<p>Software Engineer in Test (SDET) – Java (Backend)</p><p><strong>Hybrid – Washington, DC </strong></p><p><br></p><p>Job Summary</p><p>We’re hiring a <strong>Software Engineer in Test (SDET)</strong> who can <strong>write automation code in Java</strong> and owns the <strong>full backend testing lifecycle</strong> for modern service-based systems. This role is <strong>100% backend</strong> (no UI/front-end testing) and focuses on validating <strong>microservices and APIs</strong> running in a containerized environment. You’ll work closely with engineering and product teams to identify risk early, build reliable automated coverage, and speak up when something isn’t ready.</p><p>Responsibilities</p><ul><li>Build and maintain <strong>Java-based automated tests</strong> for backend services and APIs.</li><li>Execute and improve the <strong>end-to-end testing process</strong> (test planning, test execution, defect validation, regression).</li><li>Test <strong>microservices</strong> and distributed systems, including service-to-service behavior and integration points.</li><li>Validate <strong>REST APIs</strong> and troubleshoot issues through logs, debugging, and structured investigation.</li><li>Support <strong>performance testing using Gatling</strong>; expand/maintain performance suites as needed.</li><li>Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to <strong>raise concerns</strong>, communicate risk, and drive quality decisions.</li><li>Work with internal tooling used for automation and testing (no required external framework experience—strong fundamentals matter most).</li><li>Contribute to quality improvements across deployments and releases in <strong>Kubernetes</strong> environments.</li></ul>

<p>Required Skills / Must-Haves</p><ul><li>Strong <strong>Java</strong> skills (writing test automation code, not just manual QA).</li><li>Solid understanding of <strong>backend testing processes</strong> and how to build effective test coverage.</li><li>Experience testing <strong>REST APIs</strong> (requests, responses, payload validation, error handling).</li><li>Working knowledge of <strong>microservices</strong> and distributed system concepts.</li><li>Familiarity with <strong>Kubernetes</strong> (deployments, pods/services concepts; comfortable operating in a k8s environment).</li><li>Ability to work in a hybrid setting in/near <strong>Washington, DC</strong> (preferred) </li><li>Strong communication skills—<strong>vocal</strong>, asks questions, flags issues early.</li></ul><p>Preferred / Nice-to-Haves</p><ul><li><strong>Kotlin</strong> exposure (helpful, not required).</li><li>Experience with <strong>Elasticsearch</strong> (querying, validation, debugging search-based behaviors).</li><li>Experience validating or testing <strong>microservice deployments</strong> (release verification, smoke/regression in containerized environments).</li><li>Additional tooling experience (CI/CD, test reporting, service observability) is a plus.</li></ul>

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