SDET Automation Tester (API & UI)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: SDET Automation Tester (API & UI)

Company: Citi

Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Software Quality Assurance / Test Automation

Date Posted: April 19, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and maintain robust automated test frameworks and test suites for both API and User Interface (UI) components of applications.

• Collaborate with development and product teams to define comprehensive test strategies and test plans.

• Integrate automated tests into CI/CD pipelines for continuous validation and rapid feedback.

• Identify, document, and track software defects, working closely with developers for timely resolution.

• Generate clear and concise test execution reports, metrics, and dashboards to communicate product quality to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-level SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) with a strong emphasis on both API and UI automation. The responsibilities indicate a need for an individual who can not only execute automation but also contribute to framework design and CI/CD integration, aligning with modern software development practices in a large financial institution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Test Strategy & Planning: Collaborate with development and product teams to define comprehensive test strategies, test plans, and test cases for new features and existing functionalities across API and UI layers.

• API Test Automation: Design, develop, and maintain automated API test suites using relevant tools and frameworks (e.g., Postman, Rest Assured, Karate, SoapUI).

• API Validation: Validate RESTful and SOAP APIs for functionality, performance, reliability, and security.

• UI Test Automation: Develop and maintain automated UI test suites using industry-standard tools and frameworks (e.g., Selenium WebDriver, Playwright, Cypress).

• Cross-Browser/Device Testing: Ensure cross-browser and cross-device compatibility for web applications through automated UI tests.

• Framework Development & Enhancement: Contribute to the design, development, and improvement of existing automation frameworks, adopting best practices for modularity, reusability, and reporting.

• CI/CD Integration: Integrate automated tests into the Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines to enable rapid feedback and continuous quality.

• Defect Management: Identify, document, and track software defects and work closely with developers to ensure timely resolution.

• Collaboration & Mentorship: Work closely with developers, product owners, and other QA engineers to understand requirements, provide feedback, and promote a culture of quality. Mentor junior QA engineers on automation best practices.

• Reporting: Generate clear and concise test execution reports, metrics, and dashboards to communicate test progress and product quality to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate distinct areas of focus for API and UI automation, requiring hands-on development and maintenance. The emphasis on framework enhancement and CI/CD integration suggests a need for someone who can contribute to the maturity of the QA automation process, not just script execution. Mentorship of junior engineers implies a certain level of technical leadership expected.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Programming Proficiency: Proficient in at least one programming language: Java, Python, JavaScript, C#, or similar.

• API Test Automation: Extensive experience with API test automation tools and frameworks: e.g., Rest Assured, Postman (Newman), Karate DSL, SoapUI, or similar.

• UI Test Automation: Demonstrated experience with UI test automation tools and frameworks: e.g., Selenium WebDriver, Playwright, Cypress, or WebDriverIO.

• Web Technologies: Solid understanding of web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and web services (REST, SOAP).

• Version Control: Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development methodologies (Scrum, Kanban).

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail.

• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CI/CD tools and integration (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps).

• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).

• Experience with performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter, LoadRunner).

• Knowledge of containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).

• Experience in the financial services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are specific to SDET roles, highlighting core programming languages and crucial automation tools for both API and UI testing. The inclusion of web technologies and version control are standard but essential. Preferred skills point towards a more sophisticated QA environment that values CI/CD integration and potentially broader testing scopes like performance, common in enterprise settings like Citi.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Automation Frameworks: Showcase examples of automated test frameworks designed and implemented for both API and UI testing, highlighting modularity, reusability, and maintainability.

• Code Samples: Provide code samples demonstrating proficiency in a required programming language (e.g., Java, Python, JavaScript) used for test automation development.

• Test Case Design: Include examples of well-structured test cases that effectively cover functional, non-functional, and edge-case scenarios for APIs and UIs.

• CI/CD Integration Examples: If possible, demonstrate or describe how automation tests were integrated into CI/CD pipelines, showing evidence of automated execution and reporting within a pipeline context.

