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Senior Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in San Diego, CA

Avani Technology Solutions, Inc.

SDET

San Diego, CA · On-site

$53 - $68.50/hr

SDET Level 3 San Diego, CA 92127 12+ Months ONLY W2 Top 3: 1.) C++ 2.) Automation Experience - Python / C# 3.) CI/CD understanding / Testing Background • Test planning for feature areas • Test ...

Avani Technology Solutions, Inc.

SDET Level 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$53 - $68.50/hr

R-2877907 SDET Level 2 Amazon.Com, Inc. San Diego, CA 92127 12 Months ****/hour Top 3 Skills 1.) C++ 2.) Automation Experience - Python / C# 3.) CI/CD understanding / Testing Background • Test ...

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Senior Software Development Engineer In Test information

See San Diego, CA salary details

$23.9K

$133.3K

$173.6K

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software development engineer in test in San Diego, CA is $133,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,300.00 and $152,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior software development engineer in test 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.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in San Diego, CA?

The most popular types of Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in San Diego, CA are:

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For Senior Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in San Diego, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Senior Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in San Diego, CA are:

What cities near San Diego, CA are hiring for Senior Software Development Engineer In Test jobs?

Cities near San Diego, CA with the most Senior Software Development Engineer In Test job openings:

Senior Software Development Engineer In Test jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Software Development Engineer In Test job openings in San Diego, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,309 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Senior/Principal Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Catalyst MedTech Search

Carlsbad, CA

$120K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

About the Role:

We’re seeking a hands-on Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) who can bridge software development, embedded systems, and verification. This individual will play a key role in building automated test frameworks, owning validation activities, and developing engineering tools that improve product quality and accelerate development of next-generation cardiovascular technology.


Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain automated testing frameworks for embedded firmware and desktop applications, including unit, integration, system-level, and hardware-in-the-loop testing

• Create and execute test plans, protocols, regression suites, and validation activities while authoring verification reports and maintaining traceability documentation in alignment with regulated development practices

• Support testing of Linux-based C++/GUI applications, including functional, interface-level, and system behavior validation

• Collaborate closely with firmware and hardware teams to improve testability, troubleshoot issues, and enhance product quality throughout the development lifecycle

• Build and maintain Python-based automation, CI/testing infrastructure, and internal engineering tools to enable repeatable testing, faster development feedback, and efficient workflows

• Develop and support engineering utilities for manufacturing, calibration, provisioning, debugging, and data collection activities

• Track, investigate, and resolve defects while supporting formal verification and validation efforts in a regulated medical device environment

• Participate in peer reviews and provide technical feedback across software, automation, and test code

• Operate effectively in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities and a high degree of ownership


Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field

• 5+ years of experience in software testing, SDET, embedded systems testing, or software verification roles

• Experience working within a regulated medical device or safety-critical product development environment

• Strong Python programming skills for developing automation frameworks, test scripts, and engineering tools

• Experience creating and executing test protocols, test plans, regression suites, and validation activities, including authoring test reports and maintaining traceability documentation

• Experience developing automated test solutions and supporting software verification and validation throughout the product development lifecycle

• Experience working in Linux-based environments with modern software development workflows and version control practices

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collaborate across software, firmware, hardware, and quality teams


Preferred Background:

• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and system-level verification of embedded products

• Hands-on embedded development experience, including firmware debugging, microcontrollers, and hardware/software integration

• Experience with C/C++ in embedded systems or application-level software environments

• Experience testing Linux-based C++ applications, GUI interfaces, or hardware communication protocols


*This role requires onsite work in Carlsbad, CA. Appropriate time for relocation will be provided for candidates who are moving to the area.