> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2706114-lead-software-development-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2706114-lead-software-development-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Software Development Engineer - **Company:** Point Digital Finance - **Location:** Palo Alto, CA, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $181,450.0 - $200,550.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** JavaScript (Programming Language), Adobe InDesign, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Automation of Tests, Unit Testing, Software as a Service, Software Quality, Code Review, Continuous Integration, Relational Databases, Software Debugging, Programming Tools, Distributed Systems, Github, Python (Programming Language), Open Source Technology, Productivity Software, Software Architecture, E2e Testing, Ruby, Selenium, Software Engineering, SQL Databases, Test Execution Engine, TypeScript, Software Organization, Cloud Platform System, Performance Testing, Large Language Models, Cypress (Programming Language), Backend, Playwright - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/lead-sdet-point-digital-finance-8997512 ## About the Role * 8+ years of experience in Software Quality Engineering, with extensive hands-on experience in test automation. * Expert proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript; experience with additional languages (e.g., Python, Ruby/Rails) is a plus. * Deep expertise with modern automation frameworks (e.g., Playwright, Selenium, Cypress) across UI, API, and backend testing. * Strong understanding of software architecture, distributed systems, CI/CD pipelines, and modern software development practices. * Experience designing and evolving scalable automation frameworks and reusable testing solutions. * Hands-on experience leveraging AI/LLM-powered tools to improve test generation, automation maintenance, engineering productivity, or developer workflows. * Experience with cloud environments and modern developer tools, including GitHub Actions. * Strong knowledge of relational databases and the ability to write efficient SQL queries. * Excellent analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills. * Proven ability to mentor engineers, drive technical initiatives, and influence engineering best practices across teams. * Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to partner effectively across Engineering, Product, and Design. Nice to have * Experience building internal developer platforms or engineering productivity tools. * Experience with contract testing, component testing, performance testing, and observability platforms. * Experience testing AI-enabled applications or evaluating LLM-based systems. * Contributions to open-source testing tools, technical blogs, or conference presentations. * Experience working in high-growth SaaS or fintech environments. Compensation at Point will be determined by skills, experience, and geographic location. Point has identified the expected annual base salary for this role at this level based on the market by tiers (Region | Location | Market Salary) ## Description As a Lead Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) at Point, you will be a technical leader within the Quality Engineering organization, driving the design, scalability, reliability, and maintainability of our quality engineering solutions across multiple product areas. You will partner closely with Engineering, Product, and Design leaders to embed quality into every stage of software development-from architecture and implementation to deployment and production monitoring. This is a hands-on individual contributor role focused on building scalable automation frameworks, improving developer productivity, and driving modern quality engineering practices. You will lead cross-team quality initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and leverage AI-powered testing solutions to enhance testing, reduce production risk, and help engineering teams deliver high-quality software with confidence. Your responsibilities * Design, build, and evolve scalable automation frameworks for UI, API, backend services, and end-to-end testing. * Drive adoption of modern testing practices, including API, integration, component, contract, and risk-based testing, to reduce test execution time and accelerate engineering feedback cycles. * Build reusable automation libraries, tooling, and workflows that improve developer productivity and automation reliability. * Partner with Engineering, Product, and Design teams to improve application testability, reliability, and overall product quality. * Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines and continuously improve test execution speed, stability, and coverage. * Define, track and analyze quality metrics, automation health, defect trends, and production issues to identify opportunities for improvement. * Leverage AI-powered testing solutions to improve test generation, maintenance, prioritization, and engineering efficiency. * Lead cross-team quality initiatives, providing technical guidance and promoting quality engineering best practices. * Participate in design and code reviews, providing guidance to improve application quality, testability, and maintainability. * Mentor and coach Quality Engineers and SDETs through technical guidance, code reviews, and automation best practices. * Collaborate with engineering teams throughout the software development lifecycle to ensure high-quality, reliable product releases. ## Related Videos - [Coffee with Developers: David Heinemeier Hansson](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/875-coffee-with-developers-david-heinemeier-hansson) - [Innovating Developer Tools with AI: Insights from GitHub Next](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1268-innovating-developer-tools-with-ai-insights-from-github-next) - [Developing the Backend with Stefan Lingler, CTO at Shpock](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100360-developing-the-backend-with-stefan-lingler-cto-at-shpock) - [Inside Bitpanda's Tech Stack: Scaling a European Fintech Leader - Markus Dorner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1979-inside-bitpanda-s-tech-stack-scaling-a-european-fintech-leader-markus-dorner) - [Coroutine explained yet again 60 years later](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/690-coroutine-explained-yet-again-60-years-later) - [Throwing off the burdens of scale in engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/608-throwing-off-the-burdens-of-scale-in-engineering) ## Related Articles - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? Realistic Software Engineering Salaries](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/425-how-much-does-a-software-engineer-make-realistic-software-engineering-salaries) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [How Much FAANG Companies Actually Pay Software Engineers in 2025](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/230-how-much-faang-companies-actually-pay-software-engineers-in-2025) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Are Software Engineer Wages Being Pushed Down? A Report on Tech Salaries](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/417-are-software-engineer-wages-being-pushed-down-a-report-on-tech-salaries) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)