1

Sr Software Development Engineer In Test Jobs in San Jose, CA

Staff/Senior SDET

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$129K - $168K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a Staff/Senior SDET to join our growing team. This is a hands-on, builder-first role - you'll spend most of your time testing and writing code: designing and building ...

Showing results 21-40

Sr Software Development Engineer In Test information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$26.4K

$147.2K

$191.6K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr software development engineer in test in San Jose, CA is $147,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,500.00 and $168,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Sr Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in San Jose, CA? For Sr Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in San Jose, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sr Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in San Jose, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Sr Software Development Engineer In Test jobs in San Jose, CA are:
What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Sr Software Development Engineer In Test jobs? Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Sr Software Development Engineer In Test job openings:
Infographic showing various Sr Software Development Engineer In Test job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,156 per year, or $70.7 per hour.

Senior Software Development Engineer in Test - SDET

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$129K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 hours ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 242 rated software companies


Job description

We are looking for Senior Software Development Engineer in Test to join our Compute CUDA Quality Assurance team for NVIDIA's Enterprise SWQA release schedules. Are you passionate about automation development, test and validation infrastructure? Do you excel using AI tools to aid in solving complex issues? We'd love to have your skills on the team!
As an engineer on this automation team, you will automate testbench independent test specification and execution workflows for worldwide chip validation teams running tests on silicon along with automation framework/infrastructure development. You will develop a system operating at large scale, running hundreds of tests per day in distributed heterogeneous servers with NVIDIA's GPUs connect to verify multiple designs/POR in many configurations those are sitting in automation farm or in cloud. You will continuously innovate and develop scalable, reliable, high performance systems and tools to enable the next generation of chips.
What you'll be doing:
  • Develop test plan and orchestrate testing for Compute software releases on all new compute architecture platforms including Tesla GPUs, Nvidia turnkey systems and OEM systems.
  • Develop a robust test infrastructure incorporating advanced AI tools to significantly enhance our testing capabilities and streamlining operations for more efficient and accurate results.
  • Improve code coverage, elevating the overall quality of our codebase and reliability of our testing processes and develop roadmaps prioritizing software development schedule for full life-cycle of tool development, test, and deployment
  • Collaborate across teams to identify new features and lead developers in definition, automation implementation, and productization of those features in timely manner
  • Build and operate key pieces of a complete infrastructure for automation framework development, as well as, lead and develop automation support and participate in automation of manual test cases, working closely with automation infrastructure
  • Focus on an efficient customer experience by improving both usability and ease to attain optimal performance
  • Test both software functionality and internal code/structure and run regression tests for existing CUDA/Driver features.
  • Work in a dynamic agile software development team with very high production quality standards.

What we need to see:
  • BS or MS in Engineering (or equivalent experience) with 5+ years testing SW development cycle.
  • Solid understanding of embedded systems, Linux, Python, C and C++.
  • Experience with cloud infrastructure is a big plus
  • Proven experience with AI tools for automation and test plan development directly applied to daily tasks. This expertise is crucial for enhancing performance, developing robust frameworks, and increasing test coverage.
  • Strong technical skills, with deep understanding of orchestration & automation systems, data centers and cloud architecture combined.
  • Solid understanding in QA methodology and pay attention to details.
  • Knowledge in Cluster and cluster management
  • Experience in developing test strategies, high quality test plans and test execution
  • Proficient in building test setups and fine tuning in HW and SW along with hardware and software components that enable cloud computing services.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:
  • Expertise in packaging software in Linux (rpms, debs) and knowledge in Linux distribution (Centos, Ubuntu, SLES, RedHat, Fedora)
  • Apply AI-powered tools to improve efficiency and quality, including test case/plan/script generation, defect detection, CBTP, bug fixing and day to day assistance
  • Experience with Configuration and deployment management (Ansible), Containers (Docker) and Virtualization infrastructure software (Xen, KVM)
  • Good understanding of C/C++ toolchain in Linux including cross-compilation (C, C++, automake/autoconf, cmake, meson).
  • Background with parallel programming, ideally CUDA C/C++ and OpenACC

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most brilliant people on the planet working for us. If you're creative and autonomous, we want to hear from you!
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 140,000 USD - 224,250 USD for Level 3, and 168,000 USD - 270,250 USD for Level 4.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 7, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993