Senior Software Development Engineer in Test I, Platform UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Software Development Engineer in Test I, Platform UX Company: Collibra Location: Prague, Czech Republic Job Type: Full-time Category: Quality Assurance / Software Development Date Posted: 2025-07-29T14:14:46 Experience Level: Senior (8+ years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing the Platform User Experience through robust test automation strategies and execution, contributing to overall product quality and efficiency.
• The Senior SDET will be instrumental in developing and maintaining advanced test automation frameworks, ensuring comprehensive test coverage for front-end and accessibility features using modern tools.
• A key aspect of this position involves driving a shift-left testing approach across the Engineering organization, fostering a culture of quality and proactive defect prevention.
• The role requires a strategic mindset to identify critical test cases, balance automation efforts with manual exploratory testing, and contribute to the continuous improvement of testing processes and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is for a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), its focus on Platform UX and the specific mention of "testing activities in the Scrum Team" and "assisting in the successful execution of testing strategies" indicates a strong emphasis on quality assurance within an Agile development lifecycle, making it relevant for operations professionals interested in the quality engineering domain. The "Senior" title implies leadership in test strategy and mentorship.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute automated test scripts and frameworks using technologies such as Cypress, Playwright, and Rest Assured to ensure product quality and reliability.
• Conduct thorough front-end and accessibility testing, leveraging TypeScript and tools like Playwright and Storybook to identify and resolve UX-related defects.
• Collaborate closely with Software Engineers, Test Engineers, and Product Managers to review requirement specifications and user stories, providing timely feedback on testability and potential quality issues.
• Drive the integration of automated tests into CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, Jenkins) and promote continuous testing practices to accelerate the development and release cycles.
• Identify, document, and meticulously track software defects, ensuring clear communication of issues and their impact across development teams.
• Champion a shift-left testing approach, empowering developers with testing knowledge and tools to improve early-stage defect detection and resolution.
• Define and maintain key quality metrics, promoting testing awareness and a data-driven approach to quality improvement across the Engineering department.
• Lead the definition and development of test data strategies and scalable frameworks to address complex testing challenges effectively.
• Engage in exploratory testing and test design sessions to enhance overall product quality and identify areas for automation.
• Coach and mentor junior SDETs and developers on best practices in test automation, quality assurance methodologies, and framework development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly define a senior-level SDET role with a strong focus on automation framework development, CI/CD integration, and advocating for quality best practices. The emphasis on "shift-left," "metrics," and "frameworks" aligns with core operations principles of process efficiency and data-driven improvement within a software development context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent related working experience is required.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of experience in Test Automation.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in building and maintaining Test Automation Frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with automated testing tools such as Cypress, Playwright, and Rest Assured.
• Proficiency in TypeScript for test script development.
• Strong understanding of software QA methodologies, tools (JIRA or similar), and processes.
• Experience with DevOps principles and tools, including GitHub Actions, Jenkins, and Docker.
• Excellent communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to critically assess testing processes, toolsets, and infrastructure, proposing and driving necessary improvements.
• Work authorization to work in Prague, Czech Republic.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in building/maintaining CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience working within Agile/Scrum development processes.
• Ability to identify testing and quality challenges and create innovative solutions for complex problems.
• Proficiency in manual testing techniques, including exploratory testing.
• A curious, critical mindset with keen attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and adaptability to an innovative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 8+ years of experience and the emphasis on building frameworks, CI/CD integration, and DevOps tools signify a senior-level role. The inclusion of specific tools like Playwright, Cypress, and TypeScript highlights the technical demands. The mention of JIRA indicates a need for proficiency in agile project management and defect tracking systems, common in operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing the design and implementation of scalable test automation frameworks.
• Include case studies detailing significant improvements in test coverage, efficiency, and defect detection rates driven by your automation efforts.
• Provide examples of test automation scripts and framework components, highlighting code quality, maintainability, and reusability.
• Showcase experience with integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines and the resulting impact on release velocity and quality.
• Present evidence of contributions to process improvements within QA or development lifecycles, such as shift-left initiatives or new testing methodologies.

