CTO decision framework
Hiring another SDET will not fix a release system nobody trusts.
Use this framework when the team is deciding between a full-time hire, a short diagnostic, a stabilization sprint, or internal repair work.
Decision path
Stop, fix internally, audit, sprint, or govern.
If the issue is narrow and owned, fix internally. If root cause is unclear, start with Release Audit. If the release is at risk now, use Stabilization Sprint. If multiple teams need standards, use Advisory or Enterprise Retainer.