Software Development Engineer (SDET), IT Software Test Engineers

Ascensus is the leading independent technology and service platform powering savings plans across America, providing products and expertise that help nearly 16 million people save for a better today and tomorrow.

Section 1: Position Summary

We are seeking an Automate-First SDET who treats test automation as the default—not an afterthought. This role is responsible for rapidly building and maintaining automated test coverage using Python and Playwright, with a strong emphasis on leveraging AI-powered IDEs (e.g., Cursor) to accelerate development.

You will work within an Agile team to ensure quality is built into every stage of development, creating scalable, reliable automated tests that integrate directly into our CI/CD pipelines.

We are looking for:

• Someone with a clear, repeatable process for going from requirements → automated tests immediately
• A mindset of speed + quality through automation
• Comfort working in a fast-moving, highly technical environment
• Strong ownership and accountability for quality

Section 2: Job Functions, Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain end-to-end test automation using Python and Playwright
• Establish and execute a repeatable, AI-assisted automation workflow (e.g., using Cursor) to generate tests quickly and consistently
• Integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines to enable continuous validation
• Collaborate with engineers and product teams to define testable acceptance criteria
• Develop and maintain API and integration tests
• Perform targeted exploratory testing where automation gaps exist
• Identify, document, and track defects through resolution
• Continuously improve test coverage, reliability, and execution speed
• The I-Client philosophy and the Core Values of People Matter, Quality First and Integrity Always® should be visible in your actions on a day-to-day basis showing your support of our organizational culture

Section 3:  Experience, Skills, Knowledge Requirements

• Proven experience as an SDET or Test Automation Engineer
• Strong hands-on experience with Python and Playwright
• Demonstrated ability to build automation-first testing strategies, not manual-first approaches
• Experience using AI IDEs (e.g., Cursor, Claude Code) to generate and accelerate test development
• Experience testing APIs and distributed systems
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and integrating automated tests into them
• Solid understanding of Agile development practices
• Preferred experience with performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter, k6
• Preferred experience with database validation/testing (SQL)
• Preferred familiarity with modern cloud-based architectures

For virtual remote positions, we require an uninterrupted workspace during business hours and an internet work speed of 25 Mbps or better.  If you are unsure of your internet speed before applying, please check with your service provider.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

The national average salary range for this role is  $100-125k in base pay, exclusive of any bonuses and benefits. This base salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salary offered will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, performance, and internal pay alignment. We do not anticipate that candidates hired will begin at the top of the range however, from time to time, it may occur on a case-by-case basis.  Other rewards and benefits may include: 401(k) match, Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid-Time-Off, etc.  For more information, please visit careers.ascensus.com/#Benefits. 

Be aware of employment fraud. All email communications from Ascensus or its hiring managers originate from @ascensus.com or @futureplan.com email addresses. We will never ask you for payment or require you to purchase any equipment. If you are suspicious or unsure about validity of a job posting, we strongly encourage you to apply directly through our website.