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

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 ...

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 ...

Test Engineer

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

As a Test Engineer 1 in the durable goods manufacturing industry, you will play a critical role in ... Proficiency in using test equipment and software tools relevant to product testing. * Strong ...

Sr. SDET Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$113K - $147K/yr

Sr. SDET Engineer Location-Hybrid work model ( must go in office 3x a week); Chicago, IL Position s Contributions to Work Group: - AKA Senior SDET Extend testing automation framework using JAVA/JAVA ...

The Test Engineer whose primary function is to execute and implement quality solutions around day ... Works closely with architects, analysts, designers and software engineers to ensure quality ...

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Software Test Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$53

$75

How much do software test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for software test engineer in Chicago, IL is $53.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.32 and $60.43 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 does a test software engineer do?

A test software engineer designs, develops, and executes tests to ensure software quality and functionality. They identify bugs, document issues, and work with developers to improve the product, often using testing tools and scripting languages. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of testing methodologies are essential for this role.

Is QA harder than coding?

For a Software Test Engineer, QA involves understanding software requirements, designing test cases, and identifying defects, which requires analytical skills and attention to detail. Coding focuses on writing and maintaining software programs, often involving programming languages and algorithms. Both roles require different skill sets, and difficulty depends on individual strengths and experience.

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.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior software engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-paying industries like finance or tech, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, particularly at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

Are QA testers in demand in 2026?

Software Test Engineers are expected to remain in demand through 2026 due to ongoing software development and the need for quality assurance. Skills in automation tools, scripting, and understanding of Agile methodologies will enhance job prospects in this field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Software Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Software Test Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Software Test Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Software Test Engineer job openings:
Pr. Software Test Engineer, Hardware Automation Specialist - Active Secret (Onsite)

Pr. Software Test Engineer, Hardware Automation Specialist - Active Secret (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace

Chicago, IL

$47.50 - $62.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Collins Aerospace rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-02-12

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

We’re looking for a Principal Software Test Engineer to join our team in Cedar Rapids, IA, and take a leading role in shaping the future of military communications. At Collins Aerospace, our Communication Systems directorate delivers some of the most advanced solutions in the industry—technology that keeps military personnel safe, connected, and mission-ready.

In this role, you’ll lead the testing and validation of next-generation systems powering UAVs, fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and ground vehicles. From advanced satellite communications and cryptography to cutting-edge embedded computing architectures, you’ll ensure our solutions meet the highest standards for speed, security, and resilience.

If you’re ready to bring your expertise to the forefront and guide critical testing efforts that impact mission success, this is the role for you.

What You Will Do:

  • Design, create, and integrate the software components of hardware test stations for factory and engineering labs which include:

  • Work hands on, with test hardware equipment to develop software which tests military communication hardware products during the build and manufacturing process

  • Analyze and understand requirements to ensure testability

  • Develop clear and concise test objectives that guide the testing process and ensure comprehensive coverage

  • Write software for both manual and automated test cases, with an objective to detect manufacturing defects, improve product quality and increase manufacturing yields

  • Analyze test results for failures and discrepancies

  • Work closely with other test engineers and product developers to verify product hardware is built correctly

  • Coordinate and collaborate with Systems, Electrical and Mechanical engineering disciplines

  • Help manage work across multiple programs

  • Mentor, lead, and review work for lower-level engineers

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience

  • Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

  • 3+ years experience programming in C# and Python languages

  • 3+ years Experience with manual use or automation of test equipment such as oscilloscopes, network analyzers, digital multimeters, and other equipment

  • 3+ years Experience in validation, verification, testing, and requirements analysis

  • Prior experience leading and managing projects

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills

  • Experience with SCPI commands, bug tracking, and test management tools

  • Knowledge of software testing methods (functional, integration, regression, performance)

  • Proficiency with Git/Subversion, Atlassian tools, and Agile (SAFe) environments

  • Background in networking (TCP, UDP, Telnet) and embedded protocols (I2C, SPI, UART)

  • Experience with Linux development and multi-threaded applications in C, C++, or Java

  • High attention to detail with a track record of delivering quality results

What We Offer:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance  

  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees  

  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option  

  • Tuition reimbursement program 

  • Student Loan Repayment Program  

  • Life insurance and disability coverage  

  • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection 

  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits 

  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning  

  • Adoption Assistance           

  • Autism Benefit  

  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions  

  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program 

  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits  

  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services 

  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program  

  • And more!  

Relocation Eligibility

  • Eligible for relocation

Learn More & Apply Now!

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today. 

* Please consider the following role type definitions as you apply for this role.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.


At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other – propel us all higher, again and again.
Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.

Employee Referral Eligible

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Collins Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2018