1โ€“2 major services such as EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, API Gateway, ECS/EKS, or CloudFront).
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with strong knowledge of QA fundamentals: test planning, test case design, defect lifecycle, regression testing, risk-based testing.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with test automation experience using one or more frameworks/languages (e.g., Python + pytest, Java + JUnit/TestNG, JavaScript/TypeScript + Playwright/Cypress/Selenium).
โ€ข Demonstrated experience writing and maintaining automated tests integrated into CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins, GitLab CI, or AWS CodePipeline/CodeBuild).
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with version control (Git) and standard SDLC practices (Agile/Scrum).
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with strong defect isolation and debugging skills; can collaborate with developers/DevOps to reproduce issues and validate fixes.
Preferred:
โ€ข Demonstrated experience testing distributed systems/microservices, including asynchronous/event-driven flows (e.g., SQS/SNS/EventBridge/Kinesis).
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with Infrastructure-as-Code exposure (Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, AWS or CDK) and ability to validate deployments or config changes.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with container platforms and orchestration (Docker, ECS, or EKS/Kubernetes) and testing containerized workloads.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience testing APIs (REST/JSON) using tools such as Postman, curl, or similar; ability to validate status codes, payloads, headers, auth, and error handling.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with logging or monitoring for troubleshooting test failures (e.g., CloudWatch logs/metrics; or Splunk/ELK).
โ€ข Demonstrated performance and reliability testing experience (load/stress/soak) using tools such as k6, JMeter, Gatling, Locust; familiarity with scaling behaviors in AWS.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with test data management in cloud environments (synthetic data, masking, seeding, or ephemeral environments).
โ€ข Demonstrated AWS certification (Cloud Practitioner, Developer Associate, SysOps Associate, or DevOps Engineer).
โ€ข Demonstrated experience in complex, high security, regulated environments.
โ€ข Demonstrated experience with excellent written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Company:
Bespoke Technologies, Inc. Founded in , the company is headquartered in Aldie, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.