Job Title: Led SDET (Automation Engineer)Job DescriptionWe are seeking a highly skilled led Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) with deep expertise in API-level and backend test automation, a strong understanding of distributed systems, and a three-tier architecture. This role is critical to ensuring reliability, resiliency, and integration quality across our advisor, investor, and enterprise platforms. As a led member of the Quality Engineering team, you will partner closely with software engineers, architects, and product owners to build test strategies, validate complex integrations, automate services and workflows, and elevate engineering excellence across the organization.
Responsibilities- Lead quality engineering efforts for backend microservices, APIs, and event-driven integrations.
- Define and drive shift-left testing, including contract testing, service virtualization, and CI-driven automated quality gates.
- Collaborate with architects and led engineers to ensure test strategies align with multi-tier and distributed system architecture principles.
- Design, implement, and maintain automation frameworks for REST APIs, microservices, event streams, and end-to-end workflows.
- Build reusable testing utilities, mocks, and stubs.
- Develop high-coverage integration, component, and contract tests.
- Own planning, risk assessment, and strategy for complex cross-team initiatives.
- Ensure test data management best practices for all automated and manual validation.
- Mentor junior and mid-level QE engineers.
- Review user interfaces for conformity and functionality.
- Analyze test results and advocate for quality in every phase of the development process.
- Document and track bugs to closure.
- Work in an Agile/Scrum environment to deliver high-quality software.
Essential Skills- Bachelor's degree in a technical field, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
- 6+ years in Quality Engineering with advanced automation and backend testing experience.
- Strong programming skills in Java, TypeScript/JavaScript, C3, or Python.
- Hands-on testing experience with REST/gRPC APIs, microservices, distributed systems, and multi-tier architectures.
- Proficiency with automation tools such as Playwright, RestAssured, Karate, Postman/Newman, and pytest.
- Deep understanding of API architecture, authentication (OAuth2, JWT), and CI/CD pipelines.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with resourcefulness, determination, and strong problem-solving skills.
- Positive attitude and the ability to complete assigned objectives with minimal supervision.
Additional Skills & Qualifications- Preferred Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field.
- Experience with AWS cloud services.
- Familiarity with observability tools like Grafana, DataDog, Splunk, and OpenTelemetry.
- Experience with performance testing tools such as k6, JMeter, and Locust.
- Experience in financial services or regulated industries.
Why Work Here?This opportunity allows you to build Quality Engineering from the ground up for a brand-new product, defining strategies and frameworks without legacy constraints. You will have high ownership and technical influence, working directly with architects and Led engineers to shape multi-tier and distributed systems validation. The role offers the chance to work with complex distributed systems and modern tooling, and the opportunity to influence multiple teams over time. Enjoy a clear path to full-time employment and stability at a high-growth financial firm.
Work EnvironmentThis is a hybrid position, requiring onsite presence three times a week in either the Fort Mill, SC office or the Austin, TX office. The role involves collaborating with a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment, using modern technologies and methodologies.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $65.00 - $70.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Austin,TX.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Mar 6, 2026.
>About TEKsystems:
We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.