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Sr 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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All JobsSr Software Development Engineer In Test JobsSr Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in San Diego, CA

Sr Software Development Engineer In Test information

See San Diego, CA salary details

$23.9K

$133.3K

$173.6K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr 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 is a Sr Software Development Engineer in Test?

A Sr Software Development Engineer In Test (Sr SDET) is a senior-level professional responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated test frameworks and tools to ensure the quality of software products. They work closely with developers and other QA team members to create robust testing strategies, identify defects, and improve the overall software development process. Sr SDETs have advanced programming skills, deep knowledge of test automation, and often mentor junior team members. Their goal is to enable efficient, reliable, and scalable automated testing throughout the software development lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Software Development Engineer in Test?

To thrive as a Sr Software Development Engineer In Test, you need advanced programming skills (such as Java, Python, or C#), deep understanding of software testing methodologies, and a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise with automation frameworks (like Selenium or Cypress), CI/CD tools (Jenkins, Git), and test management systems is typically required, along with certifications such as ISTQB being beneficial. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong collaboration and communication skills distinguish standout professionals in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable software products through efficient test automation and seamless teamwork.

What are some common challenges faced by a Sr Software Development Engineer in Test when working on large-scale projects?

Sr Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) often encounter challenges such as managing complex test automation frameworks, ensuring comprehensive test coverage for rapidly evolving codebases, and coordinating with multiple development and QA teams. Balancing the need for speed in continuous integration pipelines with maintaining high-quality standards can also be demanding. Additionally, SDETs are frequently responsible for mentoring junior testers and advocating for best testing practices across cross-functional teams, which requires strong communication and leadership skills.

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

AspectSr Software Development Engineer In TestSoftware Development Engineer In Test
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related, experience in automation testingBachelor's in CS or related, focus on automation skills
Work EnvironmentDesigns and develops complex test frameworks, leads testing initiativesDevelops and maintains test scripts, executes testing
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, especially in QA and testing teamsCommon in software development companies, focusing on testing automation

The main difference is that a Sr Software Development Engineer In Test typically has more experience, leads testing efforts, and designs complex testing frameworks, while a Software Development Engineer In Test primarily focuses on developing and executing test scripts. Both roles require strong automation skills and are vital in ensuring software quality, but the senior role involves more leadership and strategic testing responsibilities.

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Sr Software Development Engineer In Test jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr 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 10 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.