Associate software engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Ace IT Careers is recruiting for a current Software Test Engineer opportunity supporting the testing of web applications, APIs, databases, and integrated business systems.

The Software Test Engineer will work with product owners, developers, business analysts, and QA professionals throughout the development lifecycle. The role requires practical knowledge of test planning, defect investigation, regression testing, API validation, and data verification. Candidates should be able to translate requirements into effective test coverage and communicate technical findings in a structured manner.

Requirements

• One to three years of software testing, quality assurance, or related project experience.
• Working understanding of SDLC, STLC, Agile, Scrum, and defect-management practices.
• Experience creating and executing functional and regression test cases.
• Familiarity with Jira, Azure DevOps, ALM, or a similar test-management platform.
• Exposure to Postman, REST APIs, JSON, HTTP methods, and response validation.
• Basic to intermediate SQL knowledge.
• Ability to investigate issues using logs, browser tools, API responses, or database records.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and stakeholder-communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a distributed or remote team.

Exposure to Selenium, Java, Jenkins, Git, mobile testing, healthcare, banking, insurance, retail, or telecommunications systems is beneficial but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Analyze requirements, user stories, workflows, and acceptance criteria.
• Design detailed test scenarios, test cases, test data, and execution plans.
• Perform functional, integration, regression, system, and exploratory testing.
• Validate REST APIs using Postman or a comparable testing tool.
• Execute SQL queries to verify database records and application transactions.
• Document defects with reproduction steps, logs, screenshots, and supporting evidence.
• Participate in defect triage, sprint reviews, daily stand-ups, and release discussions.
• Work with developers to investigate application, API, database, and environment issues.
• Track test execution, defect status, coverage, and release-readiness risks.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of QA processes and documentation.

Compensation and Employment

The anticipated compensation range is $36–$46 per hour. Final compensation will depend on skills, relevant experience, location, employment structure, and the hiring employer’s evaluation. This opportunity may begin as a W-2 contract-to-hire assignment. Assignment duration, benefits eligibility, schedule, and conversion expectations will be disclosed before the candidate accepts an interview.

Ace IT Careers provides equal employment consideration without discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic.

Important Application and Professional-Readiness Notice

When an applicant does not currently meet the technical requirements, Ace IT Careers may separately discuss optional professional-readiness services, including hands-on practice, technical mentoring, interview preparation, or structured training.

Participation in any such service is voluntary and is not a job offer, employment requirement, or guarantee of placement. Declining an optional service will not change the assessment of the candidate’s existing qualifications. However, candidates must independently meet the stated requirements before they can be submitted for opportunities requiring those skills.

Any applicable fee, service scope, schedule, refund terms, and limitations will be disclosed through a separate agreement before enrollment. Ace IT Careers does not charge candidates in exchange for interviews, job offers, or guaranteed employment

Benefits

• Competitive Salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Health Insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
• Remote Work Opportunities for flexible schedules.
• Paid Time Off including vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
• Career Growth with ongoing training, certifications, and mentorship.
• Job Placement Assistance and networking opportunities.
• Collaborative Work Environment with employee recognition programs.