Software Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Software Test Engineer jobs in Virginia are actively in demand, concentrated in defense contracting, federal IT services, cybersecurity, and enterprise software sectors that anchor the Northern Virginia technology corridor, the Hampton Roads defense cluster, and the Richmond commercial tech market, with openings ranging from entry-level QA analysts through senior automation engineers. Major established employers with deep Virginia roots include Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton, and General Dynamics Information Technology, all of which maintain large engineering workforces across the state. The most sought-after specialties are test automation using Selenium or Cypress, DoD system integration testing, and cloud-based QA for federal platforms. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Altamira Technologies has a long and successful history providing innovative solutions throughout the U.S. National Security community. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Altamira serves the defense, intelligence, and homeland security communities worldwide by focusing on creating innovative solutions leveraging common standards in architecture, data and security. Altamira believes that our people and the culture of our company differentiate us from other companies.
Position: Test Automation Software Engineer
Location: Warrenton, VA. Centennial, CO. Augusta, GA.
- Develop test automation that is repeatable, maintainable, and executable without intervention
- Coordinate with developers for test driver needs and compatibility
- Make automated test threads and scripts are version controlled
- Maintain detailed documentation of test procedures, results, and automation frameworks
- Automate regression testing to enable continuous integration
- Design reusable and modular test scripts for multiple test scenarios
- Integrate automated test into CI/CD
- Continuously improve testing processes, implement CI/CD pipelines, and adopt new testing technologies for efficiency and robustness
- United States citizen
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Bachelor's degree in CS, Information Systems, or Software Engineering
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience
- Accuracy, mathematical aptitude, time management, and attention to detail
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to troubleshoot complex integration challenges
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Active CI Poly
- Experience in managing large and complex software and mission integration projects.
- Experience in working with a variety of business leaders, IT professionals, and customers
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
See All 31 Software Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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Find Software Test Engineer JobsSoftware Test Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Test Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Medical Devices
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Technology & Software
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in software test engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related engineering field
- Hands-on experience writing and executing automated test scripts using Selenium, Cypress, or similar frameworks
- Familiarity with Agile and Scrum development workflows and sprint-based testing cycles
- Proficiency with bug-tracking and test management tools such as Jira, TestRail, or Zephyr
- Active or eligibility for DoD security clearance, required by many Virginia defense and federal contractors
- Experience testing APIs using tools such as Postman or REST-Assured alongside CI/CD pipeline integration
Software Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a software test engineer in Virginia?
Most software test engineer roles in Virginia do not require a state-issued license, but a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is the standard entry point for professional positions. Virginia's large defense and federal IT sector adds a practical requirement many other states lack: eligibility for a security clearance, which hiring managers at contractors in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads treat as near-mandatory. Building a portfolio of automated test scripts and earning a recognized certification such as ISTQB Foundation Level strengthens applications significantly.
How much do software test engineers make in Virginia?
Software test engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $121,590 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $78,820 for the lowest 10% to over $169,200 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire software test engineers in Virginia?
Employers hiring software test engineers in Virginia right now include Peraton, Northrop Grumman, and Booz Allen Hamilton, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's concentration of federal agencies and defense prime contractors means many of the largest and most consistent hiring organizations are systems integrators and IT services firms with long-term government contracts throughout Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads region.
Which Virginia cities have the most software test engineer jobs?
Chantilly, Reston, and Herndon account for the largest share of software test engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia cities like Reston, McLean, and Herndon drive volume through dense clusters of defense contractors and federal agency support offices, while Richmond attracts commercial enterprise and fintech QA roles, and Hampton Roads openings are tied closely to Navy and DoD program work at nearby military installations.
Are there remote software test engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 75% of software test engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how portable automated testing and QA analysis work tends to be when no physical hardware lab is involved. The roles most likely to stay fully on-site are those requiring classified system access or hands-on hardware integration testing for DoD programs.
How can I get hired as a software test engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a QA analyst or junior tester role at one of Virginia's many mid-size federal IT contractors, where teams routinely hire new graduates for manual testing before moving them into automation work. Companies such as Leidos and GDIT run associate and rotational programs designed for early-career candidates, and internships through Virginia Tech or George Mason University's computing programs feed directly into Northern Virginia contractor pipelines. Building a public GitHub portfolio with test automation samples and earning the ISTQB Foundation Level credential provides a measurable edge over other entry-level applicants.
Where can I find and apply to software test engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to software test engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across defense, federal IT, and commercial tech employers. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and location preferences, and apply directly to each position.
See All 31 Software Test Engineer Jobs in Virginia
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