SDET vs. Test Automation Engineer: Differences

Software testing has evolved significantly from merely checking code to becoming an integral part of the development process, spurred by the need for faster and more efficient delivery of fully functional applications. This evolution has given rise to roles such as Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) and Test Automation Engineer, each with distinct responsibilities and expertise. SDETs blend software development and testing skills to create and integrate automated testing frameworks into the development pipeline, working closely with developers to ensure testability from the start. In contrast, Test Automation Engineers focus on automating existing tests to streamline the testing process and reduce manual efforts, usually collaborating with QA teams. While both roles aim to enhance test coverage and reliability, SDETs are more involved in the development lifecycle, often designing and developing testing tools, whereas Test Automation Engineers concentrate on executing and maintaining automated tests.