How to Become an SDET in Top Product-Based Companies

Can you imagine the chaos and panic that would ensue if...?

If a Major E-Commerce Giant discovered a software bug during an important flash sale.

Can you?

Millions of users eagerly log on to take advantage of a much-anticipated flash sale, the glitch goes unnoticed. 

Unbeknownst to users, each product they add to their shopping carts is multiplied by ten at checkout. 

A nightmare, I know.

Customer support lines are flooded with angry customers. (As expected) 

The site's servers struggle to cope with the sudden surge in traffic (Also expected). This ultimately causes frequent crashes, rendering the site unusable.

In this dire situation, Who is coming with like a knight in shining armour?

Our very own SDET, that's who!

Yup, here the role of a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) becomes absolutely crucial. 

They have the expertise to identify and fix such critical bugs during the testing phase.

Thus, they prevent them from going live and wreaking havoc on a company's operations.

Their testing processes and focus on software quality assurance are vital for preventing such disasters.

As an SDET, you have the power to prevent such disasters. But how do you do it? What are your responsibilities as an SDET? What is an SDET in the first place? 

In this article, we'll look at how you can make it big as an SDET. The skills needed to break into top product-based companies.

What is an SDET?

In simple terms, an SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) is a professional who bridges the gap between software development and testing. 

They are involved in every step of the process. Thus, ensuring the testability, robustness and performance of the software.

They may also contribute to the development of production software designs.

They have expertise in both quality engineering and software development.

The term SDET was coined by Microsoft. Since then it has been adopted by other major technology companies. 

The primary goal of an SDET is to automate repetitive manual tasks in testing. This leads to increased efficiency and reliability in the software testing process.

Hiring an SDET is beneficial for companies. Do you know why?

Because they handle both software development and testing tasks!

This is what makes them a valuable resource. They ensure high-quality code and create efficient testing frameworks. 

Companies are increasingly seeking SDET experts to streamline their product development and testing processes. So, are you going to be a sought-after SDET?

SDET Career Trajectory:

The SDET career path follows a clearly defined career ladder.  Especially, with each step building on the responsibilities of the previous one.

Here's what a typical SDET career looks like:

🟤SDET-1:

These are junior-level professionals with expertise in writing automation scripts. They focus on creating and executing automated tests to ensure software quality.

🟤SDET-2:

Here they gain more experience (duh). Also, they must create reusable tools and automation frameworks.

They will contribute to the development of robust test automation strategies.

🟤Senior SDET:

Additional responsibilities add up such as performing code reviews, participating in design discussions and providing ideas for improvement.

They also contribute to the overall test plan for the product.

🟤SDET Manager:

This is where professionals have the opportunity to move into a management or leadership role. 

SDET Managers not only perform the core duties of their position but also lead and manage teams of SDETs. 

They are responsible for overseeing test projects and ensuring their successful delivery.

The SDET career path offers many opportunities for growth and advancement.

It is a rewarding career path for individuals with a passion for software quality assurance and automation.

Key skills and qualifications required of an SDET:

To succeed as an SDET in product-based organisations, you need to show a unique blend of: 

• Technical skills, 
• Testing acumen and 
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities 

Here are the key skills and qualifications that are sought after in SDET roles:

🟤Automation testing: 

SDETs should have a deep understanding of automation testing principles and methodologies. 

They must be able to create and execute automated test scripts. This is to ensure efficient and reliable testing processes.

🟤Test frameworks and tools: 

Knowledge of various testing frameworks and tools is essential for SDETs. 

They should be familiar with common testing frameworks and tools used for functional, regression and performance testing.

🟤Programming and scripting languages: 

Knowledge of programming languages such as Java, Python, C# or Ruby is essential for SDETs. 

In addition, knowledge of scripting languages would be useful for writing test scripts.

🟤Web and mobile technologies: 

With the increasing focus on web and mobile applications, SDETs need to be well-versed in testing these technologies.

A strong understanding of web technologies, APIs and mobile platforms is an advantage.

🟤Debugging and troubleshooting: 

Strong debugging skills are essential for SDETs. 

They should be adept at identifying, isolating and resolving problems. This will ensure smooth and error-free software performance.

🟤Test automation and framework design:

SDETs need to be able to design and implement test automation frameworks.

These frameworks provide a structured approach to testing. They also improve the efficiency of test automation processes.

🟤Problem-solving and analytical skills: 

As problem solvers, SDETs must have strong analytical skills. They must understand complex software systems to devise effective testing strategies.

🟤Quality Assurance:

SDETs should be familiar with quality assurance principles and methodologies. This will ensure that the software meets the highest quality standards.

General SDET roles and responsibilities:

• SDETs must be skilled in creating and maintaining test automation frameworks. This will enable efficient and reliable testing processes.

• They must also excel at identifying and resolving test failures, code inefficiencies, memory leaks, and other issues that affect software performance.

• They must work with the technical support team to investigate and resolve customer-reported issues. 

