Software Development Engineer in Test II

We’re seeking a Software Development Engineer in Test II (SDET II) to design, build, and maintain automated test suites that ensure the accuracy, reliability, and performance of our software. In this role, you’ll translate requirements into test scenarios, validate APIs and integrations, and collaborate with developers, product owners, and DevOps teams to embed testing into CI/CD pipelines.

Beyond test execution, you’ll help identify gaps in automation coverage, contribute to process improvements, and share knowledge with junior engineers to raise overall quality standards. This is an opportunity to combine hands-on technical impact with mentorship and continuous improvement, while playing a critical role in delivering secure, high-quality releases.

The Mission Starts Here  

TheIncLab engineers and delivers intelligent digital applications and platforms that revolutionize how our customers and mission-critical teams achieve success.   

We are where innovation meets purpose; and where your career can meet purpose as well.  We are looking for a Software Development Engineer in Test to design, build and maintain automated test suites.  We encourage you to apply and take the first step in joining our dynamic and impactful company.  

Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept  

As a SDET II, you will:

• Develop, execute, and maintain automated test suites for software applications across desktop, mobile, web, and cloud-based platforms.

• Translate user stories, acceptance criteria, and technical requirements into comprehensive manual and automated test scenarios.

• Own assigned quality control domains, delivering with minimal oversight while providing transparency on progress, risks, and blockers.

• Conduct automated and manual functional, regression, integration, performance, and exploratory testing across multiple environments.

• Design and maintain manual and automated testing frameworks (e.g., Playwright, Jest) integrated with CI/CD pipelines.

• Validate RESTful and GraphQL APIs, databases, and third-party integrations for accuracy, performance, and reliability.

• Document and track defects with clear reproduction steps, collaborating with developers and product owners to ensure timely resolution.

• Contribute to test planning, backlog grooming, sprint planning, and retrospectives by bringing a quality control perspective to discussions.

• Drive improvements in quality control processes, coverage, and tooling to enhance delivery speed and quality.

• Support release readiness by validating builds, environments, and deployment pipelines.

• Mentor junior team members in SDET practices, automation, and test design.

• Stay current with evolving quality control tools, technologies, and methodologies to continuously improve testing effectiveness.

• Identify gaps in automation coverage and proactively propose improvements.

• Adhere to company policies and procedures and maintain alignment with company culture. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in software quality assurance.
• 3+ years in at least one programming language (JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, Java, or C#).
• Proficiency with automated testing frameworks such as Playwright, or Selenium.
• Strong experience in manual test design, execution, and exploratory testing.
• Familiarity with CI/CD practices, version control systems (e.g., Git), and Agile methodologies.
• Experience validating APIs and working with tools like Postman, or similar.
• Ability to troubleshoot, debug, and communicate issues clearly and effectively.
• Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented mindset.
• This is a hybrid position requiring three days in-office (Tuesday to Thursday) at one of our facilities located in Nashville, TN; or McLean, VA.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time based on company and customer needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with performance or load testing (e.g., JMeter, Locust, k6).
• Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) or containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with DevSecOps principles and security testing practices.
• Familiarity with automated testing frameworks such as Playwright or test scripting.
• Background in geospatial, mission-focused, or defense-related applications.

Clearance Requirements  

• Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen and willing and eligible to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance at the Secret or Top-Secret level. Existing clearance is preferred. 

At TheIncLab we recognize that innovation thrives when employees are provided with ample support and resources. Our benefits packages reflect that:  

• Hybrid and flexible work schedules  

• Professional development programs  

• Training and certification reimbursement  

• Extended and floating holiday schedule   

• Paid time off and Paid volunteer time  
• Health and Wellness Benefits include options for Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance along with access to Wellness, Mental Health, and Employee Assistance Programs.  
• 100% Company Paid Benefits that include STD, LTD, and Basic Life insurance.  
• 401(k) Plan Options with employer matching  
• Incentive bonuses for eligible clearances, performance, and employee referrals.  
• A company culture that values your individual strengths, career goals, and contributions to the team.  

About TheIncLab  

Founded in 2015, TheIncLab (“TIL”) is the first human-centered artificial intelligence (AI+X) lab.  We engineer complex, integrated solutions that combine cutting-edge AI technologies with emerging systems-of-systems to solve some of the most difficult challenges in the defense and aerospace industries.  Our work spans diverse technological landscapes, from rapid ideation and prototyping to deployment.   

At TIL, we foster a culture of relentless optimism.  No problem is too hard, no project is too big, and no challenge is too complex to tackle. This is possible due to the positive attitude of our teams.  We approach every problem with a “yes” attitude and focus on results.  Our motto, “demo or die,” encompasses the idea that failure is not an option.   

We do all of this with a work ethic rooted in kindness and professionalism.  The positive attitude of our teams is only possible due to the support TIL provides to each individual.   

At TIL, we believe that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and innovation.  Our teams are encouraged to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to complex problems.  We understand that the path to success is not always straightforward, but we are committed to persevering and finding a way forward.  

Our culture of relentless optimism is not just about having a positive attitude; it is about taking action and making things happen.  We believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork, and we know that by working together, we can achieve great things.  Our teams are made up of individuals who are passionate about their work and dedicated to making a difference.  

Learn more about TheIncLab and our job opportunities at www.theinclab.com.  

**Salary range guidance provided is not a guarantee of compensation. Offers of employment may be at a salary range that is outside of this range and will be based on qualifications, experience, and possible contractual requirements.  

**This is a direct hire position, and we do not accept resumes from third-party recruiters or agencies.