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Software Development Engineer In Test Sdet Jobs in California

... Test (SDET) - Automation & AI Frameworks Location: Foster City, CA (100% In-Person) Pay Rate: $65.21 / hour (Full-Time Contract) Schedule: Monday - Friday, Day Shift (40 hours/week) Industry:

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Software Development Engineer In Test Sdet information

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$11

$54

$73

How much do software development engineer in test sdet jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for software development engineer in test sdet in California is $54.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.45 and $61.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Software Development Engineer In Test Sdet vs Software Engineer in Test SEIT?

AspectSoftware Development Engineer In Test (SDET)Software Engineer in Test (SEIT)
Primary FocusDevelops automated tests, writes test frameworks, and ensures product quality through codeDesigns and implements testing strategies, often involved in both manual and automated testing
Skills & CertificationsStrong coding skills, automation tools, programming languages like Java, Python; certifications like ISTQBProgramming skills, testing methodologies, certifications like ISTQB or CSTE
Work EnvironmentCollaborates closely with developers, involved in CI/CD pipelines, often embedded within development teamsWorks with QA teams and developers, may focus more on testing infrastructure and manual testing processes

While both roles focus on testing and quality assurance, SDET emphasizes automation and development of testing tools, whereas SEIT may have a broader testing scope including manual testing. Both roles require strong coding skills and are integral to modern software development teams.

Is Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) still in demand?

Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) roles remain in high demand due to the increasing emphasis on automated testing and quality assurance in software development. SDETs with skills in programming, test automation tools, and continuous integration are especially sought after across various industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare.

Is a Software Development Engineer In Test a high paying job?

Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) roles are generally well-compensated, especially in tech hubs and companies requiring advanced programming, automation, and testing skills. Salaries tend to increase with experience, certifications, and expertise in tools like Selenium, Java, or Python, making it a lucrative career path for skilled professionals.

What is a software development engineer in test SDET?

A Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is a technical role that combines software development and testing skills to design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and tools. SDETs focus on ensuring software quality through automation, coding in languages like Java or Python, and working closely with development teams to improve testing processes and coverage.

What are popular job titles related to Software Development Engineer In Test Sdet jobs in California?

For Software Development Engineer In Test Sdet jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Software Development Engineer In Test Sdet job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,414 per year, or $54 per hour.

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Conch Technologies Inc

Fremont, CA โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Location: Fremont, CA (Onsite – 5 Days/Week)
Duration: 6+Months
 

 Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to join a fast-paced engineering team developing a modern internal platform that improves engineering productivity and operational efficiency. This is a highly technical, hands-on role where strong software development skills are equally as important as test automation expertise.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience building scalable automation frameworks using Python and Playwright, enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, and thrives in an agile environment with rapid development and frequent releases.

 Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain scalable automated testing frameworks from the ground up.
  • Build and execute automated tests for web applications, REST APIs, integration testing, and end-to-end user workflows.
  • Collaborate closely with software engineers throughout the development lifecycle to ensure high software quality.
  • Develop automation solutions that support both scheduled releases and continuous deployments.
  • Perform root cause analysis, troubleshoot defects, and drive issue resolution.
  • Improve application reliability, performance, and overall user experience.
  • Participate in code reviews and contribute to engineering best practices.
  • Define automation strategies, testing standards, and quality processes.
  • Continuously improve automation coverage and testing efficiency.
 Required Qualifications
  • 5–6 years of experience as an SDET, Test Automation Engineer, or Software Quality Engineer.
  • Strong programming experience using Python.
  • Hands-on experience with Playwright for web automation.
  • Proven experience designing and building automation frameworks from scratch.
  • Strong understanding of software engineering principles and best practices.
  • Experience testing modern web applications and distributed systems.
  • Excellent debugging, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced Agile environment.
 Required Technical Skills
  • Python
  • Playwright
  • Test Automation Framework Development
  • API Testing (REST)
  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
  • Data Structures & Algorithms
  • Design Patterns
  • Debugging & Root Cause Analysis
  • System Design Fundamentals
  • End-to-End Testing
  • Integration Testing
  • Web Application Testing
  • Software Quality Engineering
 Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in CI/CD environments.
  • Familiarity with rapid release cycles and continuous deployment practices.
  • Experience collaborating closely with software development teams.
  • Passion for software quality, automation, and engineering excellence.