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Lead Sdet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mondo

Products & Systems Integration QA Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Apply now: Products & Systems Integration QA Lead (SDET) , location is Hybrid (Tysons, VA - 2-3 days onsite) . The start date is ASAP for this Contract-to-Hire (6 Months) position. Job Title:

RIT Solutions, Inc.

SDET Engineer

RIT Solutions, Inc. is seeking an SDET Engineer with extensive experience in software testing and test automation. The role involves testing microservices architectures and requires strong ...

Digipulse Technologies, Inc

SDET (Only W2)

Texas City, TX · On-site

$42.75 - $55.25/hr

W2 Hybrid Opportunity - SDET We''re hiring an SDET for a W2 Hybrid position in Texas and North Carolina Location Our Direct Client is seeking for a passionate Senior Software Engineer in Test. The ...

1 point system

SDET

Lansing, MI · On-site

$50.75 - $65.50/hr

Job Summary: We are seeking a forward-thinking SDET to help modernize and lead our test ... The SDET will also play a key role in supporting manual testing efforts within Agile feature ...

Donato Technologies, Inc

SDET

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

Mandatory Qualifications: * 7+ years of SDET, Software Engineering, or Test Automation experience. * Strong hands-on experience with Playwright - Mandatory. * Strong experience in test automation and ...

New

Kanak Elite Services Inc

Sr. SDET Engineer

Missouri City, MO · On-site

$103K - $134K/yr

Hello There, My name is Himanshu Sharma , and I serve as the Recruitment Lead at Kanak-IT INC. I am reaching out to share an excellent career opportunity for the role of Sr. SDET Engineer with our ...

Wise Skulls

Sr. SDET

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$48.50 - $62.50/hr

Title: Sr. SDET Location: Pittsburgh, PA or New york, NY (Onsite) Duration: 6 months + (possibility of an extension) Implementation Partner: Infosys End Client: To be disclosed (Banking) JD: We are ...

Compunnel

SDET / Automation Engineer

Woonsocket, RI · On-site

$44 - $58.25/hr

Job Title: SDET / Automation Engineer Key Responsibilities Building modern, AI-forward test automation. Building automation scripts (not just using existing tools). Ability to test both Java and ...

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All JobsLead Sdet Jobs

Lead Sdet information

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$10

$53

$80

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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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 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.

Products & Systems Integration QA Lead

Mondo

Mclean, VA • On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Apply now: Products & Systems Integration QA Lead (SDET) , location is Hybrid (Tysons, VA – 2–3 days onsite). The start date is ASAP for this Contract-to-Hire (6 Months) position. Job Title: Products & Systems Integration QA Lead (SDET) Location-Type: Hybrid (Tysons, VA – 2–3 days onsite) Start Date Is: ASAP Duration: Contract-to-Hire (6 Months) Pay Rate: $65-75/hr W2 Conversion Salary: $160,000 Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401k Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, Vision, 401K Not eligible for Visa sponsorship

Job Description:

We are seeking a hands-on QA Lead / SDET to build and own the test automation and quality strategy from the ground up within a Product Management Office. This role will act as the technical authority on quality across both proprietary software products and complex 3rd-party system integrations, ensuring reliability, scalability, and seamless system performance.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

  • Build and own the end-to-end QA strategy, including defining standards, frameworks, and "definition of done”
  • Design, develop, and maintain scalable automation frameworks for UI, API, and integration testing
  • Lead testing efforts across internal products and 3rd-party system integrations
  • Perform API and data-layer validation to ensure system integrity across environments
  • Establish and enforce quality governance across multiple workstreams
  • Collaborate with product, engineering, and leadership to align testing with business priorities
  • Identify and communicate system risks, defects, and release readiness to stakeholders
  • Select and manage QA tools, test environments, and reporting frameworks
  • Lead and mentor a small QA team (2–3 engineers) while remaining hands-on

Requirements:

Must-Have Skills/Experiences:

  • 7 years of experience in SDET, QA Automation, or Software Engineering roles
  • 2 years of experience in a lead, mentor, or team leadership capacity
  • Strong programming experience in Java or Kotlin
  • Deep experience building and scaling test automation frameworks (not just executing tests)
  • Hands-on experience with Selenium or similar automation tools
  • Experience with API testing (REST/SOAP) and integration testing across systems
  • Strong SQL skills for data validation and backend testing
  • Solid understanding of software engineering and testing best practices
  • Proven ability to operate independently and build processes from scratch

Nice-to-Have Skills/Experiences:

  • Background in software engineering beyond testing (true dev-to-SDET path)
  • Experience testing systems that integrate with 3rd-party or COTS platforms
  • Familiarity with cloud environments and CI/CD pipelines
  • Understanding of networking, infrastructure, and distributed systems
  • Experience in mission-critical or systems-heavy environments (e.g., security, infrastructure, automation)
  • Exposure to systems engineering concepts such as V-model or integration testing at scale