Senior Software Development Engineer in Test

The Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (Senior SDET) is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated testing frameworks and infrastructure that support the quality and reliability of Our Client software platforms. This role collaborates closely with manual QA engineers, developers, and product teams to implement scalable test automation solutions across backend services, APIs, and complex enterprise systems running on Windows and Linux.

*Provide hands-on technical guidance and work direction for automation initiatives, ensuring scalable and maintainable solutions. *Guide and mentor test automation engineers on automation framework design, coding standards, and best practices. *Support onboarding and upskilling of team members in automation tools, frameworks, and development workflows. *Act as a technical escalation point for complex automation challenges, system integration issues, and test reliability concerns. *Drive consistency in automation standards, code quality, and engineering practices across the team. *Design and maintain scalable test automation frameworks supporting functional, integration, and regression testing across backend services and vehicle-mounted systems. *Develop automated tests for APIs, backend services, and edge/mobile systems running on Windows Embedded (WES7) and Linux environments. *Implement and maintain automation within CI/CD pipelines to support continuous testing and reliable nightly regression execution. Develop and maintain automated API test suites (REST/SOAP) and validate system behavior across service layers. *Perform database validation and data verification to support end-to-end automation coverage. *Collaborate with product developers, QA engineers, and product teams to improve test coverage, testability, and automation strategy. *Analyze test failures, investigate defects, and assist engineering teams with troubleshooting and root cause analysis across system layers.

• Independently learn complex product functionality and expand automation coverage across legacy and modern product areas, including field-deployed systems.
• Leverage AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Claude-based assistants, Playwright for UI automation, and AI-assisted workflows that support automation development, debugging, and test generation.
• Document automation frameworks, testing approaches, and standards to support team knowledge sharing and consistency.
• Review, assess, and enhance existing automation frameworks to improve scalability, maintainability, and overall effectiveness.
• Other duties as assigned., (Next 12 Months Impact)
• Reduces regression effort (15-25%) and protects release timelines
• Improves delivery predictability and release confidence as complexity grows
• Expands automation in business-critical areas through hands-on development and ownership
• Reduces single-thread dependency with clear technical direction and execution
• Increases team effectiveness via hands-on mentorship, improving sustainability and retention
• Enhances product quality and operational stability with earlier defect detection
• Introduces a net-new, hands-on capability, not duplicating existing roles, while accelerating delivery as system complexity grows.
• Acts as a force multiplier - turning automation from “script execution” into a scalable, sustainable engineering capability

Why Hays?

You will be working with a professional recruiter who has intimate knowledge of the industry and market trends. Your Hays recruiter will lead you through a thorough screening process in order to understand your skills, experience, needs, and drivers. You will also get support on resume writing, interview tips, and career planning, so when there’s a position you really want, you’re fully prepared to get it.

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• Strong programming proficiency in Python and C#, with working knowledge of JavaScript for UI/web-based automation
• Ability to design, build, and maintain scalable test automation frameworks across enterprise applications, including backend services, web/desktop interfaces, and field-deployed systems in Windows and/or Linux environments.
• Ability to perform API and data validation testing, including REST/SOAP services, with strong SQL skills for data verification
• Ability to implement UI automation and understand web technologies, including tools such as Selenium, Playwright, or similar frameworks (HTML, CSS)
• Ability to work within modern development ecosystems, including CI/CD pipelines, version control systems (e.g., Git/SVN), and cross-platform environments.
• Strong understanding of software testing methodologies, with proven ability in troubleshooting, debugging, AI-assisted development, and independently navigating complex, legacy systems.

• Post-secondary education in the area of Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, and/or equivalent combination of education/experience Minimum of 6 years of experience in software testing, automation development, or SDET roles required.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience designing and implementing automation frameworks in enterprise software environments.

The final salary or hourly wage, as applicable, paid to each candidate/applicant for this position is ultimately dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s/applicant’s qualifications, skills, and level of experience as well as the geographical location of the position.

Hays is committed to building a thriving culture of diversity that embraces people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better we serve our candidates, clients, and employees. We are an equal employment opportunity employer, and we comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, HIV-positive status, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. One of Hays’ guiding principles is ‘do the right thing’. We also believe that actions speak louder than words. In that regard, we train our staff on ensuring inclusivity throughout the entire recruitment process and counsel our clients on these principles. If you have any questions about Hays or any of our processes, please contact us.

In accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, Hays will attempt to reasonably accommodate those individuals unless doing so would create an undue hardship on the company. Any qualified applicant or consultant with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should call or text 813.336.5570.