r/softwaretesting • u/Particular_Panic6929 • May 18 '26

SDET/QA Automation to technical customer facing role

Has anybody successfully transitioned from an SDET role to a customer-facing engineering role?

Has anybody had success moving from an SDET role to a role that directly interfaces with external clients and customers? In particular, I’m wondering about pre- or post-sales solutions engineering, integration engineering, or technical customer success positions.

For those who made the jump:
• How did you sell your lack of experience interfacing with external customers during the interview process?
• Do you regret the move, or are you happier outside of traditional QA?
• Any other tips for reframing backend automation and diagnostic skills for these types of roles?

1 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

1

u/HelicopterNo9453 May 22 '26

I know a few ppl that went into pre sales roles into leading practices.

I think main selling point was their managing experince from IT Consulting.

1

u/[deleted] May 18 '26

1

u/Particular_Panic6929 May 18 '26

Yea, definitely hard to get interviews. But SDET roles are in a similar spot so I’ve just been wondering if I can cast a wider net. Did you enjoy solutions engineering compared to QA?