• They must work closely with the deployment team. To provide input on testability, resolve system issues, and contribute to product design discussions.

• They also play a critical role in developing CI/CD pipelines with optimised test suites. This creates comprehensive coverage and rapid developer feedback.

• They must research test

Tools and Technologies that an SDET must know:

As SDETs, mastery of various tools and technologies is critical to performing your role effectively.

Here are the key tools and technologies that SDETs should know:

🟤Agile development methodologies: 

SDETs should be comfortable working with agile methodologies such as Sprint/Scrum.

They also need to understand how to apply agile principles to software testing and development processes.

🟤Security testing and OWASP: 

Familiarity with security testing concepts and coding standards is important. As it will ensure that the software is free from security vulnerabilities. 

Understanding the principles of the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is beneficial.

🟤Performance testing using JMeter: 

SDETs should have a basic understanding of performance testing concepts.

They must be able to create scripts using tools such as JMeter to test application performance.

🟤Front-end automation frameworks: 

Familiarity with front-end automation frameworks such as Selenium is essential. Cos, they are widely used to automate UI testing.

🟤Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): 

SDETs should understand CI/CD concepts and be familiar with CI tools such as Jenkins or Bamboo. This will help them handle deployment-related tasks.

🟤Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and SOLID principles: 

Knowledge of OOP concepts and SOLID principles. (Single Responsibility, Open/Closed Principle, Liskov Substitution, Interface Segregation, and Dependency Inversion) 

As they are important for building robust and maintainable code.

🟤Web application architecture: 

Must understand the broad client-server model and web application architecture. It will help to test web-based applications.

🟤Version Control Systems: 

Familiarity with version control systems such as Git is essential.

This is for managing code changes and collaborating with the development team through code reviews and pull requests.

🟤White box testing and mocking frameworks: 

Gain knowledge of white-box testing tools and methodologies. (including mocking frameworks such as Mockito) 

It will enable you to contribute to the development of unit tests as required.

🟤API Testing with POSTMAN: 

Familiarity with API testing clients such as POSTMAN will help to test APIs and web services.

🟤Scripting languages: 

Knowledge of at least one scripting language, such as Python, is essential.

This will aid in creating reusable code and scripts for various automation tasks and frameworks.

🟤Debugging tools: 

It is necessary that they be skilled in troubleshooting.

Be familiar with tools such as Chrome Web Debugger.

As it will help diagnose problems in web applications and analyse network logs.

🟤Testing methodologies and principles: 

A thorough understanding of testing methodologies, test types and principles is fundamental to designing effective and comprehensive test plans and strategies.

Strategies for landing a lucrative SDET role

🟤Improve your technical skills: 

SDETs should work on improving their technical skills in areas such as automation testing, programming languages, test frameworks, and CI/CD tools.

Staying abreast of the latest technologies and trends is essential.

🟤Build a solid portfolio: 

Create a portfolio that showcases your projects, automation scripts, and contributions to open-source projects.

A well-organised portfolio can demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.

🟤Gain practical experience: 

Hands-on experience is invaluable in the SDET field. Look for opportunities to work on real-world projects.

Take on internships, or contribute to testing initiatives in your current role to build your experience.

🟤Keep learning: 

Attend webinars, workshops and industry events to keep abreast of advances in the field. Consider obtaining relevant certifications to add credibility to your profile.

🟤Research target organisations: 

Understand the SDET roles and requirements of the companies you're interested in.

Tailor your skills and portfolio to their needs. Be prepared to demonstrate how you can contribute to their success.

🟤Tailor your CV and cover letter: 

Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application.

Highlight your experience, skills and accomplishments that align with the role you're applying for.

🟤Network and build connections:

Connect with professionals in the software testing and development industry.

Attend networking events and participate in online forums. Try to engage with recruiters and potential employers to build your professional network.

🟤Follow-up and persistence: 

After attending an interview, follow up with a thank you note. 

Show your enthusiasm and persistence in securing the role, but don't be pushy or impatient.

Remember that landing a lucrative SDET role requires a combination of... 

Yup! Technical skills, practical experience, networking and effective communication. 

By improving your skills, you increase your chances of securing a rewarding SDET position.

Wrapping it up:

As the software industry continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled SDETs. 

Companies across the spectrum, from e-commerce giants to cutting-edge tech startups, are actively seeking SDETs.

Why? To strengthen their testing capabilities and to deliver robust, reliable, and user-friendly products.

That is why, for aspiring SDETs, it's essential that you be well-prepared before your interview! Know what they are looking for and give it to them tenfold

Reminder: Continual learning and honing of technical skills are critical to remaining competitive. 

SDETs are essential players in the software development process. 

So if you have a specific product-based company in mind, start preparing. 

In our one-to-one Preplaced Trial session, you can share your doubts or areas you'd like to focus on. And, I'll do my best to help you in a targeted way.

Let's get started! Book you free 1:1 trial session today!