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:

• Design, build, and maintain test suites for applications built for both desktop and web deployment.
• Perform manual functional, regression, integration, and acceptance testing across multiple platforms and environments.
• Design and execute performance tests to assess application performance under specific workloads.
• Develop and enhance automated test frameworks using TypeScript, with supplemental testing and validation for Rust backend components.
• Execute manual test plans for new features and high-risk areas where automation is not yet implemented.
• Create and maintain test cases, test plans, and regression suites that cover end-to-end, integration, API, and UI workflows.
• Work closely with product teams to understand requirements, refine acceptance criteria, identify edge cases, and provide early feedback on quality risks.
• Validate cross-platform functionality across browser environments and desktop runtime builds.
• Integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines and monitor their reliability, performance, and stability.
• Investigate test failures, analyze root causes, and communicate issues clearly to the engineering team.
• Track bugs through their entire lifecycle and verify fixes with both manual and automated tests.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of testing processes, tooling, and quality best practices.
• Facilitate Scrum ceremonies (daily stand-ups, sprint planning, backlog refinement, sprint reviews, and retrospectives) to ensure smooth Agile delivery.
• Coach team members on Agile principles and practices, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a liaison between QA, development, and product teams, ensuring alignment on priorities and sprint goals.
• Monitor and remove impediments that block progress, helping the team maintain velocity and deliver high-quality releases.
• Track and report sprint metrics (velocity, burndown charts, defect trends) to stakeholders for transparency and process optimization.
• Identify gaps in automation coverage and proactively propose improvements.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures and maintain alignment with company culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years of experience in QA Engineering, SDET, or Software Quality roles involving both manual and automated testing.
• Experience in end-to-end testing modern TypeScript applications using frameworks such as Playwright and Cypress
• Experience performing deep manual testing of complex apps, including exploratory testing and identifying subtle edge cases.
• Familiarity testing backend services or APIs
• Hands-on experience testing web applications and desktop applications across multiple OS platforms.
• Solid understanding of end-to-end testing strategies, test design techniques, and automation best practices.
• Ability to debug issues across the stack: frontend UI, backend services, API layers, IPC/bridge layers, and deployment pipelines.
• Comfortable documenting test cases, writing issue reports, and maintaining clear testing artifacts.
• Strong knowledge of QA fundamentals, SDLC, agile workflows, and release processes.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience acting as a Scrum Master or Agile facilitator, with a strong understanding of Scrum principles and servant-leadership mindset.
• Ability to manage sprint ceremonies and coach teams on Agile best practices
• 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:

• Familiarity testing Rust-based backend services or APIs (integration testing, API validation, or command-line tools).
• Strong proficiency in TypeScript and experience with modern JS testing frameworks (e.g., Playwright, Cypress, Jest).
• Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines (GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, etc.).
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or equivalent Agile certification.
• Experience using Agile project management tools (e.g., Jira, Azure DevOps).

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. 

Benefits

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 . 

**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.