Process Documentation:

• Documentation of test plans and strategies, including risk-based testing approaches.
• Examples of detailed defect reports, including reproduction steps, logs, and impact analysis.
• Evidence of test data management strategies and the development of tools or frameworks for test data generation.
• Documentation of framework architecture, design decisions, and best practices for maintainability and scalability.
• Metrics and reports demonstrating the effectiveness of automation efforts, such as pass/fail rates, execution times, and defect escape rates.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior SDET role, a portfolio demonstrating the ability to build and scale test automation infrastructure is crucial. This includes showcasing not just the code, but the strategic thinking behind framework design, process integration (CI/CD), and the measurable impact on quality and efficiency. This aligns with operations' focus on process optimization and measurable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test I in Prague, Czech Republic, with 8+ years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is typically between €65,000 - €90,000 (approximately 1,600,000 CZK - 2,200,000 CZK). This range can vary based on specific skills, interview performance, and the company's compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage.
• Generous Time Off policies.
• Flexible Offerings to support diverse employee needs.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Access to modern technology and tools.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered within the hybrid work model. Specific daily hours can be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from reputable European job market analysis sites and reflects the senior-level experience and technical specialization required for this role in the Prague tech market. The listed benefits directly reflect those mentioned in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Collibra operates in the Data Governance and Data Intelligence sector, providing a platform that helps organizations manage, govern, and derive value from their data. This dynamic industry requires a strong focus on data quality, security, and regulatory compliance, which directly impacts the testing and QA strategies. Company Size: Collibra is a well-established tech company, typically falling into the mid-to-large enterprise category, which indicates a structured environment with defined processes but also room for innovation and impact. This size often means cross-functional teams and established career paths. Founded: Collibra was founded in 2008. Its history suggests a mature company that has navigated growth and market evolution, likely having refined its development and quality assurance processes over time.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Test Engineering team, specifically supporting the Platform UX initiatives. This team likely consists of dedicated QA professionals, SDETs, and potentially QA leads, working in close collaboration with development squads.
• The reporting structure would typically involve reporting to a Test Engineering Manager or a Lead SDET, with direct collaboration across Scrum Teams that include Developers, Product Owners, and Designers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, involving close partnerships with front-end developers, UX/UI designers, product management, and potentially DevOps engineers to ensure seamless integration of testing into the development lifecycle.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are central to identifying quality trends, root causes of defects, and areas for improvement in test coverage and efficiency.
• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are critical, especially in adopting shift-left approaches and enhancing CI/CD pipelines for continuous testing.
• Automation and efficiency practices are core to the SDET role, focusing on building scalable frameworks and reducing manual testing effort to accelerate delivery.

Company Website: https://www.collibra.com/us/en/company/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Collibra's industry (Data Governance) is crucial for a QA role, as it implies a high bar for data accuracy, security, and compliance. The company's size and founding date suggest a stable yet innovative environment where process maturity and individual contribution are both valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test I. This level signifies a seasoned professional expected to contribute significantly to test strategy, framework development, and process improvement, often leading initiatives and mentoring others. It's a critical juncture for operations professionals moving beyond individual contribution to strategic influence within the QA domain. Reporting Structure: The Senior SDET will likely report to a Test Engineering Lead or Manager. They will work within an Agile Scrum Team, collaborating closely with Software Developers, Product Owners, and UX Designers. This structure emphasizes teamwork and shared responsibility for product quality. Operations Impact: The role's impact is substantial, directly influencing the quality, reliability, and user experience of Collibra's Platform UX. By ensuring robust automated testing and promoting best practices, the SDET helps reduce production defects, improve customer satisfaction, and accelerate the delivery of new features, thereby contributing to revenue and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced test automation techniques, performance testing, security testing, or specific frontend technologies relevant to UX.
• Leadership Development: Progress into roles like Lead SDET, Test Engineering Manager, or even AI/ML-driven testing specialization, leading teams and driving strategic quality initiatives.
• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to refine and optimize QA processes, CI/CD pipelines, and automation strategies across the organization.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by working on different product areas or collaborating with various engineering and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior I" designation suggests a solid foundation with opportunities for further technical or leadership growth. The emphasis on mentorship and driving initiatives points towards a clear path for career advancement within Collibra's QA and engineering structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Collibra operates a hybrid work model, meaning the Prague office serves as a central hub for collaboration, team meetings, and focused work sessions. The office environment is designed to foster connection and teamwork. Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is Prague, Czech Republic. Specific details about the office address and amenities would be available upon further inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to support collaboration, offering opportunities for direct interaction with team members, fostering a culture of shared learning and problem-solving.
• Access to modern development tools, testing frameworks, and collaboration platforms is expected, enabling efficient execution of duties.
• The team interaction is key, with regular stand-ups, sprint planning, retrospectives, and ad-hoc discussions reinforcing the collaborative nature of the work.