• Defect Tracking & Resolution: Illustrate your approach to defect identification, documentation, and tracking, potentially through case studies or process descriptions.

Process Documentation:

• Test Strategy Documentation: Examples of test strategies and test plans developed for new features or applications, outlining scope, objectives, and approach.

• Automation Workflow Design: Documented workflows for API and UI automation execution, including setup, execution, and reporting phases.

• Performance & Security Testing Approach: If applicable, demonstrate understanding of how performance and security considerations are integrated into the automation strategy and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an SDET role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. The emphasis should be on how you built, maintained, and integrated automation, not just that you used certain tools. Showing evidence of a systematic approach to test design, framework development, and process integration within a CI/CD context will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $79,320.00 - $110,680.00 USD per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k) with company match).

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• While on-site, flexibility may be available for start/end times, subject to team needs and manager approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is in USD, which is typical for financial institutions, even if the role is in Canada. It's important to note this discrepancy and advise candidates to confirm the actual currency and local market competitiveness for Mississauga, ON. The benefits are standard for a large corporation like Citi, emphasizing a comprehensive package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Banking Technology

Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees)

Founded: 1812

Company Description: Citi is a leading global financial services company with operations in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management.

Company Specialties: Retail Banking, Institutional Banking, Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Treasury and Trade Solutions, Securities Services.

Team Structure:

• The SDET will likely be part of a larger technology or application development team within Citi's extensive engineering organization.

• The team structure is expected to be agile, with cross-functional collaboration between developers, QA engineers, product owners, and business analysts.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: Citi operates extensively with Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban) to ensure iterative development, continuous feedback, and rapid delivery of software solutions.

• DevOps Practices: Integration of development and operations, including robust CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and infrastructure as code, is a key focus.

• Data-Driven Quality: Emphasis on metrics and data analysis to drive quality improvements, identify bottlenecks, and measure the effectiveness of testing strategies.

Company Website: https://www.citi.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi's status as a major financial institution implies a highly structured, process-driven, and compliance-focused environment. For an SDET, this means adherence to strict quality standards, security protocols, and potentially dealing with complex legacy systems alongside modern applications. The emphasis on Agile and DevOps suggests a modern approach to software delivery within this large enterprise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test)

This role represents a crucial point in a QA professional's career. It requires not only the ability to execute automation but also to contribute to the strategic direction of test automation within a project or team. The "Engineer" in SDET implies a blend of development and testing skills, focusing on building robust, scalable, and maintainable automation solutions.

Reporting Structure:

The SDET will likely report to a QA Manager, Test Lead, or Engineering Manager. They will work collaboratively within an Agile team, interacting daily with developers, product owners, and business analysts. This structure fosters direct communication and rapid problem-solving.

Operations Impact:

As an SDET, the primary impact is on software quality, stability, and the speed of delivery. By developing and maintaining effective automation, this role directly contributes to:

• Reducing time-to-market for new features.

• Minimizing production defects and associated costs.

• Improving overall customer satisfaction through reliable software.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior SDET/Lead QA Engineer: Progress to leading automation initiatives, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to architectural decisions for test frameworks.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like performance testing, security testing, or a particular technology stack.

• Management: Transition into QA Management or Engineering Management roles, overseeing teams and strategic quality initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Move into DevOps engineering, release management, or even development roles, leveraging a strong understanding of the software development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "SDET" title itself signifies a growth path beyond traditional QA, requiring coding proficiency and engineering principles. Citi, as a large enterprise, offers diverse opportunities for specialization and advancement, including potential moves into adjacent technical fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office Environment

Office Location(s): Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. This location is likely a significant technology hub for Citi in Canada, suggesting a well-equipped and professional office space.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect modern office design with collaborative zones, meeting rooms, and dedicated workspaces to facilitate team interaction and knowledge sharing.

• Technology Access: Access to necessary hardware, software licenses, and development tools to perform duties effectively. High-speed internet and robust IT support are standard.

