Java Developer in Test

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) – Java | Hybrid | Chicago Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 3 days onsite) Employment Type: Contract (Long-term with strong extension potential) We're looking for a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) who is passionate about building high-quality software and creating scalable automation solutions. In this role, you'll be embedded within a collaborative QA organization, developing automated tests that validate both frontend web applications and backend APIs. If you enjoy writing clean, maintainable code and solving complex technical challenges, we'd love to hear from you. What You'll Do Develop, enhance, and maintain automated test solutions using Java and/or Groovy . Build automation across multiple testing layers, including unit, API/service, and UI testing . Identify gaps in test coverage and design robust automated test cases. Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Developers, and QA Engineers throughout the software development lifecycle. Participate in code reviews and promote object-oriented programming and automation best practices. Troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and help ensure high-quality software releases. Take ownership of product quality and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. What We're Looking For 4+ years of professional Java development experience. Experience building automated tests using JUnit and/or TestNG . Strong understanding of object-oriented programming principles. Experience working in Agile environments (Scrum, Kanban, XP, Lean, etc.). Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. A passion for automation, quality, and continuously improving software delivery. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Selenium WebDriver and/or Appium . Familiarity with REST API testing . Experience with CI/CD pipelines , including Jenkins and Docker . Knowledge of Linux/Unix environments. Experience with backend automation, messaging services, or API validation is a plus. Education Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. If you're a software engineer who enjoys building automation frameworks, improving software quality, and working alongside talented development teams, we'd love to connect with you!