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 EngineeringWhat You'll DoThis 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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