SDET

Summary

Are you a systems-minded engineer who thrives on shaping technical direction, mentoring others, and driving impact at scale?
As a Software Development Engineer in Test at Topstep, you’ll play a foundational role in guiding how we design, build, and evolve the systems that power our trader experience. You’ll work at the intersection of architecture, delivery, and product strategy, leading cross-team efforts, defining long-term engineering patterns, and helping elevate the quality of both our code and our culture. This role is ideal for someone who brings a blend of hands-on execution and high-level vision, someone who’s excited to work across boundaries, challenge assumptions, and push for elegant solutions that scale with intention. Join us and help shape what engineering excellence looks like at Topstep.

Key Responsibilities  

• Design and implement comprehensive E2E test automation for our financial trading platforms
• Build robust test frameworks using Cypress or Playwright that make testing a joy, not a chore
• Create and maintain Datadog synthetic monitors to ensure our trading systems are always available
• Partner with developers and product teams to understand features and ensure they meet financial traders' demanding needs
• Champion quality throughout the development lifecycle - shift testing left!
• Develop testing strategies that balance thorough coverage with fast feedback loops
• Debug complex issues across the full stack when tests reveal interesting problems
• Maintain and improve CI/CD pipelines to keep our test suites running smoothly
• Create clear documentation and dashboards that help the team understand system health
• Mentor other team members on testing best practices and automation techniques

Required Qualifications & Key Competencies 

Must Have Skills:

• 4+ years of experience in test automation with a focus on web applications
• Strong hands-on experience with Cypress or Playwright for E2E testing
• Solid programming skills - you write clean, maintainable test code
• Experience with monitoring and synthetic testing tools (Datadog preferred)
• Understanding of the unique reliability needs of financial trading systems
• Proven ability to think like both a developer and a trader
• Natural detective skills - you love hunting down tricky bugs
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate across technical and trading teams
• Self-motivated problem solver who can work independently
• Passion for quality and understanding the high-stakes nature of financial trading

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript for test automation
• Experience with E2E testing frameworks (Cypress, Playwright, or similar)
• Understanding of API testing and tools (Postman, REST clients)
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and test integration
• Familiarity with version control systems (Git)
• Basic understanding of web application architecture

Preferred Skills 

Bonus points if you have experience with:

• Datadog suite - especially Synthetics, APM, and RUM
• Load testing and performance testing - crucial for high-volume trading systems
• Financial trading platforms or fintech applications
• Visual regression testing tools
• Test data management strategies
• GraphQL testing
• Accessibility testing and WCAG compliance
• Security testing basics
• Docker and containerized test environments
• Component testing alongside E2E testing
• Building test frameworks from scratch
• TypeScript - we love type safety in our tests too!
• Stress testing real-time systems

Don't worry if you don't check all these boxes - we're looking for someone passionate about quality and eager to ensure financial traders have a rock-solid platform they can trust!

Company Culture & Perks

• Topstep is an engaging working environment which ranges from fully remote to hybrid. We foster a culture of collaboration with cameras on during meetings and a robust Slack environment for communication. 
• 9 Company paid Holidays and generous Family Leave. Paid time off is accrued monthly.
• Competitive 401(k) matching, health, dental, and vision insurance are offered for full-time employees 
• Vacations are encouraged with a bonus for taking 5 consecutive days. Employee referrals are bonused. Topstep offers a food and groceries budget and contributes towards health and wellness.

New Hire Base Salary Range

• $140,000-$180,000
• Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
• The compensation offered will take into account internal compensation structure and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Topstep is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees and applicants are valued. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Interested in the role? Apply today with your resume and cover letter!