Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Software Development Engineer in Test roles attract strong H-1B visa sponsorship from major tech employers, given the specialty occupation classification under computer science. Competition for sponsored SDET positions is real, but Australian citizens can bypass the H-1B lottery entirely using the E-3 visa. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organisation can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy.
We’re unique too. We were established to find a better way for the global financial community to move value – a reliable, safe and secure approach that the community can trust, completely. We’re always striving to be better and are constantly evolving in an ever-changing landscape, without undermining that trust. Five decades on, our vibrant community reflects the complexity and diversity of the financial ecosystem. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.
Education
University degree in computer science or related field.
Experience
- Relevant professional experience in software development, test automation, or system integration.
- Strong hands-on experience working in Linux environments.
- Proficiency in scripting and automation using Python, Shell scripting, or similar technologies.
- Experience with test automation frameworks, qualification testing, and system integration activities is highly desirable.
- Understanding of software development lifecycle, quality assurance processes, and continuous improvement practices.
- Experience with CI/CD technologies such as Cloudbees and CDRO.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, maintain, and enhance test automation solutions supporting SwiftNet Services components.
- Contribute to integration, qualification, and regression testing activities to ensure product quality and system reliability.
- Analyze requirements and translate business and technical needs into effective automation and testing solutions.
- Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues across development, testing, and production-like environments.
- Collaborate with engineers, architects, and stakeholders to identify improvements and implement robust solutions.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, test artifacts, automation frameworks, and operational procedures.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to increase automation coverage, efficiency, and maintainability.
- Provide technical guidance and support to team members and contribute to knowledge sharing within the squad.
- Participate in code reviews, testing reviews, and quality assurance activities to maintain high engineering standards.
- Contribute to the long-term evolution of the squad's automation framework and testing strategy, helping ensure scalability and sustainability of solutions.
The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position in Virginia is $82,361 USD Annual to $152,955 Annual USD. Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. Our compensation packages include a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity for all employees contingent on personal and company performance. Our generous benefits program includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance with no premium costs for our employees and their families, and retirement plan plus matching 401k.
We give you the freedom to be yourself. We are creating an environment of unique individuals – like you – with different perspectives on the financial industry and the world. A diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone’s voice counts and where you can reach your full potential.
We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation related to accessibility during your application or interview, please contact accessibility-Sysgroup@swift.com or indicate this in your application. Please note that this mailbox is not monitored for general recruitment enquiries and should only be used for accessibility or accommodation-related requests (for example related to vision, hearing or neurodiversity). All requests are confidential and will not affect your candidacy. Don’t meet every single requirement? At Swift, we are dedicated to building a workplace where people can bring their full selves and ideas to the team, so if you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification.
About us
We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organisation can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy.
We’re unique too. We were established to find a better way for the global financial community to move value – a reliable, safe and secure approach that the community can trust, completely. We’re always striving to be better and are constantly evolving in an ever-changing landscape, without undermining that trust. Five decades on, our vibrant community reflects the complexity and diversity of the financial ecosystem. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.
Education
University degree in computer science or related field.
Experience
- Relevant professional experience in software development, test automation, or system integration.
- Strong hands-on experience working in Linux environments.
- Proficiency in scripting and automation using Python, Shell scripting, or similar technologies.
- Experience with test automation frameworks, qualification testing, and system integration activities is highly desirable.
- Understanding of software development lifecycle, quality assurance processes, and continuous improvement practices.
- Experience with CI/CD technologies such as Cloudbees and CDRO.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, maintain, and enhance test automation solutions supporting SwiftNet Services components.
- Contribute to integration, qualification, and regression testing activities to ensure product quality and system reliability.
- Analyze requirements and translate business and technical needs into effective automation and testing solutions.
- Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues across development, testing, and production-like environments.
- Collaborate with engineers, architects, and stakeholders to identify improvements and implement robust solutions.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, test artifacts, automation frameworks, and operational procedures.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to increase automation coverage, efficiency, and maintainability.
- Provide technical guidance and support to team members and contribute to knowledge sharing within the squad.
- Participate in code reviews, testing reviews, and quality assurance activities to maintain high engineering standards.
- Contribute to the long-term evolution of the squad's automation framework and testing strategy, helping ensure scalability and sustainability of solutions.
