Software Development Engineer in Test 3 - Mobile Apps

As a Software Development Engineer in Test 3 at HighLevel, your main responsibilities include leading mobile testing efforts for both Android and iOS applications, designing scalable test automation frameworks using tools like Appium and Espresso, debugging complex issues, and mentoring junior SDETs. You will also define comprehensive test strategies to ensure our products meet high-quality standards, collaborate with cross-functional teams for continuous integration and delivery, and drive improvements in our QA processes.

To qualify for the Software Development Engineer in Test 3 position at HighLevel, candidates should have over 5 years of experience in mobile testing and automation, strong programming skills in languages like Dart, Java, or Kotlin, and proven abilities in architecting and maintaining test automation frameworks. A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field is preferred, alongside expertise in CI/CD tools and API testing.

A Software Development Engineer in Test 3 at HighLevel should be well-versed in various testing tools, including Appium, Flutter Driver, and Espresso for mobile applications. Familiarity with CI/CD tools like Codemagic and Jenkins, as well as API testing platforms such as Postman or REST-Assured, is also important for effectively carrying out responsibilities related to test automation and monitoring.

HighLevel is committed to fostering a culture of growth and innovation. As a Software Development Engineer in Test 3, you will have opportunities for mentorship and collaboration within a supportive team environment. Regular feedback, ongoing training, and involvement in cross-functional projects are part of our dedication to professional development, allowing you to broaden your skills and expertise.

The company culture at HighLevel is built around collaboration, creativity, and maintaining a balanced work-life atmosphere. As a Software Development Engineer in Test 3, you will be part of a diverse team of around 1200 employees working with a variety of clients globally. HighLevel values inclusivity and encourages employees to express their unique perspectives while contributing to the company’s goals.

When designing a test automation framework for mobile applications, I would start by identifying the application's architecture and key functionalities. I would focus on scalability and reusability in the framework, ensuring it leverages BDD practices for clear collaboration with non-technical stakeholders. Selecting suitable tools like Appium or Espresso based on the application platform is crucial, and I would also ensure the framework supports CI/CD processes to facilitate seamless integration and continuous delivery.

Debugging a mobile app typically involves challenges related to varying operating systems and device configurations. I would begin by replicating the issue on multiple devices or simulators. Using tools such as adb for Android or Xcode for iOS, I’ll investigate logs and traces to pinpoint the source of the problem. Compared to desktop apps, mobile apps may demand more attention to performance on different screen sizes and touch interactions, which I must consider while debugging.

To ensure comprehensive test coverage for mobile applications, I deploy a combination of unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance tests. I leverage a risk-based testing approach to prioritize critical features and scenarios that impact the user experience. Additionally, I incorporate automated tests into the CI/CD pipeline, enabling continuous testing across various devices and platforms, which further enhances coverage and reliability.

Managing communication with cross-functional teams is vital for productivity. I utilize tools like Jira for updates and Slack for real-time discussions. Regular check-ins and stand-ups are crucial to aligning everyone on project progress and roadblocks. I make it a point to actively involve product owners and developers during testing phases, ensuring clarity around requirements and expectations so that all parties are informed and engaged.

Continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) are paramount in modern mobile testing environments. I have extensive experience incorporating automated testing suites into CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins. This ensures that tests are run consistently with each code change, allowing quick feedback on potential issues. I make sure that all test cases—unit, integration, and end-to-end—are integrated seamlessly to uphold high-quality standards during the release process.

To handle performance testing for mobile applications, I utilize tools like JMeter or Gatling to simulate user traffic and assess response times under load. I identify key performance indicators relevant to user experience, such as launch speed, response time, and resource consumption. Conducting tests on various devices ensures that performance metrics are consistent across different environments. Then, I analyze the results to identify bottlenecks and make recommendations for optimization.

Mentoring junior team members involves a blend of hands-on training and providing them with resources. I encourage them to participate in code reviews and discussions about testing strategies. I organize workshops to cover fundamental concepts and advanced testing techniques, gradually introducing them to more complex projects. I believe in setting clear expectations and providing constructive feedback, which helps nurture their skills and confidence.

My experience with API testing within mobile applications includes utilizing tools like Postman for manual testing and REST-Assured for automation. I focus on ensuring that the API interfaces effectively with mobile front-end components and adhere to defined specifications. This includes validating inputs and outputs, authentication protocols, and error handling. Effective API testing is crucial to confirming that mobile applications are robust and provide a seamless user experience.

Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in mobile testing is essential for maintaining my skill set. I follow industry blogs, participate in online forums, and attend webinars focused on mobile QA. I also take advantage of conferences and workshops to network with other professionals and learn about emerging tools and methodologies. Continuous learning is a key component of my career development.

User feedback plays a critical role in my testing process. I believe it’s essential to incorporate insights from real users to refine testing criteria. I engage in user experience testing and conduct surveys to gather feedback on functionality and usability. This data points me toward potential areas for improvement or new feature releases. Implementing user feedback ensures that the applications are not only technically sound but also aligned with user expectations.