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Test Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Junior Test Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$65K - $93K/yr

Responsibilities As a Test Engineer - Entry Level, the selected individual will assist senior engineers in the testing and evaluation of critical security systems supporting DHS missions.

We are currently seeking career-oriented and motivated individuals to join our team as full-time Entry Level Test Technicians. Job Duties & Responsibilities: * Work with engineers and customers in a ...

Entry Level Staff Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science - required . * Entry level to up to 5 years of ... test equipment - highly desired . * Experience with LabVIEW, CAD/3D modeling, Minitab, computer ...

Entry Level Staff Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science - required. * Entry level to up to 5 years of ... test equipment - highly desired. * Experience with LabVIEW, CAD/3D modeling, Minitab, computer ...

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Test Engineer Entry Level information

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How much do test engineer entry level jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for test engineer entry level in Washington is $50.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.84 and $59.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level test engineer?

Entry-level Test Engineers are professionals who begin their careers in quality assurance and testing of software or hardware products. They are responsible for designing and executing test cases, identifying bugs, and ensuring that products meet specified requirements. These roles typically involve working closely with development teams to understand features and potential issues, and they often use both manual and automated testing tools. Entry-level positions are ideal for recent graduates or individuals new to the testing field, offering valuable experience and training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level test engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Test Engineer, foundational knowledge of software testing principles, basic programming skills, and a relevant degree (such as in computer science or engineering) are essential. Familiarity with automated testing tools like Selenium, bug tracking systems such as Jira, and version control systems like Git is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure software quality, accurate defect reporting, and effective collaboration within development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level test engineers when working on cross-functional teams?

Entry-level Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding varying technical terminologies used by developers, aligning testing priorities with fast-paced development cycles, and effectively communicating defect reports to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Building strong collaboration skills and proactively seeking clarification can help overcome these hurdles. Over time, entry-level Test Engineers gain confidence in participating in team meetings, advocating for quality, and contributing to a shared understanding of project goals.

What is the difference between Test Engineer Entry Level vs Test Technician?

AspectTest Engineer Entry LevelTest Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related fieldAssociate degree or technical certification in electronics or testing
Work EnvironmentDesigning test plans, analyzing data, developing testing proceduresExecuting tests, maintaining testing equipment, recording results
Industry UsageUsed across software, electronics, and manufacturing industriesCommonly found in electronics, manufacturing, and hardware testing sectors

Test Engineer Entry Level roles focus on designing and analyzing tests, requiring a bachelor's degree, while Test Technicians primarily execute tests and maintain equipment, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in quality assurance but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Test Engineer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Test Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Test Engineer Entry Level jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Test Engineer Entry Level job openings:

Infographic showing various Test Engineer Entry Level job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,230 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Junior Test Engineer

Battelle Memorial Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

$65K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Battelle Memorial Institute rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Summary
Join Battelle's Critical Infrastructure business and become part of a team where science solves real-world challenges. At Battelle, we are problem solvers and pioneers, dedicated to advancing scientific innovation, engineering excellence, and technology development. Our experts bring unparalleled experience in research and development, systems integration, and program and operations management to deliver energy, carbon management, and transportation infrastructure solutions that address today's most pressing challenges. We empower discovery through independent thinking and a cross-disciplinary approach, helping our clients build resilient, secure, and sustainable systems in an ever-evolving world. At Battelle, you will be at the forefront of securing the future of our nation's critical infrastructure, making a meaningful impact.
Battelle's Critical Infrastructure group is seeking an entry-level test engineer to support the research, development, test, and evaluation of security systems and technology for the Department of Homeland Security. The selected candidate will be based at Battelle's Crystal City Operations in Arlington, Virginia.
This role involves direct client interaction and requires strong oral and written communication skills. Work is performed both in the field and at various laboratory environments, supporting a cross-functional team engaged in the full developmental lifecycle of security technologies.
Responsibilities
As a Test Engineer - Entry Level, the selected individual will assist senior engineers in the testing and evaluation of critical security systems supporting DHS missions.
Responsibilities may include:
  • Supporting test engineers in test planning, test execution methodology, data collection, data reduction and analysis, and technical report writing
  • Engaging representatives of Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and working directly with vendors and stakeholders to enhance technologies and capabilities throughout the developmental lifecycle
  • Applying technical knowledge across relevant disciplines including non-intrusive inspection, physical security, command and control integration, human factors, operations research, statistics, and engineering
  • Supporting engineering design reviews and contributing to cross-functional team efforts
  • Applying understanding of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems to support quality assurance activities
  • Utilizing Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to prepare documentation, reports, and correspondence.

Key Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Engineering or Physics from an accredited college or university
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact directly and regularly with clients
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
  • Ability to work both independently as a self-starter and collaboratively as part of a team
  • Travel up to 25% is required
  • This position requires sole U.S. citizenship and the eligibility and willingness to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret Security Clearance and TSA Security Suitability

Preferred Qualifications
  • Current, active DOD Secret Security Clearance
  • Current TSA Security Suitability
  • Experience in the test and evaluation of Transportation Security Equipment (TSE) for the TSA
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001 standards

Compensation Data
Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $65,300- $93,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.
#LI-GS1
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
  • Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
  • Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs .
  • Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
  • Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
  • Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
  • Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
  • Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
  • Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
  • Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
  • Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
  • Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
  • Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers

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