Principal SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test)

ZipRecruiter; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global tech leader is seeking a Principal SDET for its Belfast hub. In this senior role, you will lead the design and implementation of automation frameworks and manage a high-performing offshore team. This position offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits, including flexible working and opportunities for continuous learning.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent bonus and pension

Healthcare

Dental care

Flexible working

Continuous learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a senior or principal-level SDET or QA architect.
• Expert in test automation frameworks, especially Playwright.
• Strong background in testing cloud applications on AWS.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of test automation frameworks and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Mentor offshore SDET team and drive quality initiatives.
• Integrate testing into all stages of development.

Skills

Test Automation

Java

Python

Cloud Applications

AWS

CI/CD

Leadership

Tools

Playwright

Job description

Job Description

Principal SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test)

Location: Belfast (Hybrid)

Are you a senior test automation expert ready to shape the future of quality engineering at a global scale? Join our client’s fast-growing engineering hub in Belfast, where innovation meets impact.

Our client is seeking a Principal SDET to lead the design, development, and implementation of world-class test automation frameworks and strategies. You will act as a technical authority, collaborating with cross-functional teams and leading an offshore SDET team, driving quality across a modern, cloud-based stack.

What You’ll Do:

• Architect and implement scalable, maintainable, and efficient test automation solutions using Java, Python, Playwright, and AWS.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a high-performing offshore SDET team, ensuring best practices and engineering excellence.
• Collaborate closely with product owners, developers, and DevOps to integrate testing into every stage of the development lifecycle.
• Drive test strategy, including performance, integration, and end-to-end automation.
• Champion quality engineering principles and advocate for testability, CI/CD, and observability in our platform.

What You’ll Bring:

• Extensive experience as a senior or principal-level SDET, QA architect, or similar role.
• Deep expertise in test automation frameworks (preferably Playwright) and programming in Java and Python.
• Strong background in testing cloud- applications on AWS.
• Proven experience leading offshore or distributed QA teams in a global engineering environment.
• A passion for clean code, DevOps, and continuous improvement.

Why Join?

• Be part of a global tech leader with a growing presence in Belfast.
• Lead meaningful work on mission-critical systems used by millions.
• Competitive salary, excellent bonus and pension, healthcare, dental care, flexible working, and continuous learning opportunities.
• A collaborative culture that values innovation, autonomy, and growth.