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Software Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos is seeking a talented Embedded Software Test Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team within a matrixed organization to create unique solutions for complex problems, specifically regarding ...

To support this effort, we are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Software Test Engineer to be a key driver in ensuring the quality and reliability of our software through robust automated ...

Software Test Engineer ROLE SUMMARY: Ensures software products meet established quality standards including reliability, usability, and performance required for release. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: • ...

Software Test Engineer Location - Herndon, VA With our employees as our priority, we provide diverse career opportunities designed to propel development and boost agility. Our flexible schedules ...

Leidos is seeking a talentedEmbedded Software Test Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team within a matrixed organization to create unique solutions for complex problems, specifically regarding ...

Create and maintain software regression test documentation * Assist engineering with integration test and perform system regression testing * Assist engineering with software configuration management ...

Create and maintain software regression test documentation * Assist engineering with integration test and perform system regression testing * Assist engineering with software configuration management ...

Job Title Software Test Engineer Overview EverWatch is a government solutions company providing advanced defense, intelligence, and deployed support to our country's most critical missions. We are a ...

Create and maintain software regression test documentation * Assist engineering with integration test and perform system regression testing * Assist engineering with software configuration management ...

Create and maintain software regression test documentation * Assist engineering with integration test and perform system regression testing * Assist engineering with software configuration management ...

The Software Test Engineer (STE) will design, develop, and execute test strategies to ensure the quality and reliability of complex software systems supporting operational missions. This role ...

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Software Test Engineer information

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How much do software test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for software test engineer in the United States is $51.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.07 and $58.65 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 cities are hiring for Software Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Software Test Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Software Test Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Software Test Engineer jobs? The top employers for Software Test Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Software Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Software Test Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Software Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,014 per year, or $51.4 per hour.
Embedded Software Test Engineer

Embedded Software Test Engineer

Leidos

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 428 rated business services


Job description

Leidos is seeking a talented Embedded Software Test Engineer to join a multi-disciplinary team within a matrixed organization to create unique solutions for complex problems, specifically regarding missile defense systems. With offices across the United States engaging in the defense, space, cyber and commercial fields, Leidos provides responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific and IT solutions
Primary Responsibilities
The Embedded Software Test Engineer will support testing and validation activities for embedded systems within complex technical environments. The ideal candidate will possess extensive software testing and automation experience, with a strong background in Python scripting, debugging, and test framework development. This role requires the ability to troubleshoot across embedded software, networking, hardware interfaces, and automated test environments while supporting the full software test lifecycle from planning through post-test analysis and reporting. The Senior Software Test Engineer will collaborate closely with software developers, systems engineers, hardware engineers, and program stakeholders to ensure the quality, reliability, and performance of embedded system applications and integrated platforms.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
  • 8+ years of experience in software testing, integration, and verification of embedded systems or 4+ years with MS degree.
  • Experience testing embedded systems and integrated hardware/software platforms.
  • Experience with software automation testing and automated test environments.
  • Strong Python scripting and debugging skills.
  • Experience developing and maintaining automation frameworks.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret complex test data.
  • Experience mapping requirements to test scenarios, procedures, and verification activities.
  • Experience developing and maintaining Requirements Traceability Matrices (RTMs).
  • Experience validating interfaces between software, firmware, and hardware components.
  • Experience supporting regression testing and performance testing activities.
  • Experience with network analysis and troubleshooting tools such as Wireshark.
  • Experience using Jira for defect tracking, task management, and SAFe workflow support.
  • Experience in integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines.
  • Experience generating and maintaining software test documentation including STPs, STDs, and STRs.
  • Experience performing unit testing, integration testing, regression testing, performance testing, and formal testing activities.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills across embedded software, networking, hardware integration, and automation systems.
  • Experience conducting post-test analysis and documenting results.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Develop, maintain, and execute automated and manual test procedures for embedded software applications and integrated systems.
  • Support test and integration activities by developing, executing, and debugging Python-based automated test scripts to enhance test coverage, efficiency, and automation capabilities.
  • Design and implement automation frameworks and test harnesses to improve testing efficiency and coverage for embedded systems.
  • Perform testing within simulated environments, HWIL, and SIL test environments.
  • Perform unit testing, integration testing, system testing, regression testing, performance testing, and formal qualification testing of embedded systems.
  • Validate interfaces between software, firmware, and hardware components to ensure proper system integration and functionality.
  • Conduct post analysis of complex test data, identify trends, isolate root causes, and generate detailed findings, reports, and recommendations.
  • Generate, maintain, and update software test documentation including:
    • Software Test Plans (STP)
    • Software Test Descriptions (STD)
    • Software Test Reports (STR)
  • Map system and software requirements to test scenarios, test procedures, and verification activities to ensure full requirements traceability and coverage.
  • Develop and maintain Requirements Traceability Matrices (RTMs) to support verification and validation activities.
  • Utilize tools such as Wireshark to troubleshoot network traffic, protocol behavior, and embedded system communications.
  • Implement and support CI/CD automated build and deployment pipeline integration efforts to enable automated testing within development workflows.
  • Use Jira to track defects, manage test activities, document issues, and support SAFe development workflows.
  • Participate in requirements reviews to ensure testability and traceability of embedded system and software requirements.
  • Support test planning activities, estimate testing effort, and assist with test scheduling and resource planning.
  • Support technical reviews, milestone reviews, customer demonstrations, and presentations including:
    • Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs)
    • Test Review Boards (TRBs)
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to resolve technical issues and improve product quality.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
May 22, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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