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Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in Carlsbad, CA

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$73K - $132K/yr

Join us and make a difference in National Security! The Software Test Engineer will join an agile development team building a mobilefocused user application. This role is responsible for ensuring ...

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Join us and make a difference in National Security! The Software Test Engineer will join an agile development team building a mobile-focused user application. This role is responsible for ensuring ...

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

The Software Test Engineer will be part of a dynamic team working in an agile software development environment that is building a user application to run on mobile device form factors. The Software ...

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

The Software Test Engineer will be part of a dynamic team working in an agile software development environment that is building a user application to run on mobile device form factors. The Software ...

The Software Test Engineer will be part of a dynamic team working in an agile software development environment that is building a user application to run on mobile device form factors. The Software ...

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

The Software Test Engineer will be part of a dynamic team working in an agile software development environment that is building a user application to run on mobile device form factors. The Software ...

Software Test Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

The Software Test Engineer will be part of a dynamic team working in an agile software development environment that is building a user application to run on mobile device form factors. The Software ...

We are seeking a test engineer that has a strong background and belief in software testing and can ... in test development and test automation development including, but not limited to thorough ...

We are seeking a test engineer that has a strong background and belief in software testing and can ... Demonstrated experience in test development and test automation development including, but not ...

Showing results 41-60

Software Development Engineer In Test information

See Carlsbad, CA salary details

$11

$56

$77

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

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for software development engineer in test in Carlsbad, CA is $56.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.86 and $64.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is SDET still in demand?

Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) remain in demand due to the increasing emphasis on automation, quality assurance, and continuous integration in software development. SDETs with skills in programming, testing frameworks, and tools like Selenium or Jenkins are highly sought after across various industries, especially in organizations adopting Agile and DevOps practices.

What is the role of a software development engineer in testing?

A Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) designs, develops, and maintains automated test frameworks and scripts to ensure software quality. They collaborate with development teams to identify testing requirements, write test cases, and use tools like Selenium or JUnit to execute tests, often integrating testing into continuous integration pipelines.

Is SDET a good career?

A Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) is a valuable role that combines software development and testing skills to improve product quality. SDETs often work with automation tools, programming languages, and testing frameworks, making it a technically demanding and in-demand career path with good growth prospects. It is suitable for those interested in both coding and quality assurance.

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

AspectSoftware Development Engineer In TestSoftware Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing automated tests, ensuring software qualityDeveloping software applications and features
Skills & CertificationsProgramming, testing frameworks, automation toolsProgramming, software design, system architecture
Work EnvironmentQuality assurance teams, development teams, testing labsDevelopment teams, product teams, engineering environments
Industry UsageTech companies, software firms, QA departmentsTech companies, startups, software product companies

While both roles require strong programming skills, Software Development Engineer In Test focuses on automation and testing to ensure software quality, whereas Software Engineers primarily develop new features and applications. Both roles are integral to software development but serve different aspects of the product lifecycle.

How does a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) typically collaborate with developers and QA teams during the software development lifecycle?

As an SDET, you'll work closely with both software developers and quality assurance teams throughout the development process. Your role involves participating in design and code reviews to ensure testability, creating automated test frameworks, and writing test cases alongside developers. You'll also help identify bugs early, contribute to continuous integration pipelines, and facilitate communication between development and QA to ensure high-quality releases. This collaborative environment allows you to bridge the gap between coding and testing, making you a key player in delivering reliable software.

What is a Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET)?

A Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) is a professional who combines software development skills with expertise in testing to ensure the quality of software products. SDETs design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks, write test scripts, and work closely with developers to identify and resolve defects early in the software development lifecycle. They play a critical role in integrating testing into the development process, improving test coverage, and enabling continuous integration and delivery. SDETs often have strong programming abilities and a deep understanding of both software engineering and quality assurance best practices.

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

To thrive as a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), you need a solid background in software engineering principles, programming skills (often in languages like Java, Python, or C#), and a strong understanding of testing methodologies. Familiarity with automated testing frameworks (such as Selenium, JUnit, or TestNG), CI/CD tools, and sometimes certifications like ISTQB are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills that help SDETs collaborate with developers and identify issues efficiently. These skills are crucial to ensure robust, scalable, and high-quality software products through efficient test design and automation.

Will QA or SDET get replaced by AI?

Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) and QA professionals perform complex testing tasks that require critical thinking, creativity, and understanding of system design, 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. Therefore, SDET roles are likely to evolve with AI rather than be completely replaced.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Carlsbad, CA? The most popular types of Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in Carlsbad, CA are:
What cities near Carlsbad, CA are hiring for Software Development Engineer In Test jobs? Cities near Carlsbad, CA with the most Software Development Engineer In Test job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Development Engineer In Test job openings in Carlsbad, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,161 per year, or $56.8 per hour.
Software Test Engineer

Software Test Engineer

Leidos

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

$73K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 454 rated business services


Job description

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Software Test Engineer in our National Security Sector's (NSS) Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!

The Software Test Engineer will join an agile development team building a mobilefocused user application. This role is responsible for ensuring product quality through both manual and automated testing of the user interface and backend components.

The engineer will proactively support all testing activities, collaborate with System Engineers, Developers, and fellow Testers, and contribute to accurate, wellwritten test documentation.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Author and execute manual and automated test cases to ensure product requirements are met.

  • Author and maintain tools, techniques, and practices for assuring the testing of the product.

  • Participate in agile planning events, analysis and design events, and reviews

  • Ensure that quality checks and acceptance criteria are satisfied before code merges can occur.

  • Ensure complete and timely reporting on bugs and test results.

  • Identify, analyze, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.

  • Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.

  • Write testing documentation and help finalize all system and software documentation CDRLs for the program.

  • Familiarity working on programs using the Agile Scrum methodology

  • Familiarity working with SKLs and ECUs

Required Qualifications:

  • Position requires US citizenship and an active Secret DoD security clearance

  • Bachelor's Degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 4-8 years of software development testing experience. Will consider experience in lieu of a degree.

  • At least 5 years of experience in software testing and/or software development.

  • Experience with a scripting language: Python, JavaScript, and related others.

  • Experience with implementing regression testing for software.

  • Experience performing "illity" testing, especially performance testing.

  • Familiarity and/or experience using automated test tools on software projects.

  • The ability to communicate effectively with both Product Owners and software developers.

  • Knowledge of Agile Development methodologies.

  • DoD 8570 approved security certification (i.e., Security +) (Will berequired90 days after hire).

Preferred (some subset of the following):

  • Ability to identify efficiencies and process improvements between the development and testing disciplines.

  • Experience with a version control system (e.g., Git, SVN).

  • Experience with an issue/problem tracking system (e.g., VersionOne, Jira).

  • Experience with continuous integration environments (e.g., Jenkins).

Desired Skills:

  • Experience using Squish for Qt.

  • Familiarity with Crypto and COMSEC

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:July 7, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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