diff --git a/tests/python/customresource.yaml b/tests/python/customresource.yaml
index 443791b..7bebe60 100644
--- a/tests/python/customresource.yaml
+++ b/tests/python/customresource.yaml
@@ -11,6 +11,8 @@ spec:
     image: e2e/initcontainer-python:e2e
     env:
       # Put the agent in developer mode so it doesn't try to connect to the real collector.
+      - name: NEW_RELIC_DEVELOPER_MODE
+        value: "true"
       - name: NEW_RELIC_STARTUP_TIMEOUT
         value: "30"