Lead SDET Engineer / Python / Lunix /PyTest / C Embedded / Onsite / Irvine

Irvine, CAOnsiteDirect Hire$170k - $190kOur client in the EV/AV space is urgently looking for a Lead SDET Engineer with strong experience Python, Linux, API, PyTest, C, to add to thier growing team here in Irvine.This is an Onsite position 5 days a week. The ideal candidate has a strong software-engineering background in Python, distributed and service-oriented systems, and test automation, plus hands-on experience automating laboratory hardware. They are comfortable owning test infrastructure end to end, contributing to architecture and design discussions, triaging failures across the full stack, and improving engineering quality, release velocity, and certification readiness.Responsibilities:Design, develop, and maintain the Python test-automation platform that gates every firmware release Grow automated regression coverage for EV charging flows and build HIL/SIL simulation Build and own CI/CD pipelines that make automated regression a reliable merge and release gate, with reporting and telemetry that surface pass/fail and root cause Triage and reproduce failures across the full stack (test framework, adapters, sequencing, and charger firmware) and drive defects to closure Partner with firmware and systems engineers to improve testability and support OCPP certification Participate in design and code reviews and release-readiness activities, and maintain technical documentation for the platform and interfaces Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance as needed Must Have Skills Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field 5+ years of experience in software test automation / SDET or software engineering roles Strong Python (frameworks, services, async automation) Experience building test-automation frameworks and writing maintainable test code Solid experience testing REST and WebSocket APIs and asynchronous, service-oriented systems Experience with distributed systems, Docker, CI/CD, SQL / relational databases, and Linux Strong analytical, debugging, and log-analysis skills across distributed components, with methodical defect isolation Effective communication and ability to work across teams Nice to Have SkillsExperience with EV charging protocols (OCPP 1.6J / 2.0.1, ISO 15118 / DIN SPEC 70121), smart charging, and security profiles Hardware-in-the-loop testing and laboratory instrumentation and CAN bus Embedded C programing exposure Experience supporting products through validation, release, and manufacturing Experience mentoring junior engineers or leading technical workstreams CompentenciesStrong technical ownership of test infrastructure Structured debugging and root cause analysis across distributed systems Cross-functional collaboration Attention to quality, reliability, and automation Strong written and verbal communication Ability to mentor and support other team members The Offer:170-190k base salary5-8% bonus401kfull benefits - Health , medical , dental2 weeks off over christmas and new years Paid10 PTO