• Team Interaction: Daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives are common, fostering a connected and efficient team environment. Opportunities to interact with a diverse range of technical professionals.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours, likely Monday to Friday, with a focus on delivering results within Agile sprints.

• While the role is on-site, there might be some flexibility around start and end times, but core hours will be expected for team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role at a major financial institution like Citi suggests a structured and professional work environment. The emphasis will be on collaboration, adherence to processes, and leveraging the resources of a large corporate campus.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruiter conducts a brief call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

2. Technical Screening: A hiring manager or senior team member conducts a technical interview, likely involving coding exercises and discussions on automation concepts.

3. Coding/Automation Challenge: Candidates may be given a practical coding assignment or asked to walk through a code sample from their portfolio to demonstrate proficiency in a programming language and automation tool.

4. On-site/Virtual Interview Loop: A series of interviews with various team members, including developers, other QA engineers, and potentially product owners. This loop assesses technical depth, problem-solving skills, collaboration abilities, and cultural alignment.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or department head for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate the problem you solved, the solution you implemented (automation framework, scripts), and the measurable impact (e.g., reduced test execution time, increased defect detection rate, improved release confidence).

• Code Quality: Ensure your code is clean, well-commented, and follows best practices for the language and tools used. Demonstrate modularity, reusability, and maintainability.

• Framework Design: Highlight your contributions to designing or enhancing automation frameworks. Explain the architectural choices and why they were made.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific tools (Selenium, Playwright, Rest Assured, Postman) and explain why you chose them for particular tasks.

• CI/CD Integration: If you have examples, show how your automation was integrated into a CI/CD pipeline, including reporting mechanisms.

• API vs. UI: Clearly delineate projects or code samples related to API automation versus UI automation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Fundamentals: Brush up on data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming principles in your primary language (Java, Python, JavaScript).

• Automation Scenarios: Practice writing automation scripts for common scenarios, including handling dynamic elements, waiting strategies, and error handling.

• API Testing: Prepare to design and automate API tests, including request construction, assertion, and response validation.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to tackle hypothetical testing scenarios or debugging challenges. Think through your approach systematically.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples demonstrating your collaboration skills, problem-solving approach, and how you handle challenges or conflicts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi, as a large financial institution, will likely have a structured interview process. A strong portfolio is critical for an SDET role, serving as tangible proof of capabilities. Candidates should be prepared to not only code but also explain their thought process, design decisions, and the business impact of their automation efforts.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: Java, Python, JavaScript, C# (proficiency in at least one is required).

• UI Automation: Selenium WebDriver, Playwright, Cypress, WebDriverIO.

• API Automation: Rest Assured, Postman (Newman), Karate DSL, SoapUI.

• Version Control: Git.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CI/CD Tools: Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps (integration experience is preferred).

• Reporting Frameworks: ExtentReports, Allure, or built-in reporting from tools like Postman or test runners.

• Dashboarding: Tools like Grafana, Tableau, or Power BI for visualizing test metrics and trends.

CRM & Automation:

• Defect Tracking: Jira, Bugzilla, or similar ALM (Application Lifecycle Management) tools.

• Test Management: Tools like Zephyr, TestRail, or integrated solutions within Jira.

• Web Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.

• Web Services: REST, SOAP.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided tool stack is comprehensive and covers the core requirements for an SDET role. The mention of specific tools like Postman (Newman) and Karate DSL for API testing, alongside Selenium and Playwright for UI, indicates a modern and robust automation environment. Experience with CI/CD tools and defect tracking systems is crucial for seamless integration into development workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality First: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and secure software.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to improve processes, tools, and product quality.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive mindset towards learning, adapting, and refining methodologies and technical skills.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of tasks and outcomes, ensuring commitments are met with diligence.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile Teamwork: Working within Scrum or Kanban teams, participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.

• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Close collaboration with developers to understand code, debug issues, and ensure testability. Partnering with product owners to clarify requirements and acceptance criteria.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in code reviews, sharing best practices, and mentoring junior team members.

