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Software Test Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Woodward, Inc.

Test Engineer - Software

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$77K - $125K/yr

Test Engineer-Software II Woodward's Aerospace Product Division is seeking a Test Engineer-Software II for our Loves Park (Illinois) campus. We are seeking a talented and motivated Test Engineer ...

Woodward

Test Engineer - Software

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$77K - $125K/yr

Test Engineer-Software II Woodward's Aerospace Product Division is seeking a Test Engineer-Software II for our Loves Park (Illinois) campus. We are seeking a talented and motivatedTest Engineer ...

Abbott

Software Engineer in Test (SET)

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

The Software Engineer in Test (SET) is responsible for leading testing efforts in automation, design, development, execution, review, and reporting of testing for our AlinIQ informatics products in ...

Abbott

Software Engineer in Test (SET)

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

The Software Engineer in Test (SET) is responsible for leading testing efforts in automation, design, development, execution, review, and reporting of testing for our AlinIQ informatics products in ...

Trigyn Technologies

Sr. Test Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Trigyn's direct client is looking for Test Engineer for contract assignment in Chicago, IL ... General Responsibilities: • Schedule and implement automated software tests. • Identify and ...

Trigyn Technologies

Sr. Test Engineer

Chicago, IL

Trigyn's direct client is looking for Test Engineer for contract assignment in Chicago, IL. General ... Schedule and implement automated software tests. Identify and solve problems at the component or ...

Dynamic Manufacturing

Test Engineer

Hillside, IL · On-site

$65K - $120K/yr

The Test Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining testing ... Bauer, WMA, and VMC testing software and hardware systems * PLC, HMI programming (Ladder Logic or ...

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Software Test Engineer information

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$10

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How much do software test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for software test engineer in Illinois is $49.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.77 and $56.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Software Test Engineer, you need a solid understanding of software development life cycles, test methodologies, and proficiency in programming languages such as Python or Java, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with automation tools like Selenium, JUnit, or TestNG, and knowledge of bug tracking systems such as Jira are typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication set standout engineers apart by enabling thorough defect identification and clear reporting. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring software reliability, meeting quality standards, and facilitating smooth collaboration across development teams.

What Is a Software Test Engineer?

A software test engineer conducts quality assurance tests on software to make sure programs are functioning properly. The three types of testing strategies are black box, where the tester is not familiar with the software, white box, where the tester is aware of the software’s internal structure, and gray box, which is a combination of the two. Responsibilities in this job include running diagnostic tests with a critical mindset, assessing the functionality, and reporting the findings.

What are some common challenges faced by Software Test Engineers when working with cross-functional development teams?

Software Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning testing timelines with rapid development cycles, ensuring clear communication of bugs and requirements, and adapting to evolving project priorities. Collaborating closely with developers, product managers, and UX designers requires proactive communication and flexibility, especially when dealing with ambiguous requirements or shifting deadlines. To succeed, it's important to maintain detailed documentation, participate actively in agile ceremonies, and foster a collaborative attitude to resolve issues efficiently and ensure high-quality software releases.

What are Software Test Engineers?

Software Test Engineers are professionals responsible for evaluating software applications to ensure they function correctly and meet specified requirements. They design, develop, and execute test plans and cases, identify bugs or issues, and work closely with developers to resolve them. Their goal is to maintain software quality by detecting problems early in the development process, whether through manual or automated testing methods. Software Test Engineers often use specialized tools and frameworks to streamline testing and improve product reliability.

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

AspectSoftware Test EngineerQA Analyst
CertificationsISTQB, CSTE, CSQAISTQB, CSTE, CSQA
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, testing labsQuality assurance departments, testing labs
Industry UsageSoftware companies, tech firmsSoftware companies, IT organizations
Primary FocusDesigning, executing tests, automationTest planning, process improvement, documentation

Both roles often require similar certifications and work in software testing environments within tech industries. The Software Test Engineer typically focuses on test case development, automation, and execution, while the QA Analyst emphasizes test planning, quality processes, and documentation. Understanding these distinctions helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals for their testing needs.

More about Software Test Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Test Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Software Test Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Test Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Software Test Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Test Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Software Test Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Software Test Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Software Test Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Software Test Engineer jobs in IL? For Software Test Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Software Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Test Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,699 per year, or $49.9 per hour.
Test Engineer - Software

Test Engineer - Software

Woodward, Inc.

Loves Park, IL • On-site

$77K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Woodward Inc. rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 430 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.
We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities, creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.
Woodward supports our members' wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position.
Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Test Engineer-Software II
Woodward's Aerospace Product Division is seeking a Test Engineer-Software II for our Loves Park (Illinois) campus. We are seeking a talented and motivated Test Engineer - Software to join our team. In this role, you will contribute to the engineering aspects of moderately complex projects, lead small well-defined tasks, and implement innovative solutions aligned with industry standards. You will play a key role in designing, testing, and analyzing systems to ensure reliability and maintainability, while actively participating in process improvement discussions to drive measurable results.
Estimated Base Annual Pay: $77,000-$125,000
All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.
  • 401(k) match (4.5%)
  • Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
  • Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
  • 12 paid holidays
  • Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
  • Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
  • Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
  • Member referral bonus
  • Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
  • Voluntary benefits, including:
  • Home / Auto Insurance discounts
  • Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

Level 2
Key Responsibilities:
  • Project Support and Leadership: Contributes to engineering aspects of moderately complex projects. Begins to lead small, well-defined tasks within a project. Follows established processes and provides input for improvements.
  • Problem Solving and Troubleshooting: Diagnoses and resolves moderately complex technical issues using standard analytical tools and techniques.
  • Best Practices and Design Standards: Implements design solutions aligned with industry standards and best practices. Begins to contribute to the refinement of design standards within the team.
  • Design, Testing, and Analysis: Designs, tests, and analyzes moderately complex systems. Ensures producibility, reliability, and maintainability standards are met at a team level.
  • Process Improvement: Actively participates in team discussions about process improvements. Implements small process enhancements with measurable results.

Key Skills:
  • Engineering Knowledge and Component Understanding: Intermediate understanding of engineering principles and components. Can apply knowledge to moderately complex tasks.
  • Emerging Technologies: Begins exploring and understanding how emerging technologies apply to assigned projects.
  • Problem Solving: Capable of solving moderately complex problems using established methods and tools.
  • Develop, test, and support low to moderate complexity software applications with predefined design parameters.
  • Solid knowledge of software development and analysis tools including editors, compilers, linkers, debuggers, code analyzers, version control software and software testing tools.
  • Unit testing, debugging, software/hardware integration with oversight.
  • Testing Systems and Validation Knowledge: Understands testing systems and validation processes. Can execute tests and interpret data with minimal supervision.
  • Collaboration and Presentation: Actively participates in cross-functional team discussions and presents project updates to peers and supervisors.
  • Equipment Theory and Design: Understands the operation and maintenance of test equipment and can support the improvement of existing systems.
  • Team Leadership: Takes ownership of small tasks or components within a project. Acts as a resource to junior team members.
  • Process Improvements: Suggests and implements small-scale process improvements with measurable results.
  • Application and Field Use Knowledge: Develops a deeper understanding of tested products, their applications, and their integration with test equipment.Other Qualifications:
  • 4 Year Bachelors BS OR 8+ years equivalent experience

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).
Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.

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