Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) - Backend Focus

ITRS; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Vision, Dental coverage

HSA & FSA

Employee Assistance Programme

401(k)

Commuter benefits

Enhanced Parental Leave

20 days holiday + public holidays + 3 days paid volunteering leave

Job summary

A leading IT observability solutions provider in Chicago is seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) with a strong focus on backend testing. The role involves designing and executing comprehensive testing solutions for distributed systems. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience, strong programming skills, and proficiency with tools like Docker and Kubernetes. This position offers a hybrid work model and a competitive salary range of $100,000 to $140,000.

Qualifications

• 5+ years as an SDET or QA engineer, focusing on backend/platform testing.
• Strong programming skills in Java, Go, Python, or Bash.
• Hands-on experience with cloud deployments and containerization.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute comprehensive backend platform-level testing.
• Maintain and enhance performance testing infrastructure.
• Collaborate with backend engineers to define test strategies.

Skills

Backend/platform testing

Java

Go

Python

Bash

Docker

Kubernetes

Performance testing tools

CI/CD

DevOps

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Kafka

PostgreSQL

ClickHouse

Keycloak

Job description

Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) - Backend Focus

Join us at ITRS, a leader in IT observability solutions for regulated industries, to build robust, scalable backend testing solutions. This role focuses on platform‑level testing for our backend software, ensuring reliability, performance, and scalability in distributed systems.

Scope of Role

Senior SDET based in Chicago, with hybrid work (1-2 days in the office). Salary $100,000 - $140,000.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute comprehensive backend platform‑level testing, including functional, performance, load, stress, and integration testing for distributed services.
• Build, maintain, and enhance our performance testing infrastructure, including custom labs and automation frameworks.
• Develop automated tools and scripts for sizing measurements, resource assessments (CPU, memory, storage), and deployment simulations.
• Collaborate with backend engineers to define test strategies, review requirements, and integrate QA throughout the product lifecycle.
• Drive adoption of best practices in QA automation and performance engineering, focusing on continuous improvement.
• Mentor team members on advanced testing practices and automation development.

Requirements

• 5+ years as an SDET or QA engineer, focusing on backend/platform testing (distributed systems, APIs, services).
• Strong programming skills in Java, Go, Python, or Bash, with experience building custom automation frameworks.
• Hands‑on experience with cloud deployments, containerization, and orchestration – Docker, Kubernetes.
• Deep knowledge of backend technologies, Kafka, PostgreSQL, ClickHouse, Keycloak.
• Proficiency in performance testing tools (JMeter, Locust, k6, Gatling) and automation pipelines.
• Solid understanding of networking, CI/CD, DevOps, and test integration.
• Excellent problem‑solving, debugging, and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a collaborative mindset for a globally distributed team.
• Passion for backend platforms, performance engineering, and automation.
• Based in Chicago, available for hybrid work.
• Bachelor’s degree in CS, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Benefits

• Health, Vision, Dental coverage
• HSA & FSA
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Advocate, Talk Space, One Medical, Teladoc
• 401(k)
• Commuter benefits
• Remote Hybrid Working
• Enhanced Parental Leave
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• 20 days holiday + public holidays + 3 days paid volunteering leave
• Referral Bonus
• Buy and Sell Holiday
• Training Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Statement

ITRS is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive environment where all employees can be authentic selves.