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Senior Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in Milpitas, CA

Software Development Engineer in Test

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$58.50 - $75.50/hr

This is a hybrid position located in San Jose, CA Position Summary The Software Development Engineer in Test will be responsible for planning and executing Integration, Verification, Validation, and ...

In this role, you will be tasked with architecting, maintaining, and optimizing robust automation frameworks, automated test suites designed to validate both the software and hardware interfaces of ...

SDET

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$59 - $76.25/hr

Discover problems and bugs early in the Software development cycle and well before customers ... tests and infrastructure to ensure engineering teams deliver at high velocity Work closely with ...

In this role, you will be tasked with architecting, maintaining, and optimizing robust automation frameworks, automated test suites designed to validate both the software and hardware interfaces of ...

They are seeking a Staff Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to design and develop a critical integration playground for scale testing and infrastructure experimentation, while mentoring ...

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Senior Software Development Engineer In Test information

See Milpitas, CA salary details

$26.2K

$146.3K

$190.5K

How much do senior software development engineer in test jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software development engineer in test in Milpitas, CA is $146,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,800.00 and $167,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Senior Software Development Engineer In Test typically collaborate with development and product teams to ensure software quality?

As a Senior Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET), you will work closely with both development and product teams throughout the software development lifecycle. This includes participating in design and requirements discussions to identify potential test cases early, contributing to test automation strategies, and providing feedback on testability and quality risks. SDETs often pair with developers to review code, co-create test plans, and triage bugs together, ensuring that testing is fully integrated into the CI/CD pipeline. Effective communication and cross-team collaboration are essential for proactively identifying issues and maintaining high software quality standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior Software Development Engineers In Test (SDETs) with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and working at large tech companies or in high-cost-of-living regions can earn $500,000 or more annually. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially for those in leadership roles or with rare expertise in testing automation, cloud platforms, or security tools.

Will QA or SDET get replaced by AI?

Senior Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) and QA professionals perform complex testing tasks that require critical thinking, creativity, and understanding of system architecture, which AI currently cannot fully replicate. While AI tools can automate repetitive testing and assist in identifying issues, human oversight and expertise remain essential for designing test strategies, interpreting results, and ensuring software quality in a fast-evolving environment.

What is the SDET engineer's salary?

The salary for a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) typically ranges from $90,000 to $140,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. SDETs with strong programming skills and experience with automation tools like Selenium or Jenkins tend to earn higher salaries.

Is SDET still in demand?

Senior Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) are in strong demand due to the increasing emphasis on quality assurance and automation in software development. SDETs with skills in programming, test automation tools, and CI/CD pipelines are particularly sought after across various industries, ensuring continuous testing and faster release cycles.

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

AspectSenior Software Development Engineer In TestSoftware Development Engineer In Test
ExperienceTypically 5+ years in testing and developmentEntry to mid-level, 1-3 years experience
ResponsibilitiesDesigns complex test frameworks, mentors juniors, leads testing initiativesDevelops test cases, automates tests, executes testing tasks
Skills & CertificationsAdvanced coding, automation, testing tools, leadership skillsProgramming, automation, testing tools
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with cross-functional teams, often in Agile settingsWorks closely with developers, focuses on automation and manual testing

In summary, a Senior Software Development Engineer In Test has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and strategic testing roles compared to a Software Development Engineer In Test, who primarily focuses on developing and executing tests.

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

To thrive as a Senior Software Development Engineer In Test, you need advanced programming skills, deep knowledge of software testing methodologies, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise with automation frameworks (such as Selenium, Cypress, or Appium), CI/CD tools, and scripting languages is typically required, along with relevant certifications like ISTQB. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and driving quality initiatives. These capabilities ensure rigorous test coverage, faster release cycles, and high-quality software products.

What does a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) do?

A Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated test frameworks and tools to ensure the quality and reliability of software products. They work closely with development and QA teams to identify test requirements, create robust test cases, and integrate automated tests into the CI/CD pipeline. In addition to coding and scripting, Senior SDETs mentor junior team members, analyze test results, and help troubleshoot complex issues to continuously improve software quality. Their expertise bridges the gap between development and testing, ensuring both speed and quality in software releases.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Milpitas, CA? The most popular types of Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Milpitas, CA are:
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Senior Software Development Engineer in Test - Verification And Validation

Zoox

Foster City, CA • On-site

$176K - $238K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Zoox is on an ambitious journey to develop a full-stack autonomous mobility solution for cities and safely deploy such a robotaxi solution. The System Design and Mission Assurance (SDMA) team plays a foundational role in the company's success, responsible for constructing the safety case and fail-operational design for our autonomous driving robots before public road deployment.
We are seeking a highly motivated V&V software development engineer in test (SDET) to join this systems-engineering department. As a V&V SDET, you will be a technical lead, owning the end-to-end validation strategy for critical safety systems while architecting and implementing the advanced software infrastructure required to verify them. This role is coding-intensive, focused on building solutions for high-fidelity testing, scalable automation frameworks, and sophisticated data analysis tools to ensure successful compliance to requirements and mission success.
Some examples of tools this role supports:
  • Framework for event definition, orchestration, and verification
  • High-performance C++ and Python-based emulators for vehicle sensors (e.g., Radar, Lidar, and Inertial Measurement Units) to enable realistic, real-time fault injection
  • Robust communication bridges between simulation environments and physical vehicle hardware
  • Automating test management and reporting within lifecycle management tools, e.g. Polarion, JAMA, DOORS.

In this role, you will:
  • Lead the design and maintenance of large-scale event-driven software/hardware -in-the-loop (SIL/HIL) testing frameworks, utilizing advanced software patterns to improve modularity and reduce code duplication.
  • Architect and manage end-to-end continuous integration (CI) pipelines to automate the execution of regression suites.
  • Lead root cause analysis for complex system-level failures, developing log mining scripts and visualization dashboards (e.g., Grafana, SQL-based notebooks) to triage failures and track performance metrics.
  • Perform gap analyses between high-level safety requirements and technical test implementations, including the development of intricate timing and prioritization patterns.Lead end-to-end validation and clearance process for safety-critical monitors, such as for collision detection systems.

Qualifications:
  • Good technical communication skills, with the ability to summarize complex test failures and provide clear impact assessments for our tests, tools, and pipelines.
  • Demonstrated experience delivering complex projects in Python, including the use of AI-based coding, such as for infrastructure development, tooling and automated test writing.
  • Deep understanding of HIL and SIL methodologies, including real-time fault injection
  • Ownership from design, to implementation and maintenance of automated testing pipelines (e.g., using Bamboo, Jenkins, or similar) and developing custom automation plugins.
  • Practical knowledge of Linux internals and networking protocols used in high-throughput real-time systems.
  • Bachelors or higher degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science or a relevant technical field, such as Data Science or Electrical Engineering.
    7+ of experience in the above, with demonstrated ownership of 3+ complex projects

Bonus Qualifications:
  • Strong C++
  • Pytest customization experience
  • Background in autonomous systems or safety-critical robotics validation.
  • Experience applying Generative AI or Machine Learning tools to code, audit and improve test coverage and documentation.
  • Experience with data engineering tools like SQL, pyspark, Looker or
  • Databricks for large-scale performance analysis.
  • Experience with real-time communication protocols (e.g., DDS, I2C, SPI, CAN, GMSL2).

$176,000 - $238,000 a year
Base Salary Range
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
About Zoox
Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We're looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.
Follow us on LinkedIn
Accommodations
If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [email protected] or your assigned recruiter.
A Final Note:
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.