Work Schedule: The role involves a standard work schedule, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate the hybrid model. This allows for dedicated office days (at least two per week) for team collaboration and remote days for focused individual work, supporting a balanced approach to productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a minimum of two office days per week is a critical detail. Candidates should be prepared for this arrangement and understand that office presence is valued for team cohesion and collaborative tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit, focusing on your background in test automation and Agile methodologies.
• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more technical interviews focusing on test automation concepts, framework design, coding skills (likely in TypeScript), and problem-solving abilities. You may be asked to discuss your experience with specific tools like Playwright or Cypress.
• Portfolio Review/Coding Challenge: A key part of the process will involve a review of your portfolio or a live coding exercise. This will assess your practical skills in building automation scripts, designing frameworks, and your ability to articulate your thought process and solutions.
• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: You may meet with team members (developers, other SDETs, product owners) to evaluate your collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate into the team's workflow.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager to discuss your career aspirations, leadership potential, and overall fit within the company culture and team objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Framework Design: Highlight your experience in building robust, scalable, and maintainable test automation frameworks from scratch or significantly improving existing ones.
• Quantify Impact: For each project or case study in your portfolio, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the measurable results (e.g., reduction in manual testing time, increase in test coverage, decrease in escaped defects). Use metrics!
• Code Quality: Ensure any code samples are clean, well-documented, and follow best practices. Demonstrate your understanding of object-oriented principles and design patterns relevant to test automation.
• Tool Proficiency: Explicitly mention and demonstrate your proficiency with the required tools (TypeScript, Playwright, Cypress, Rest Assured) and CI/CD tools.
• Process Improvement Examples: Include examples where you identified flaws in testing processes or tools and successfully implemented improvements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Exercises: Practice coding challenges in TypeScript, focusing on algorithms, data structures, and writing clean, efficient test automation code.
• Framework Design Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would design a test automation framework for a given scenario, considering factors like scalability, maintainability, and reporting.
• Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about how you would approach complex testing challenges, such as testing microservices, handling dynamic data, or ensuring comprehensive UI test coverage.
• Agile & CI/CD: Brush up on your understanding of Agile principles and how testing integrates into CI/CD pipelines. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for senior roles, especially in SDET. Candidates should prepare to not only show code but also explain the strategic thinking, design choices, and quantifiable impact of their work on quality and efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Test Automation Frameworks: Cypress, Playwright (primary focus for frontend/UX), Rest Assured (for API testing).
• Programming Languages: TypeScript (essential for frontend automation), potentially Java or C# for backend/API testing.
• Version Control: Git (with GitHub likely being the platform).
• Defect Tracking/Project Management: JIRA or similar tools for issue tracking, sprint planning, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CI/CD Integration Tools: GitHub Actions, Jenkins for integrating automated tests into build and deployment pipelines.
• Reporting Tools: Integration with reporting dashboards (e.g., Allure, custom solutions) to visualize test results and performance metrics.
• Browser Developer Tools: Essential for debugging and analyzing front-end behavior.

