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Associate Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in Palo Alto, CA

IntelliTask LLC

SDET / QA Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

SDET / QA Engineer Location: Fremont, CA (5 Days Onsite) Local Only Duration: 6-12 Months Contract About the Role We are seeking an experienced Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) with 5-6 ...

Clover

Sr. SDET

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$58.25 - $75.25/hr

They are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to ensure the quality, reliability, and performance of billing systems within the Clover EMEA platform. Responsibilities : • ...

Fiserv, Inc.

Sr. SDET

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$108K - $163K/yr

Job Title Sr. SDET About Clover Clover is a pioneer in the fintech space, dedicated to transforming ... Current associates who require a workplace accommodation should refer to Fiserv's Disability ...

Comrise

Software Developer in Test

Foster City, CA · On-site

$65/hr

... Test (SDET) - Automation & AI Frameworks Location: Foster City, CA (100% In-Person) Pay Rate: $65.21 / hour (Full-Time Contract) Schedule: Monday - Friday, Day Shift (40 hours/week) Industry:

New

Monitise

Sr. SDET

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$108K - $163K/yr

Job Title Sr. SDET About Clover Clover is a pioneer in the fintech space, dedicated to transforming ... Current associates who require a workplace accommodation should refer to Fiserv's Disability ...

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All JobsAssociate Software Development Engineer In Test JobsAssociate Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in Palo Alto, CA

Associate Software Development Engineer In Test information

See Palo Alto, CA salary details

$22

$49

$115

How much do associate software development engineer in test jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate software development engineer in test in Palo Alto, CA is $49.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.87 and $52.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the SDET engineer's salary?

The salary for an Associate Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. SDETs with strong programming skills and knowledge of automation tools like Selenium or JUnit tend to earn higher salaries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Software Development Engineer In Test, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Software Development Engineer In Test, you need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or JavaScript), software testing principles, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with automated testing frameworks (like Selenium or JUnit), version control systems (such as Git), and CI/CD tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with development teams and identify issues efficiently. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring software quality, reducing defects, and supporting the agile development process.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced software engineers, especially those in senior or lead roles at large tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Roles such as Staff Software Engineers, Principal Engineers, or Engineering Directors often reach this compensation level, particularly in competitive markets and with extensive expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or large-scale systems.

Will QA or SDET get replaced by AI?

QA and SDET roles involve designing, developing, and maintaining automated testing frameworks, which require critical thinking and understanding of complex systems. While AI can assist with test automation and generate test cases, human oversight remains essential for interpreting results, handling edge cases, and ensuring software quality. Therefore, these roles are likely to evolve rather than be fully replaced by AI.

What is an Associate Software Development Engineer in Test?

An Associate Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is an entry-level professional who designs, develops, and maintains automated tests to ensure the quality and functionality of software applications. They work closely with software developers and quality assurance teams to identify bugs, create test scripts, and automate testing processes. Their primary focus is on improving software reliability and streamlining the testing workflow by using programming skills to build robust test frameworks. This role often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced positions in quality engineering or software development.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Associate Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) when collaborating with development teams?

As an Associate SDET, one common challenge is ensuring clear communication between QA and development teams, especially when clarifying requirements or reporting bugs. SDETs often need to advocate for quality while balancing release deadlines, which requires effective collaboration and negotiation skills. Additionally, integrating automated tests into fast-paced development cycles can be complex, especially when dealing with evolving codebases or shifting priorities. Overcoming these challenges involves proactive communication, continuous learning, and adaptability within agile team structures.

Are SDET and QA the same?

An SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) is a specialized QA professional who develops automated tests and often has programming skills, whereas traditional QA roles focus on manual testing and quality assurance processes. While both aim to ensure software quality, SDETs typically have a stronger emphasis on automation, coding, and testing tools, making their roles distinct within the software development lifecycle.

What is the difference between Associate Software Development Engineer In Test vs Software Development Engineer In Test?

AspectAssociate Software Development Engineer In TestSoftware Development Engineer In Test
QualificationsBachelor's in CS or related field, some experienceBachelor's or higher in CS, more experience often required
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, collaborative teams, learning-focusedMore autonomous, complex testing tasks, leadership roles
ResponsibilitiesWriting basic test scripts, executing tests, learning automation toolsDesigning test frameworks, automating tests, improving testing processes

The main difference is experience level and scope. Associate Software Development Engineer In Test roles are entry-level, focusing on learning and executing tests, while Software Development Engineer In Test positions involve more complex automation and design responsibilities, often requiring more experience.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Palo Alto, CA? For Associate Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Palo Alto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Palo Alto, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Palo Alto, CA are:
What cities near Palo Alto, CA are hiring for Associate Software Development Engineer In Test jobs? Cities near Palo Alto, CA with the most Associate Software Development Engineer In Test job openings:
Associate Software Development Engineer In Test jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Software Development Engineer In Test job openings in Palo Alto, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 53% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,255 per year, or $49.6 per hour.
Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Conch Technologies Inc

Fremont, CA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Location: Fremont, CA (Onsite – 5 Days/Week)
Duration: 6+Months
 

 Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to join a fast-paced engineering team developing a modern internal platform that improves engineering productivity and operational efficiency. This is a highly technical, hands-on role where strong software development skills are equally as important as test automation expertise.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience building scalable automation frameworks using Python and Playwright, enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, and thrives in an agile environment with rapid development and frequent releases.

 Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain scalable automated testing frameworks from the ground up.
  • Build and execute automated tests for web applications, REST APIs, integration testing, and end-to-end user workflows.
  • Collaborate closely with software engineers throughout the development lifecycle to ensure high software quality.
  • Develop automation solutions that support both scheduled releases and continuous deployments.
  • Perform root cause analysis, troubleshoot defects, and drive issue resolution.
  • Improve application reliability, performance, and overall user experience.
  • Participate in code reviews and contribute to engineering best practices.
  • Define automation strategies, testing standards, and quality processes.
  • Continuously improve automation coverage and testing efficiency.
 Required Qualifications
  • 5–6 years of experience as an SDET, Test Automation Engineer, or Software Quality Engineer.
  • Strong programming experience using Python.
  • Hands-on experience with Playwright for web automation.
  • Proven experience designing and building automation frameworks from scratch.
  • Strong understanding of software engineering principles and best practices.
  • Experience testing modern web applications and distributed systems.
  • Excellent debugging, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced Agile environment.
 Required Technical Skills
  • Python
  • Playwright
  • Test Automation Framework Development
  • API Testing (REST)
  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
  • Data Structures & Algorithms
  • Design Patterns
  • Debugging & Root Cause Analysis
  • System Design Fundamentals
  • End-to-End Testing
  • Integration Testing
  • Web Application Testing
  • Software Quality Engineering
 Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in CI/CD environments.
  • Familiarity with rapid release cycles and continuous deployment practices.
  • Experience collaborating closely with software development teams.
  • Passion for software quality, automation, and engineering excellence.