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Software Test Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

SDET - Test Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K - $161K/yr

Location This role is an onsite role based in Grand Rapids, MI About the job you're considering The role is for an SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) focused on delivering quality solutions ...

SDET Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Duration: 6-18 months Work Mode: Onsite Location: Chicago, IL Purpose We are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to ...

SDET

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Senior Software Development Engineer in Test Chicago, IL Who We Are: Northern Trust is a Chicago-based bank with more than 20 international locations and 16,500 employees. From sovereign wealth funds ...

Showing results 21-40

Software Test information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$53

$72

How much do software test jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for software test in Illinois is $53.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.59 and $60.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software test?

Software test jobs involve evaluating and verifying that software applications function as intended. Professionals in this field, often called software testers or quality assurance (QA) engineers, design and execute tests to identify bugs, usability issues, or security vulnerabilities before products are released. They may use automated tools, manual testing methods, or a combination of both to ensure product quality. Effective software testers help improve software reliability and user satisfaction by catching issues early in the development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software tester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Tester, you need a strong understanding of software development life cycles, test case design, and quality assurance principles, typically backed by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with test management tools (like JIRA or TestRail), automation frameworks (such as Selenium), and certifications like ISTQB are highly valued. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication help testers identify bugs and collaborate with developers. These skills ensure reliable, high-quality software, reduced defects, and successful project outcomes.

What are some common challenges software test professionals face when collaborating with development teams?

Software test professionals frequently encounter challenges such as communication gaps, differing project priorities, and tight deadlines when working with development teams. It's important to maintain clear and ongoing communication to ensure that requirements and bug reports are fully understood. Regular meetings, shared documentation, and using collaborative tools like Jira or Slack can help bridge gaps and foster a more cohesive workflow. Building trust and mutual respect between testing and development teams is key to efficiently identifying and resolving issues, leading to higher-quality software releases.

What is the difference between Software Test vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware TestSoftware Developer
Primary RoleDesigns and executes tests to identify bugs and ensure software qualityDesigns, develops, and maintains software applications
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of testing tools, scripting, QA methodologies, certifications like ISTQBProgramming languages, software design, certifications like Microsoft Certified or Java certifications
Work EnvironmentOften in QA teams, testing labs, or collaborative environments with developersTypically in development teams, coding environments, and project planning sessions
Industry UsageCommonly employed in software companies, IT firms, and product developmentCore role in software companies, startups, and tech industries

While both roles are essential in software development, Software Test focuses on quality assurance through testing, whereas Software Developers create the actual software applications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or collaboration focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Test jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Software Test jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Software Test jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Software Test job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Test job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,377 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Sr. Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Automox Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

 WHO YOU ARE

You are a seasoned Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), or Automation QA Engineer, who is passionate about delivering a high quality product at a fast pace. You are enthusiastic about software quality, and can interact directly with product owners and delivery team members to plan, scope, schedule and implement testing activities. You have very strong communication, collaboration and analytical skills and an ability to work as part of an Agile team.  You will be part of a small, high performance team and will have the opportunity to excel and grow your career while helping grow our testing efforts and ensuring quality of the releases. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Own test strategy and execution for one or more feature areas, working closely with the cross-functional team to ensure that we meet our quality objectives

  • Design complex IT configurations to test product capabilities in simulated production-like environments

  • Perform and participate in all aspects of manual and automated test verifications. This includes feature and functional testing, load, performance, and regression testing

  • Perform root cause analysis for bugs and work with the development team to resolve them

  • Work collaboratively as part of a scrum team to deliver great software and promote an overall culture of quality

  • Identify and execute on opportunities to improve our processes to facilitate increased test coverage


DESIRED SKILLS

  • 7+ years of combined software development, QA and test automation experience.

  • 5+ years hands-on experience as an SDET or Automation QA Engineer defining test strategy, test design patterns, and executing tests with varied complexity for commercial SaaS products.

  • Proficiency with Python and experience using testing frameworks such as PyTest

  • Understanding of PHP, Python and/or Golang from the standpoint of applying automation tests.

  • API and RESTful architecture test automation experience.

  • Experience working in a Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) model including Github and CI pipeline automation tools.

  • Intellectual curiosity and a willingness for continual learning. e.g. we mostly use Python today; we may move to other languages in the future.

  • Comfortable working asynchronously on a distributed team. 

  • Proactively collaborates with other teams/team members across time zones.

  • A degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related subject.


WHAT WE VALUE:

Growth Mindset: We are a fast-growing company, and need people who will take initiative and take ownership to be successful in the role. 

Customer Mindset: You demonstrate customer fluency by advocating their needs, understanding their friction and have the urgency to solve their problems. 

Extraordinary Communicator: Communication is the key to success. Regardless of your level or position, you treat people and their opinions with respect. You are able to be concise, articulate and honest in the delivery of your message. 

Humbly Courageous: Learn through a willingness to fail, correct and move on.

Innately Curious: Status quo is not for you. You are inquisitive and remain open to new ideas and points of view. You seek to understand the 'why' and understand the how to our business. 

Thoughtful Decision Making: Ability to make tough decisions by identifying the root cause and applying second-order thinking. 

Highly Impactful: Results speak louder than words and you have the drive and resilience to rapidly shifting priorities to meet business objectives. 


WHY AUTOMOX

We are on a mission to raise the world's security confidence. To enable every IT Admin to automate the fundamental tasks that keep their corporation secure. This mission can only be accomplished with a culture embodies entrepreneurialism, accountability and providing our employees with the clear direction and freedom to do their best work. We don't measure excellence based on how but on the what. Each employee has a value and contribution to the success of Automox. We look forward to working with you and seeing the success you will bring on our journey. 


LOCATION: Home office in the US

This is an entrepreneurial opportunity to own and put your name on something truly special. Don't let the opportunity pass you by. 


Come join the adventure!