Senior SDET - Python & AI-Driven Testing

Viasat; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 307,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a Software Engineer in Test (SDET) to transform how quality engineering is delivered across its terminal and media server platforms. You will build scalable test platforms, Python tooling, and automation to improve software quality and release confidence, collaborating with teams worldwide.

This is a site-based role requiring 60%+ office presence. You will mentor others, drive AI-assisted quality engineering, and help establish best practices across CI/CD and testing

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Software Engineering, SDET, Automation, or related roles.
• Strong Python development experience, including reusable frameworks, services, libraries, and automation platforms.
• Experience building and scaling automation solutions for large, complex systems.
• Deep understanding of software development fundamentals, including OO design, clean code practices, software architecture, and testing strategies.
• Experience designing and operating CI/CD systems using tools such as Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps.
• Strong Linux expertise, including systems configuration, debugging, automation, and scripting.
• Networking knowledge including TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP/S, DNS, DHCP, REST APIs, and distributed systems concepts.
• Experience working within Agile software development environments.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in globally distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable test and validation platforms supporting Linux-based media server software.
• Build production-quality Python frameworks, libraries, services, and tooling that improve software quality and engineering efficiency.
• Develop reusable automation solutions for integration, system, regression, and end-to-end testing across Viasat's terminal and ground ecosystems.
• Define and evolve automation architecture to support multiple product generations and future platform growth.
• Own and enhance CI/CD infrastructure, automated validation workflows, and engineering productivity tooling used by globally distributed teams.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to code reviews, design discussions, and technical decision-making.
• Drive Shift Left engineering practices by enabling developers to identify and resolve issues earlier in the software lifecycle.

Skills

Python

CI/CD

Linux

Networking

Testing

Agile

Cloud/Virtualization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Tools

Jenkins

GitHub Actions

GitLab CI

Azure DevOps

Job description

Viasat is seeking a Software Engineer in Test (SDET) to transform how quality engineering is delivered across its terminal and media server platforms. You will build scalable test platforms, Python tooling, and automation to improve software quality and release confidence, collaborating with teams worldwide.

This is a site-based role requiring 60%+ office presence. You will mentor others, drive AI-assisted quality engineering, and help establish best practices across CI/CD and testing