What does Software Engineer in Test do?

Question

Some good software companies like Microsoft or Google look for Software Engineers in testing positions. They expect excellent coding skills in C++ / Java (pick one) + some scripting languages and CS degree. Is this a position for software developer or just re-branded QA ? I'm a software developer and I like refactoring, mocking and unit-testing -> can this be something for me? Of course I'll ask them as soon as I apply but I was just wondering what kind of stuff QA Software Engineer do on a daily basis.

Answer 1

Software Engineers in Test that I have worked with are highly qualified individuals often with quite a broad background, including development/programming, automation, build and deployment, unit-testing, and some systems admin.

I think this varies depending on where the role is, but it shouldn't be considered as re-branded QA, but a development position for a get-things-done person with good problem solving and communication skills. It can be a very fulfilling role.

Answer 2

This type of position is very dependent on the company and the group.

At my job an SDET does as much coding as I do. They difference is what the work on. They tend to do a lot of work on internal tools, test cases and writing/maintaining internal test infrastructure applications. It's certainly not a "play with it till it breaks job" (although they do a bit of that). They do very structured methodical testing of our product.

Answer 3

At Microsoft, Software Development Engineer in Test, i.e. SDETs are definitely not re-branded QA. They mostly do black-box and integration testing, not unit-testing. SDEs are responsible for their own unit-testing. Depending on the product, they also work on file-fuzzing, Localization testing, Application Compatibility testing, Accessibility, etc.

SDETs are in no way considered inferior to SDEs. They play a big part in driving quality in a product, and write as much or more code than SDEs. (I am not an SDET).

Answer 4

I suggest microsoftjobsblog.com as a good resource of information. Regarding SDET:

The SDET position is one of the three core engineering positions at Microsoft, along with program manager and software development engineer. All three positions leverage strong computer science engineering skills, with SDETs leveraging their technical and analytical skills as the primary drivers of quality—no small task! Good SDET candidates help shape our products by:

• Participating in design and code inspections.
• Writing infrastructure tools and code to exercise our products.
• Understanding in exquisite detail how customers will use the product.

In particular:

• Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) inteviews at Microsoft
• What does an SDET hiring manager look for in a resume?
• FAQ

Answer 5

For the long answer on the role of the SDET at Microsoft, How We Test Software at Microsoft (www.hwtsam.com) is a good introduction (disclaimer: I'm the author).