Principal Software Development Engineer in Test

Job Description

Job Description

FloSports has led the way in establishing a world-class digital streaming experience for millions of fans, families, and athletes of underserved sports. Imagine creating a digital platform that unites the casual fan with the most dedicated spectator, both experiencing thrilling live events from around the world with interactive features, real time analytics, powerful broadcast technology, and more. Combine that with our unique original sports content ranging from breaking news and expert commentary to feature films, documentaries, and multi-episodic series. That’s what FloSports is all about. We have successfully revolutionized the global sports media industry- the result of creating a diverse team of technologists and die-hard wrestlers, creators and devoted cheerleading experts, designers and hockey enthusiasts, communicators and motorsport fanatics, producers and casual sports fans… united by a shared passion to delight the underrepresented communities we serve. We are creating the essential destination for our sports and we’re looking for people like you to help us!

THE ROLE :

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, high-impact environment, influencing software quality at scale, and shaping the future of test engineering through technical leadership in automation and test strategies, this role is for you.

As a Principal SDET, you will be responsible for architecting, developing, and scaling test automation frameworks, ensuring seamless integration into CI / CD pipelines, and driving best practices in software quality engineering. In addition to designing scalable automation solutions, you will mentor and upskill manual QA engineers, enabling a smooth transition toward automation while maintaining strong manual testing strategies where necessary.

This role requires a balanced approach—driving automation without leaving behind the critical role of manual testers, ensuring the entire QA team is aligned with modern testing methodologies.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Define and drive test automation strategies, ensuring alignment with engineering and business goals while supporting both manual and automated testing efforts.

Develop, maintain, and enhance test automation frameworks and tools for web, mobile, API, and connected TV applications, leveraging technologies such as Cypress, SuperTest, and K6 for performance testing.

Mentor and support manual QA engineers, providing training on automation concepts, scripting, and test strategy design to gradually transition manual testers into automation roles where applicable.

Architect scalable and efficient automation frameworks, ensuring seamless integration with CI / CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or similar).

Collaborate with development teams to improve testability, define quality metrics, and implement automation strategies that reduce manual regression efforts.

Lead performance and load testing efforts using K6, analyzing system bottlenecks and optimizing application performance.

Leverage AWS and cloud-based solutions to build scalable test environments and improve distributed test execution efficiency.

Standardize test reporting and observability, integrating dashboards to monitor automation health and system quality trends.

Influence software design and development best practices, ensuring robust test coverage and reliability at every stage of the software development lifecycle.

Advocate for a balanced test strategy, where manual exploratory testing complements automation efforts to provide comprehensive coverage.

A DAY IN THE LIFE :

As a Principal SDET, you will work closely with SDETs, manual QA engineers, developers, and product teams to create a holistic quality strategy. Your day may include :

Designing and implementing scalable test automation frameworks while ensuring manual QA engineers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to contribute effectively.

Collaborating with partner teams to define test strategies for complex, distributed systems.

Enhancing CI / CD-integrated test suites for fast, reliable automated validation of releases.

Leading workshops and training sessions to upskill manual testers in test automation and scripting.

Guiding exploratory and manual testing efforts where automation is not feasible, ensuring a holistic approach to quality assurance.

Conducting root cause analysis for test failures and working with teams to prevent regressions.

Evaluating and adopting emerging technologies to further improve test automation capabilities while keeping manual QA testers engaged and aligned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Extensive experience as an SDET, automation architect, or software engineer focused on test automation.

Strong understanding of manual testing methodologies, with the ability to bridge the gap between manual and automated testing.

Expertise in Cypress for UI automation, SuperTest for API testing, and K6 for performance / load testing.

Strong programming skills in Typescript, Javascript or other modern languages.

Hands-on experience with CI / CD tools (GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or similar) and test automation in cloud environments (AWS preferred).

Experience designing scalable, maintainable test automation frameworks for diverse platforms (web, mobile, connected devices).

Proven experience mentoring and coaching QA engineers, guiding them through automation best practices and bridging the skill gap between manual and automated testing.

Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on system performance, scalability, and reliability.

Excellent communication, collaboration, and analytical skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

BONUS POINTS :

Experience building self-healing test automation frameworks.

Experience influencing software engineering best practices and testability strategies.

Expertise in agile testing methodologies and shift-left testing strategies.

Familiarity with observability tools and real-time test analytics.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY :

At FloSports, we are bonded by our passion for sports and our purpose to unite communities around experiences that finally give underserved sports the love they deserve. We recognize the need to build a company that seeks out, embraces, and celebrates our individual differences, ideas, and talent. FloSports is committed to the pursuit of a fair, equal and inclusive workplace where everyone is given the opportunity to grow to their fullest potential.

OUR BENEFITS :

Recognized three years in a row as a Top Workplace by the Austin-American Statesman

Flexibility at work - you can take control of your profession and personal schedule

All-hands events hosted annually in beautiful Austin, Texas

Annual equity awards for all top performers

Competitive and comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans

Peace of mind through company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability and life insurance

Generous 401(K) company match vested immediately

Progressive parental leave policies

Flexible paid time off

Hack-a-thons and a full calendar of team-building and social events

Company donation to youth teams and leagues that our employees coach

Stocked snack bar, catered lunch and breakfast tacos every week