Senior SDET / Software Engineer in Test (Contract)
Location: Hybrid – Nashville, TN (3 days onsite)
Duration: 6-month contract (no conversion expected)
Schedule: 40 hours per week
Start: ASAP (typically ~2 weeks post-offer pending background checks)
Overview
We are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to support a large-scale enterprise data exchange initiative. This is a hands-on role focused on advanced test automation, CI/CD integration, and overall test strategy ownership for critical, high-visibility systems.
You’ll work closely with QA leadership, engineering teams, and enterprise application stakeholders to ensure quality, reliability, and performance are embedded throughout the development lifecycle.
What You’ll Do
Design, build, and maintain enterprise-level automation frameworks
Own test strategy across functional, regression, integration, and performance testing
Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines and development workflows
Partner with engineers to shift quality left and improve release confidence
Mentor junior QA/SDET team members and raise overall QA maturity
Ensure enterprise-grade reliability and performance of mission-critical applications
Required Experience
Senior-level SDET experience in enterprise environments
Strong automation experience using tools such as Selenium WebDriver, TestNG, Appium, and Neoload
Proven experience integrating automated testing into CI/CD pipelines
Proficiency in at least one programming language used for test libraries/frameworks (C#, Java, or Python)
Experience owning test strategy rather than only executing test cases
Nice to Have
Performance and load testing experience in complex systems
Experience influencing QA standards across multiple teams or applications
Background working in highly regulated or large-scale enterprise environments
Why This Role
Senior, hands-on SDET role with real ownership
Direct influence on enterprise QA standards and CI/CD practices
Opportunity to mentor teams and drive long-term quality improvements
High-impact project supporting critical data and application workflows
Additional Details
Hybrid onsite requirement in Nashville
Competitive hourly contract rate
Interview process includes one virtual round and one onsite round
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.