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Lead Sdet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NAVA Software Solutions

SDET Engineer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

NAVA Software solutions is looking for a SDET Engineer Role: Software Development Engineer in Test Location: Remote Duration: Full time/ Direct Hire What You Will Do: * As a technical, hands-on ...

ADP Test Code - WLP Test 02022023

SDET

Northlake, TX · On-site

$3.0K - $4.5K/yr

As an SDET, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality of our electronics manufacturing processes. You will work closely with our development team to design and implement automated testing ...

Staffingine LLC

SDET Lead (Telephony)

Dallas, TX · On-site

Job Title: SDET Lead (Telephony) Job Location: Dallas, TX Job Type: Contract * Strong experience with Telephony - Amazon Connect, Contact Flows, Routing Profiles, and Queues * Hands-on expertise with ...

3B Staffing LLC

SDET

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

Lead the team of SDET engineers to build and maintain automation frameworks and develop scripts to support QA scenarios * Producing and evaluating code to build automated testing programs * Be in the ...

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Lead Sdet information

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$10

$53

$80

How much do lead sdet jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead sdet in the United States is $53.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.67 and $62.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Lead SDET?

Lead SDETs, or Lead Software Development Engineers in Test, are professionals responsible for overseeing the quality assurance processes in software development. They design and implement automated tests, lead QA teams, and ensure that best practices are followed throughout the testing lifecycle. Lead SDETs collaborate with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to identify potential issues early and drive high-quality software releases. Their role often includes mentoring junior SDETs, reviewing test code, and selecting appropriate testing tools and frameworks.

How does a Lead SDET typically collaborate with development and QA teams during the software release cycle?

A Lead SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) plays a crucial role in bridging development and QA teams by designing and overseeing the implementation of automated testing frameworks. They work closely with developers to understand new features, integrate testing early in the development process, and ensure code quality through continuous integration. Additionally, Lead SDETs mentor junior testers, prioritize test cases based on risk and release schedules, and coordinate with QA managers to address any critical issues. This collaborative approach ensures efficient delivery of high-quality software and fosters a culture of shared responsibility for product quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead SDET, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead SDET, you need deep expertise in software testing, programming (often in Java, C#, or Python), test automation frameworks, and a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Proficiency with tools like Selenium, Appium, Jenkins, and CI/CD systems, as well as experience with cloud platforms and test management tools, is essential. Leadership, strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality software, drive team effectiveness, and enable successful collaboration across development and QA functions.

What is the difference between Lead Sdet vs Sdet?

AspectLead SdetSdet
CredentialsTypically requires 5+ years of testing experience, leadership skills, and sometimes certifications like ISTQBUsually requires 2-4 years of testing experience, relevant certifications are common but not mandatory
Work EnvironmentLeads testing teams, coordinates testing strategies, and oversees project qualityPerforms hands-on testing, executes test cases, and reports bugs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in larger organizations with multiple testing teamsCommon in both small and large companies for individual testing roles

The main difference between a Lead Sdet and an Sdet is the level of responsibility. The Lead Sdet manages testing teams and strategies, while the Sdet focuses on executing tests and reporting issues. Both roles require strong testing skills, but the Lead Sdet also needs leadership and coordination abilities.

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Lead Sdet jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Sdet job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,351 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Lead Software Development Engineer in Test

3Core Systems Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$110 - $180/hr

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the expansion of the SIT automation framework and drive overall test strategy for the program.

  • Develop test automation code for CI/CD of systems, infrastructure, and test frameworks.

  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams and provide technical leadership and mentoring to test engineers.

Job description

Lead Software Development Engineer in Test

Chicago, United States

Role

Lead Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Location

Chicago, IL - Hybrid onsite (initially 2-3 onsite days, with possibility of full 5 days required in few months)

Duration

12+ month contract

Must Have Skills / Attributes

API, AWS, Cucumber, Java, Jenkins, Python, REST, SQL

Experience Desired
  • Experience in full-stack testing, integration testing with 3rd parties, and end-to-end system integration (10 years)
  • Experience with DevOps tools (CI/CD, Jenkins, Git) (10 years)
  • Strong experience developing test scripts, test cases, and test data (10 years)
  • Ability to write queries in SQL or other relational databases (10 years)
Required Minimum Education
  • Bachelor’s Degree

Only those lawfully authorized to work in the designated country associated with the position will be considered.

Please note that all position start dates and durations are estimates and may be reduced or lengthened based upon a client’s business needs and requirements.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the expansion of the SIT (System Integration Testing) automation framework and drive overall test strategy for the program.
  • Develop test automation code for Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) of systems, infrastructure, and test frameworks.
  • Plan, design, develop, and maintain the API test automation framework to facilitate scripting, execution, and results analysis.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring for test engineers across multiple applications/projects (onshore and offshore); train team members to create, execute, analyze, and maintain automated regression suites.
  • Coordinate with the Product Owner to resolve open issues, enhancements, upgrades, and understand specific functionality usage.
  • Develop automated functional scripts using tools such as Java, Karate, and JMeter.
  • Perform exploratory and manual testing of the product suite as appropriate.
  • Provide expertise in testing methodologies, best practices, and standards.
  • Work within a larger team of 20+ members.
  • Participate in AVT calls, design discussions, and coordinate with several other cross-functional teams.
  • Position is hybrid onsite (Chicago office) starting Day 1, with full return to office (5 days/week) expected eventually.
Required Education
  • Degree: Bachelor’s degree (required).
  • Total Experience: 10+ years of overall professional experience.
  • Leadership Tenure: 5+ years in a Lead role (with minimum experience leading 5 QE folks at a time).
Required Skills
  • Test Automation Framework: 8+ years of experience in test automation framework design.
  • Programming: 5+ years of strong design and development experience in Java.
  • BDD Tools: 3–5 years of experience with Cucumber, JBehave, or other BDD testing frameworks.
  • API Testing: 3–5 years of strong experience testing Web Services (REST APIs).
  • Database: Ability to write queries in SQL or other relational databases.
  • Testing Scope: Proven experience in full-stack testing, integration testing with 3rd parties, and end-to-end system integration testing for software platforms.
  • DevOps: Experience with CI/CD concepts and tools (e.g., Jenkins, Git).
  • Test Artifacts: Proven experience developing test scripts, test cases, and test data.
Desired Technical Skills (Nice-to-Have)
  • Hands-on experience with Python.
  • Development experience in AWS Cloud technology.
  • 3+ years of experience in scenario-based performance testing using JMeter.
  • Experience with Apigee or other API gateways.
  • Experience with TDD, continuous integration, and code review practices.
  • Understanding of microservice architecture.
  • Experience with load and performance testing.
Required Soft Skills
  • Ability to adapt quickly to a complex environment.
  • Pro‑active, flexible, and creative mindset.
  • Very strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with developers and business users.
Critical Disqualifiers (Skill/Logistics Related)
  • Choppy tenure / consistent job hopping.
  • Absolutely no 100% remote work – must be willing to work in the Chicago office (eventually 5x/week).
  • If not local, must relocate at their own expense and be onsite Day 1 (must be stated clearly on the resume).
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