A Day in the Life of an SDET Engineer
The world of tech is full of exciting roles, and one of the coolest is that of a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET). If you’re someone who loves coding but also enjoys the thrill of breaking software to make it better, this might just be your dream job.
Let’s walk through a typical day in the life of an SDET engineer. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about writing tests—it’s a mix of coding, collaboration, and creativity.
Morning: Kicking Off the Day
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Team Stand-Up
The day starts with a stand-up meeting. This is where the team syncs up, shares progress, and discusses any roadblocks. As an SDET, you’ll update your team on the test cases you’ve written, automation progress, or any bugs you’ve identified.
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Reviewing Requirements
Next, it’s time to review requirements for upcoming features. You’ll collaborate with developers, QA testers, and product managers to understand what’s being built and how it should work. This step is crucial to design effective test plans.
Late Morning: Diving Into Code
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Writing Test Automation ScriptsAutomation is a big part of an SDET’s role. You’ll write scripts to test new features, ensuring they meet quality standards. This might involve working with tools like Selenium, Appium, or Postman, depending on whether you’re testing web apps, mobile apps, or APIs.
You’re not just testing functionality—you’re also optimizing code for performance, scalability, and security.
Afternoon: Collaboration & Debugging
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break
Even tech geniuses need fuel. Lunchtime is perfect for unwinding, maybe catching up on tech news, or chatting with colleagues about the latest testing trends.
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Debugging & Root Cause Analysis
Inevitably, bugs will crop up. Whether it’s a glitch in the automation script or an issue in the app itself, you’ll dive into debugging mode. This involves analyzing logs, reproducing the issue, and working closely with developers to fix it.
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Code Reviews & Mentoring
SDETs often participate in or lead code reviews. This is a great opportunity to ensure best practices in test automation and share insights with junior team members.
Late Afternoon: Wrapping Up
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Reporting & Documentation
You’ll wrap up the day by documenting your findings, updating test reports, and sharing them with the team. Clear communication is key to ensuring everyone is aligned on project progress.
5:30 PM: End of Day
Before signing off, you might check your email or Slack for any urgent updates. Then, it’s time to unwind and recharge for another productive day.
Challenges & Rewards
Being an SDET isn’t all smooth sailing. You’ll face challenges like:
Tight Deadlines: Balancing thorough testing with quick turnarounds.Evolving Tech: Staying updated with the latest tools and trends.
But the rewards? They’re worth it. SDETs are highly valued, with competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth. Plus, the satisfaction of ensuring a flawless user experience is unparalleled.
A day in the life of an SDET is dynamic and fulfilling. It’s the perfect mix of coding, testing, and problem-solving. If this sounds like your kind of challenge, why not explore a career in this field?
Start your journey with a comprehensive QA training course like Careerist’s QA program. It’s designed to teach you the skills you need, from automation frameworks to debugging strategies, and help you land a job in tech.
The tech world is waiting—are you ready to dive in?