1

Principal Sdet Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Software Development Engineer in Test

Orlando, FL · Remote

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

The Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated test solutions and frameworks that support the quality and reliability of ...

Software Development Engineer in Test

Seattle, WA · On-site

$57 - $73.50/hr

Position Description Strong SDET skills are vital to Logic 20/20's success. In order to continue and accelerate our growth, we are looking for a SDET to add to our Seattle, Washington-based team. As ...

SDET

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Senior Software Development Engineer in Test Chicago, IL Who We Are: Northern Trust is a Chicago-based bank with more than 20 international locations and 16,500 employees. From sovereign wealth funds ...

SDET

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50.50 - $65.25/hr

Job Title: SDET Location: Onsite in McLean, VA Responsibilities • Design, develop, and maintain automation frameworks using Playwright, Selenium, Cucumber, Java, and TypeScript • Execute end-to ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Sdet information

See salary details

$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal sdet jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal sdet in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Principal SDET?

A Principal SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) is a senior-level role responsible for driving test automation, quality strategy, and best practices within a development team. They design and implement advanced testing frameworks, mentor engineers, and collaborate with development teams to ensure high software quality. Principal SDETs also analyze complex systems to identify potential risks and improve testing efficiency. Their role often includes evaluating new testing tools, optimizing CI/CD pipelines, and ensuring scalable test automation solutions.

What types of teams and projects does a Principal SDET typically work on?

Principal SDETs frequently lead test automation initiatives and quality strategies across multiple feature teams, often collaborating closely with developers, product managers, and DevOps engineers. You will likely work on complex, high-impact projects such as developing enterprise-scale automation frameworks, optimizing CI/CD pipelines, and mentoring junior SDETs or QA engineers. The work environment is typically highly collaborative and fast-paced, with a strong focus on innovation and continuous improvement of testing practices. As a Principal SDET, you'll have the opportunity to both influence technical direction and help shape quality culture throughout the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Principal SDET position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test), you need deep expertise in software testing, automation frameworks, programming (such as Java, Python, or C#), and a strong understanding of software development lifecycles, often backed by a bachelor's or master's in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Appium, Jenkins, cloud testing platforms, and certifications such as ISTQB or Certified Agile Tester are highly beneficial. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, mentorship, and effective communication skills set outstanding Principal SDETs apart. These capabilities enable you to drive testing strategy, ensure high-quality software delivery, and effectively lead and collaborate within cross-functional engineering teams.

Is Principal Sdet still in demand?

Principal SDET roles remain in demand as companies prioritize quality assurance and automation in software development. These positions often require expertise in testing frameworks, scripting, and tools like Selenium or Appium, with demand driven by the growth of agile and DevOps practices.
More about Principal Sdet jobs
Infographic showing various Principal Sdet job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Junior SDET (Java + Selenium)

NMK Global Inc.

Fremont, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Junior SDET (Java + Selenium)
Location: USA (Remote / Hybrid / Onsite)
Experience Required: 2-4 Years
Job Description
We are looking for a Software Development Engineer in Test
(SDET) with experience in Java and Selenium Automation Testing. The ideal
candidate should have a good understanding of Core Java and software testing
concepts.
Required Skills
  • 4+ years of experience in QA Automation.
  • Strong knowledge of Core Java.
  • Knowledge of Classes, Objects, Interfaces, Collections, and Exception Handling.
  • Hands-on experience with Selenium WebDriver.
  • Basic knowledge of Manual Testing, SDLC, and STLC.
  • Basic SQL knowledge.
  • Good communication and problem-solving skills.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute automation test scripts.
  • Perform functional and regression testing.
  • Report and track defects.
  • Work closely with the development team to ensure software quality.
  • Participate in testing activities throughout the software development lifecycle.