Principal SDET (Software Development Test

Location: Chicago, IL
Salary: $185,000.00 USD Annually - $220,000.00 USD Annually
Description: Principal SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test)

Integration, Automation, and End-to-End Quality Engineering
What You'll Do

This role is built for someone who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments where systems are deeply interconnected and quality engineering is mission-critical. As the Principal SDET, you'll own the integration testing strategy across multiple products, driving both manual and automated validation at scale. You'll be the technical backbone of end-to-end quality-architecting test environments, building automation frameworks, partnering with distributed teams, and ensuring releases land clean, stable, and production-ready.
Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute the integration testing strategy for assigned platforms and services.
• Build, enhance, and maintain automated test frameworks (Gherkin/Cucumber) and API-level validation suites.
• Lead the testing and automation function across cross-functional teams, including offshore engineering partners.
• Execute test plans, document results clearly, and present findings to engineering leadership.
• Review release notes and translate them into integration-focused test plans and automation coverage.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to resolve issues pre- and post-release.
• Triage, categorize, and document defects with clear severity and reproducibility details in JIRA.
• Drive functional and non-functional testing, including performance, data validation, and system behavior under load.
• Track open issues, retest resolved items, and ensure closure quality meets standards.
• Provide technical direction to other testers and engineers working on integrated systems.
• Build new automation capabilities for integration, reconciliation, and data-driven testing.
• Partner with business stakeholders to define requirements and testing needs for new features and enhancements.
• Manage release cycles for complex systems, identifying impacts, risks, and optimization opportunities.
• Support regression testing and introduce required changes as new releases roll out.
• Provide ongoing support for system issues, user inquiries, and scheduled operational activities.
• Create and maintain reporting dashboards and metrics for ongoing business needs.
• Lead day-to-day activities and delivery schedules for external implementation partners when applicable.
• Maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and vendors to ensure solutions meet current and future needs.
• Manage status reporting, quality metrics, and communication across teams.
• Maintain documentation, processes, and compliance-related requirements.
• Support regulatory and audit-related activities.
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Deep experience in testing and QA automation within complex, distributed/event-driven environments.
• Strong technical foundation with the ability to architect test environments and end-to-end validation flows.
• Proven ability to operate in high-speed, high-innovation engineering cultures.
• Strong customer orientation and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, confidential environment with shifting priorities.
• Solid understanding of SDLC and hands-on experience implementing software applications.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical behavior.
• Experience working within Agile delivery teams.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional and offshore teams.

Technical Skills

• Automation testing using Gherkin/Cucumber and modern automation frameworks.
• Strong API testing experience, including high-volume and complex data flows.
• Kafka or other event-driven/streaming platforms.
• Postgres and strong SQL/data validation experience.
• Experience with message queuing and event sourcing tools (Kafka, MQ, etc.).
• Programming experience in Python, Java, or similar languages.
• Experience building data transformation and validation tools.
• Familiarity with JIRA for issue tracking and workflow management.
• Experience with AI-assisted testing or tooling (Claude AI or similar) is a strong plus.
• Experience implementing and configuring business processes.
• Strong understanding of data structures, reporting, and dashboards.
• Security testing experience is preferred.
• Experience with complex financial, risk, or clearing systems is a plus.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience with manual and automated testing technologies.
• 5+ years of experience designing, implementing, and supporting integration testing across multiple functional areas.
• 2+ years of experience in financial services, capital markets, or similarly complex domains.

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