The estimated salary range for a new hire into this position in Virginia is $82,361 USD Annual to $152,955 Annual USD. Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. Our compensation packages include a competitive base salary and bonus opportunity for all employees contingent on personal and company performance. Our generous benefits program includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance with no premium costs for our employees and their families, and retirement plan plus matching 401k.
We give you the freedom to be yourself. We are creating an environment of unique individuals – like you – with different perspectives on the financial industry and the world. A diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone’s voice counts and where you can reach your full potential.
We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation related to accessibility during your application or interview, please contact accessibility-Sysgroup@swift.com or indicate this in your application. Please note that this mailbox is not monitored for general recruitment enquiries and should only be used for accessibility or accommodation-related requests (for example related to vision, hearing or neurodiversity). All requests are confidential and will not affect your candidacy. Don’t meet every single requirement? At Swift, we are dedicated to building a workplace where people can bring their full selves and ideas to the team, so if you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification.
See all 99+ Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Software Development Engineer In Test roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs
Target employers with active H-1B filing histories
Companies that file H-1B petitions regularly have established immigration processes and legal infrastructure. Prioritize employers with consistent SDET sponsorship history rather than those sponsoring for the first time, which reduces approval risk and processing delays.
Confirm your degree field matches the role
USCIS requires a direct relationship between your degree field and the SDET position. Computer science, software engineering, and computer engineering degrees align cleanly. Information systems or general IT degrees may require additional documentation to establish specialty occupation eligibility.
Australian citizens should ask about the E-3 visa specifically
The E-3 visa is available exclusively to Australian citizens and has no lottery. For SDET roles, which qualify as specialty occupations, the E-3 is processed consularly in Australia within weeks, making it far faster than waiting on H-1B lottery outcomes.
Prepare for employer skepticism about SDET as a specialty occupation
Some employers mistakenly assume SDET roles are harder to sponsor than pure software engineering. In practice, USCIS consistently approves SDET petitions under specialty occupation standards. Coming prepared with this context can move hesitant employers forward.
Negotiate premium processing into your offer conversation
Premium processing cuts USCIS adjudication to 15 business days versus several months on standard processing. Raising it during offer negotiations rather than after acceptance gives you more leverage and signals that you understand how sponsorship timelines work practically.
Use Migrate Mate to find SDET roles open to visa sponsorship
Most general job boards do not filter for sponsorship willingness. Migrate Mate surfaces SDET positions from employers actively open to sponsoring, so you spend time on applications with a real path forward rather than chasing roles that won't consider visa candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Development Engineer in Test role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. USCIS consistently classifies SDET positions as specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field. The role involves designing test frameworks, writing automated test suites, and analyzing software systems, all of which require theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge. Approval rates for properly documented SDET petitions are strong.
Which visa is best for an Australian citizen applying for SDET jobs in the United States?
The E-3 visa is the most practical option for Australian citizens. It requires a job offer, a specialty occupation, and a Labor Condition Application filed by your employer, but there is no lottery and no annual cap pressure. Processing happens at Australian consulates, typically within two to four weeks of your interview. Most SDET roles qualify without difficulty. Browse open SDET positions on Migrate Mate to find employers already set up for E-3 visa sponsorship.
Will my employer need to go through the H-1B lottery to sponsor me for an SDET role?
If you are not an Australian or Canadian citizen, H-1B visa is the most common path, and yes, it involves an annual lottery with a selection rate around 25%. Employers file registrations in March, with selections announced in April and employment starting October 1. If you are not selected, some employers will consider cap-exempt roles at universities or nonprofit research institutions, though SDET openings in those settings are less common.
Do I need a four-year degree to get sponsored for an SDET position, or can work experience substitute?
USCIS allows three years of relevant work experience to substitute for one year of formal education when evaluating specialty occupation eligibility. If you hold a two-year degree plus six or more years of hands-on SDET or software engineering experience, that combination can satisfy the bachelor's degree equivalent standard. Your employer's immigration attorney will typically obtain an educational evaluation from a credentialing organization to formalize this equivalency for the petition.
What makes an SDET sponsorship application get denied, and how can I help my employer avoid it?
The most common denial reason is insufficient evidence that the specific SDET role requires a degree in a particular field, rather than accepting any bachelor's degree. Employers strengthen petitions by documenting the technical complexity of the test infrastructure, the specialized knowledge required, and industry norms for the position. You can support this by ensuring your resume clearly reflects your degree field and technical depth, and by choosing employers with prior SDET sponsorship experience.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Software Development Engineer In Test jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.