[Hiring] Principal Test Engineer I - SDET I @Zotec Partners

Role Description

The Principal Test Engineer - SDET I, working with their scrum team, will plan, design and execute both manual and automated functional, integration, performance and/or regression tests. In addition, this position will build and enhance an automation framework used as part of the team’s continuous integration environment. You’ll collaborate with enthusiastic, experienced professionals in an entrepreneurial and fun environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end automation strategy across UI, API, integration, and performance test layers, including designing pipeline-driven automated test execution, and release readiness signals within Azure DevOps CI/CD workflows.
• Expand the automation capabilities of the broader Product Testing team by mentoring testers in modern automation practices, helping shift manual regression effort toward scalable automated coverage.
• Lead performance engineering strategy for web and distributed microservice systems, including design and execution of API load tests using tools such as Locust (Python), creation of distributed load test models, analysis of performance bottlenecks, and integration of performance test suites into CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps).
• Lead and mentor the Product Test team, providing technical guidance and upskilling in test design and automation.
• Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering leadership on framework decisions, tooling strategy, and system architecture.
• Champion adoption of modern testing tools, automation practices, and AI-driven testing approaches.

Proficiency In

• Design and implementation of multi-layered automation frameworks covering UI automation, API integration validation, service-level contract testing, and performance validation suites.
• Programming languages including Python, C#, and working knowledge of .NET frameworks.
• Database and query languages (SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL) for data validation and troubleshooting.
• Managing CI/CD pipelines using GitHub, Azure DevOps, or similar tools.
• Testing microservices, APIs, cloud-based web applications, and distributed systems.

Familiarity With

• Designing and executing distributed performance and load testing strategies for API-driven web applications, including scripting in Python (e.g., Locust), performance data analysis, and performance test integration into CI/CD pipelines.
• Accessibility tools (e.g., Axe) and browser extensions (Requestly, Tweak) for mocking/intercepting requests.
• Exploratory testing within agile sprints.
• Healthcare industry, HIPAA, or PCI compliance considerations (preferred).

Who You Are

• 10+ years of software testing experience, including 6+ years developing and maintaining automation frameworks.
• Previous experience in an SDET role, with demonstrated ownership of automation strategy, framework design, and scalable testing practices.
• 2+ years of software development experience.
• Proven leadership in driving test strategy, influencing engineering practices, and mentoring engineers.
• Strong understanding of testing philosophies, risk-based testing, and modern architectural best practices.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams.
• Experience building automation for cloud-based and microservice applications.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to influence both engineering and executive leadership.
• Growth mindset and continuous learner who follows industry experts and contributes to testing community knowledge.

Team Configuration

This role will work closely with a cross-functional scrum team. The Principal Test Engineer – SDET I will serve as a technical mentor to other testers and may provide leadership influence, though this role does not include direct reports.

Other Ways You Can Contribute

• Work with scrum teams to establish context-driven good software development and testing practices.
• Being a great teammate and willing to coach others on test automation and improve test design.
• Leverage and expand your experience with functional and load testing APIs and web UI.
• Help us create, maintain and improve our automated testing frameworks.
• Determine priorities for test automation to balance operational efficiency with sufficient test coverage.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO) to balance a fulfilling work and personal life.
• Health, dental and vision insurance.
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, and disability.
• Money for your 401k.
• Volunteerism support and charitable gift matching through the Zotec Effect program.
• Tailored learning and professional development opportunities to help you grow your career in ways that matter to you.
• Option to work from home.