CRM & Automation:

• While Collibra is a Data Governance platform, understanding how the product integrates with or impacts CRM systems might be relevant for broader context, though not a direct requirement for this role.
• Containerization: Docker for creating consistent testing environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the specified automation tools (Playwright, Cypress, Rest Assured) and the programming language (TypeScript) is paramount. Experience with CI/CD tools and version control is also critical for integrating testing into the development workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality First: A commitment to delivering high-quality software through rigorous testing and continuous improvement.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are encouraged.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new tools and techniques to enhance testing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing metrics and data analysis to guide testing strategies and identify areas for process optimization.
• Continuous Learning: Promoting a culture of ongoing skill development and staying current with industry best practices and emerging technologies in test automation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with developers, product managers, and designers to ensure a shared understanding of quality goals and to integrate testing seamlessly into the development lifecycle.
• Process Review & Feedback: Participating in regular team meetings (e.g., retrospectives) to provide and receive constructive feedback on processes, tools, and team performance.
• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing expertise on test automation, tools, and methodologies with team members to elevate the collective skill set and promote best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous learning aligns well with operational excellence principles. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody these values in their day-to-day work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Automation vs. Manual Testing: Strategically determining which tests to automate based on ROI, risk, and cost, while ensuring adequate coverage through exploratory and manual testing.
• Maintaining Test Framework Scalability: Ensuring the test automation frameworks can scale with the growing complexity of the Platform UX and the product suite.
• Integrating with Evolving CI/CD Pipelines: Keeping pace with changes in CI/CD infrastructure and ensuring seamless integration of automated tests.
• Ensuring Comprehensive Accessibility Testing: Addressing the nuances of accessibility testing and ensuring adherence to standards across diverse user scenarios.
• Mentoring and Coaching: Effectively guiding and developing the skills of other team members in test automation practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automation Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge automation strategies, such as AI-driven testing or advanced performance testing.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events and pursuing certifications in software testing and quality assurance.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior engineers and leaders within Collibra, facilitating career growth and skill development.
• Exposure to Diverse Technologies: Working with a modern tech stack and potentially contributing to or learning about other areas of the Collibra platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior SDET roles, requiring strategic thinking and continuous adaptation. The growth opportunities highlight Collibra's commitment to employee development in specialized technical and leadership areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Test Strategy for Platform UX: "How would you design a comprehensive test strategy for a new feature within our Platform UX, considering automation, manual testing, and accessibility?" Be ready to discuss your approach to risk assessment and prioritizing test cases.
• Framework Design & Evolution: "Describe a complex test automation framework you designed or significantly contributed to. What were the key design decisions, and how did you ensure its scalability and maintainability?"
• CI/CD Integration: "How do you ensure automated tests are effectively integrated into a CI/CD pipeline? What are the challenges, and how have you overcome them?"
• Shift-Left Approach: "What does a 'shift-left' approach mean to you in the context of QA, and how would you champion this within an Agile team?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Collibra's Data Governance Focus: "How does understanding the domain of data governance influence your approach to testing in this role?"
• Team Collaboration: "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate closely with developers and product managers to resolve a critical quality issue. What was your role?"
• Quality Metrics: "What are the most important metrics for measuring the success of a test automation strategy, and how have you used them to drive improvements?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly outline the problem statement, your proposed solution (framework, script, process), the technologies used, and the quantifiable impact (e.g., X% reduction in regression time, Y% increase in defect detection).
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Be prepared to walk through code snippets, framework architecture diagrams, or demo parts of your automation setup if feasible and appropriate.
• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your work contributed to business goals, such as faster release cycles, improved product stability, or enhanced user experience.
• Address Challenges: Be transparent about any challenges faced during projects and how you overcame them, showcasing your problem-solving skills and resilience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and be ready to dive deep into technical details and strategic thinking during the interviews. Demonstrating a proactive and data-driven mindset will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Software Development Engineer in Test I position:

• Submit your application through the Collibra careers portal via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and any linked portfolio materials to prominently feature your experience with test automation frameworks (Cypress, Playwright), TypeScript, CI/CD integration (GitHub Actions, Jenkins), and your contributions to improving quality and efficiency. Highlight your senior-level contributions and any mentoring experience.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 8+ years of test automation experience, lists the specific technologies and methodologies you've worked with (Agile, DevOps, JIRA), and quantifies your achievements with metrics where possible. Tailor keywords to match those in the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with the STAR method, prepare to discuss your approach to test strategy, framework design, and CI/CD integration. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on demonstrating impact and problem-solving skills.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Collibra's data governance platform, its market position, and its company culture. Understand the importance of Platform UX and how your role contributes to the overall business objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.