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Lead Sdet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead SDET

Plano, TX ยท On-site

$44.50 - $60.50/hr

Lead SDET Location : Plano, TX Duration : 6 24 Months Required Skills: 1) Lead / Mentor experience - 1 year minimum 2.) Automation Experience - Java 3.) Experience testing Data Lakes, Data Warehouses ...

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 ...

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To be considered, candidates MUST have: 3+ years of strong SDET/QA experience focused on iOS and Android mobile test automation; hands-on experience testing Flutter applications (including Flutter ...

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Okemos, MI ยท On-site

$45.25 - $58.50/hr

We are seeking a forward-thinking SDET to help modernize and lead our test automation strategy. * To be clear, the candidate needs to understand why they are doing what they are doing and be able to ...

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Lead Sdet information

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$10

$53

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How much do lead sdet jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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.

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.

Is Lead Sdet still in demand?

Lead SDET roles remain in demand as companies prioritize quality assurance and automation in software development. Skills in test automation tools, programming, and leadership are highly valued, especially in organizations adopting Agile and DevOps practices.

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 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.

Is a Lead Sdet a high paying job?

A Lead Sdet (Software Development Engineer in Test) typically earns a higher salary compared to junior testing roles due to its seniority and leadership responsibilities. Compensation varies by industry, location, and experience, but it is generally considered a well-paying position within the software testing and quality assurance field.
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What cities are hiring for Lead Sdet jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Sdet job openings:

What states have the most Lead Sdet jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Sdet jobs include:

Infographic showing various Lead Sdet job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% 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 (SDET) - Robotics

Softpath

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Lead SDET

Fulltime position in Boston, MA

Lead Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)to architect, bootstrap, and scale robotics software testing organization. Define our overall test strategy, frameworks, and leveraging AI tools and AWS cloud CI/CD pipelines to accelerate automation.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Strategy Leadership:Assess complex requirements to design end-to-end test strategies (HIL, SIL, and simulation) and define quality gates.
  • Hands-On Testing:Design, build, and debug robust test frameworks from scratch; root-cause complex failures across software, hardware, and physical sensors.
  • AI-Driven Automation:Leverage modern AI coding tools and LLMs to rapidly bootstrap test frameworks and automate boilerplate testing with minimal overhead.
  • AWS CI/CD Pipelines:Setup and maintain automated CI/CD pipelines utilizing AWS developer tools (e.g., CodePipeline, CodeBuild, ECS) to scale simulation and testing.

Key Qualifications

  • Robotics SW Testing:Hands-on QA experience with physicalRobotics platforms(ROS/ROS2, Python, Linux, and simulation tools).
  • Framework Architecture:Proven track record of designing test frameworks from scratch for hardware-constrained systems.
  • AI Tool Fluency:Experience using modern AI assistants (e.g. Cursor) to bootstrap productivity.
  • AWS DevOps:Strong experience setting up cloud-based CI/CD pipelines and containerized environments (Docker)