Y Combinator Software Development Engineer in Test I
Summary
Build and maintain scalable test automation frameworks (Playwright, SerenityJS) for web, API, and AI-driven systems, integrating tests into CI/CD pipelines to enforce quality gates.
HackerRank helps companies like NVIDIA, Amazon, and Microsoft hire and upskill the next generation of developers based on skills, not pedigree. Our platform is trusted by over 2,500 of the world’s most innovative companies to build strong engineering teams ready for what’s next.
Software has entered an era where humans and AI build side by side. As this shift accelerates, the definition of strong technical talent is changing. We give companies better ways to identify and invest in next-generation skills.
People at HackerRank care deeply about the impact of their work and sweat the small details so our customers can be wildly successful with products they genuinely love to use. We move with urgency and believe great outcomes come from high standards.
About the role
As a SDET, you will play a critical role in shaping and executing our automation-first quality strategy across web, API and AI-driven systems.
You’ll work closely with Engineering and Product teams to ensure that quality is designed into every feature, enforced through strong automation, and protected by strict release gates. This is a hands-on, technically deep role with real ownership and impact.
What you’ll do
- Design, build, and maintain scalable automation frameworks using Playwright and SerenityJS
- Contribute to the enhancement and scalability of existing automation frameworks
- Build and maintain REST API automation using Postman or equivalent tools
- Integrate and maintain automated test execution within CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitHub Actions)
- Investigate test failures, perform root cause analysis, and collaborate with engineering teams to resolve issues
- Ensure automated test coverage aligns with defined acceptance criteria and release requirements
- Participate in automation code reviews to maintain consistency, readability, and maintainability
- Support execution of regression, integration, and end-to-end test suites across environments
- Collaborate during story refinement and design discussions to identify test scenarios, risks, and edge cases
- Contribute to automation reporting, metrics, and continuous quality improvements
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to promote quality best practices
Who you are
- 2+ years of experience in QA Automation / SDET roles
- Strong hands-on experience with modern automation frameworks (Playwright preferred)
- Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript for building maintainable test automation
- Solid understanding of REST API testing concepts and tools such as Postman
- Experience integrating and running automated tests within CI/CD pipelines
- Familiarity with BDD practices and frameworks such as Cucumber
- Working knowledge of Git and modern version control workflows
- Experience working in containerized environments (e.g., Docker); exposure to Kubernetes is a plus
- Understanding of regression, integration, system, and end-to-end testing principles
- Ability to debug automation failures and analyze application issues effectively
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with developers and product teams
Even better if you have
- Exposure to accessibility testing and understanding of WCAG principles
- Experience with visual regression or cross-browser testing
- Familiarity with cloud-native or SaaS-based platforms
- Exposure to AI-assisted testing tools or testing AI-driven features
- Experience contributing to automation dashboards or quality metrics
You will thrive in this role if
- Believe quality is a shared responsibility across Engineering, QA, and Product
- Prefer preventing defects through strong automation and release gates
- Enjoy building systems that scale, rather than relying on manual effort
- Comfortable enforcing 100% pass-rate mandates for critical workflows
- Like working on complex systems involving CI/CD, containers, and AI-driven logic
- Care deeply about reliability, trust, accessibility, and real-world user experience
Want to learn more about HackerRank? Check out to explore our products, solutions and resources, and dive into our story and mission here.
HackerRank is a proud equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We provide equal opportunity to everyone for employment based on individual performance and qualification. We never discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital, veteran, or disability status. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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