SDET

Job Description - SDET (AI / Automation-Focused)

Charlotte, NC

rate only on w2

Overview

We are looking to add a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to a high-performing AI product team. This is not a traditional QA role we need a developer-minded engineer who can build automated testing frameworks from scratch and take ownership of quality engineering across a technical, AI-driven platform.

This is a greenfield testing environment, so the right candidate will be excited by the opportunity to define and build the testing strategy and infrastructure.

What We re Looking For

• Developer-first mindset (not a manual QA tester)
• Strong interest in automation, quality engineering, and testing systems
• Comfortable working in a highly technical, AI-based product environment
• Someone who can figure things out without pre-existing frameworks

Core Responsibilities

• Design and build automated testing frameworks from scratch
• Develop and maintain Python-based test automation
• Partner closely with engineers to:
  • Understand how the application is supposed to work
  • Validate behavior and identify failure modes
• Test AI-driven functionality, including:
  • Prompt-based workflows
  • Output validation and edge cases
• Help define the overall testing strategy and best practices for the team

Required Skills

• Strong Python experience (must-have)
• Experience building automated test frameworks
• Background as a developer or SDET (not just QA)
• Ability to:
  • Write code confidently
  • Work in an unstructured / greenfield environment
• Strong communication skills:
  • Must be able to understand application behavior and validate outcomes effectively

Nice to Have

• Experience testing React-based front-end applications
• Familiarity with AI/LLM ecosystems:
  • General understanding of LLMs, prompts, and AI workflows
  • Exposure to tools like LangChain / LangGraph
• Cloud experience (helpful but not required)

What Success Looks Like

• Builds a scalable testing framework from the ground up
• Becomes a key contributor in ensuring product quality and reliability
• Helps the team better understand and test AI-specific behaviors and risks
• Acts as a strong partner to engineering (not a downstream QA function)