Entries tagged 'sdet'
Advice on applying for different roles
Dear Jobsblog: I think I have skills that could apply to several different positions in both development and test groups. Is it considered overkill to apply to all the roles where I feel like my skills are a match?
-Wondering Where to Apply
Dear Wondering:
It’s not a coincidence that a lot of the skills required for the Software Development Engineer (SDE) and Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) are similar or often overlap. Both require a very strong background in development, design, and problem solving but the deciding factor between the two (if you have to make a determination in your mind) is the focus and scope of each role.
Simply put an SDE largely focuses on coding and the implementation of a feature as typically defined by a Program Manager. What can you look forward to as you browse through our open positions? As a Developer, you will need a strong foundation in Computer Science fundamentals – everything from algorithms to data structures, the ability to write quality code that works, is efficient, and scalable. You should also know how to do basic tests on your code whether that comes in the form of unit testing, TDD, or other tests where you end up with very high code coverage.Randall Boseman: a Microsoft ambassador of technology and diversity
'Softie in question: Randall BosemanJob title: Principal Test Manager - SDET - Office.com
Randall, what is hot in Office right now? Can we expect more of Microsoft Office online and now with a mobile piece to the business?
Services. Nowadays it’s all about software + services. People work and switch between different devices (a pc at both home and the office, tablets, phone, browser) multiple times a day. We’ve got to allow them to be able to remain productive and have their work follow them seamlessly. I’d say, yes, there’s plenty coming in terms of innovation, platform integration and experience improvement - mobile will definitely be a part of that.You are a great technology and diversity ambassador with The National Society of Black Engineers and more. Can you share with us why you chose Microsoft, Office, and the SDET discipline?
When I was finishing up at school, if you wanted to do serious software, MS was the place. The number of products, customers and the potential… wow! I still think that is the case. Microsoft is an awesome company. There are brilliant people here with a lot of passion and focus.What's it like to work for Bing? Part II
Some of the engineering roles we have at Microsoft are best explained through the stories of the people who do the work day in and day out. Bing is one of the most exciting groups at Microsoft and has very strong, very dedicated Software Development Engineers in Test. This interview is to give insight into the role and to what it’s like to work on a web service at Microsoft. Check out our first Bing SDET interview here.
- Eugenia'Softie in question: Venkat Narayanan Job title: Senior Test Manager - Bing
Describe the SDET role to our audience in 10 words or less.
Continuously find and report the release readiness of the product.Venkat, I know you have been a part of Bing since it was known as Live Search. Why is Bing still your passion and why the SDET role?
I will address the SDET role first. I have been in the test role for 10 years, and wouldn’t do anything else. Program Management and Development have their own attraction, but for me test offers the best of all worlds. You can be extremely creative in how you test, and what test cases you come up with. You can write code as much as you want, and when you want. To me, testers usually have the best overall view of how a product behaves.What's it like to work for Bing?
Some of the engineering roles we have at Microsoft are best explained through the stories of the people who do the work day in and day out. Bing is one of the most exciting groups at Microsoft and has very strong, very dedicated Software Development Engineers in Test. This interview is to give insight into the role and to what it’s like to work on a web service at Microsoft. Check out our second Bing interview here. - Eugenia'Softie in question: Brad Sarsfield Job title: Senior Test Lead - Bing
Describe the SDET role to our audience in 10 words or less.
Technical freedom through code and experiments making architecture unapologetically excellent!Brad, I know that you have worked and had success in other business groups within MSFT and that you chose to move to Bing within the last six months. Why Bing? Why an SDET role?
The SDET role is a no-brainer for me. Technical creative freedom is something all engineers enjoy, and is a luxury that the SDET role affords.My code is not bound to operate within the confines of the sometimes strict requirements and dependencies that is often necessary when you contribute directly to product code. There are many times I’ve been able to think of an idea in the morning; and have it implemented and checked in by the end of the day. That is the freedom that I love.