• Feedback Loops: Providing and receiving constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in both individual performance and team processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Citi, as a global financial institution, likely fosters a culture that balances innovation with a strong emphasis on security, compliance, and reliability. The SDET role is integral to this, requiring not just technical skill but also a collaborative spirit and a commitment to quality that underpins financial services.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Systems: Navigating and testing intricate, large-scale financial systems with numerous interdependencies.

• Legacy & Modern Tech Mix: Working with a combination of established, older technologies and newer, cutting-edge platforms.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The inherent pressure in financial services to deliver quickly while maintaining extremely high standards of quality and security.

• Evolving Requirements: Adapting to frequently changing business requirements and technical specifications in a dynamic market.

• Ensuring Security: Integrating robust security testing into the automation suite, given the sensitive nature of financial data.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automation Techniques: Opportunities to learn and implement more sophisticated automation strategies, such as AI-driven testing, visual testing, or performance engineering.

• Cloud & DevOps: Deepen expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and advanced DevOps practices, including containerization and infrastructure as code.

• Financial Domain Knowledge: Gain in-depth understanding of financial products, markets, and regulatory compliance, which is highly valuable in the industry.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into team lead or management roles, focusing on strategic planning, resource management, and process improvement.

• Certifications: Pursuing industry-recognized certifications in testing, cloud technologies, or Agile methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the inherent complexity of working in the financial services sector, particularly at a large institution like Citi. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering paths to deepen technical expertise, expand into adjacent domains like DevOps or cloud, and develop leadership skills within a prestigious organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex automation framework you designed and implemented. What were the key design principles, and what challenges did you overcome?" (Focus on modularity, scalability, maintainability, and your problem-solving approach.)

• "How would you approach automating tests for a critical API endpoint that handles financial transactions? What are your primary concerns regarding functionality, security, and performance?" (Demonstrate understanding of API testing, security considerations, and error handling.)

• "Walk me through your process for integrating automated UI tests into a CI/CD pipeline. What are the potential pitfalls, and how would you mitigate them?" (Showcase knowledge of CI/CD tools, test execution strategies, and reporting.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Citi, and specifically in this SDET role?" (Research Citi's mission, values, and recent technological initiatives.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with developers to resolve a complex defect. What was your approach?" (Highlight communication, technical debugging skills, and teamwork.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends and tools in test automation?" (Showcase a proactive learning mindset.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your role, the problem, your solution, and the outcome.

• Highlight Key Contributions: Emphasize your specific involvement in framework design, automation development, CI/CD integration, and problem-solving.

• Showcase Code Quality: Be prepared to share code snippets (either from your portfolio or live coding) that demonstrate clean, efficient, and well-commented code.

• Explain Technical Choices: Be ready to justify why you chose specific tools, languages, or design patterns for your automation solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your work (e.g., "reduced manual testing time by X%", "increased test coverage by Y%", "detected Z critical defects before production").

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for an SDET role at a major financial institution requires a blend of technical depth, process understanding, and business acumen. Candidates should be ready to discuss not only how they automate but why and what impact it has, especially concerning quality, security, and efficiency in a financial context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this SDET Automation Tester position at Citi:

• Submit your application through the official Citi careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience with API and UI automation tools (Selenium, Playwright, Rest Assured, Postman), programming languages (Java, Python, JavaScript), and CI/CD integration. Prepare your portfolio to showcase relevant projects, emphasizing framework design, code quality, and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of experience in QA automation, specific tools used, and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description, such as "SDET," "API Automation," "UI Automation," "CI/CD," and relevant programming languages.

• Interview Preparation: Practice coding exercises using your primary programming language. Be ready to discuss your automation strategies, framework design choices, and how you approach defect management and CI/CD integration. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Citi's mission, values, and its role in the financial services industry. Understand the importance of quality, security, and compliance in this sector. Research common challenges and technological trends within enterprise-level financial technology.

⚠️ 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.