Explore Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) roles that combine software engineering and quality assurance. SDETs design and build automated testing systems, strengthen product reliability, and help development teams deliver high-quality software. Ladders features vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, including roles across software, technology, and product organizations.
SDETs create and maintain automated test frameworks, write code to validate applications, and integrate testing into continuous integration and delivery workflows. They may test APIs, web and mobile applications, distributed systems, and cloud services. The role often includes identifying defects, analyzing test results, collaborating with developers, and improving quality practices throughout the software development lifecycle.
Employers commonly seek experience with programming languages such as Java, Python, JavaScript, or C#, along with test automation tools and frameworks. Familiarity with API testing, databases, version control, CI/CD pipelines, cloud platforms, and Agile development can also be valuable. Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills help SDETs turn product requirements into reliable test strategies.
SDET careers can progress into senior or staff engineering roles, test automation leadership, quality engineering management, or broader software engineering positions. Some professionals specialize in performance, security, mobile, or platform testing. Career opportunities and requirements vary by employer, product, and level of responsibility.
Browse vetted SDET and software quality engineering opportunities on Ladders. Discover professional roles with salaries of $100,000 or more, and compare positions based on responsibilities, required skills, and career level.
Manager - Software Development Engineering S 4D
$80K - $100K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of developers to deliver high-quality software solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving strategic project initiatives while fostering a cultur...
4 days ago
Software Development Manager, Commerce
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in shaping innovative Commerce solutions, guiding a high-performing engineering team to deliver exceptional customer experiences while driving technical excellence and strategic decisi...
Yesterday
$120K - $140K *
Lead a dynamic software engineering team, ensuring quality delivery and operational excellence while fostering collaboration across business units and driving innovation in energy efficiency solutions...
2 days ago
Software Testing Engineer (.NET)
$90K - $110K *
Drive quality assurance efforts by analyzing requirements, designing test scenarios, and executing tests for web and mobile applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing pra...
1 week ago
$100K - $130K *
Unlock potential by developing innovative software solutions using cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate closely with teams to create high-quality applications while adapting to new tools and process...
5 days ago
Technical Program Manager, Digital Test $ Evaluation
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading Digital Test & Evaluation initiatives that integrate modern software solutions into defense workflows, enhancing efficiency and data-driven decision-making across the T&E l...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Full Stack
$170K - $200K *
Shape the future of financial technology by developing seamless web applications. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create high-quality software that enhances user experience and drives strategic inn...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer Test III -REMOTE
$92K - $115K *
Engineer robust end-to-end test automation frameworks using Playwright. Collaborate across teams to enhance QA capabilities, leveraging AI tools for efficient testing and maintenance, while mentoring...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Quality & Automation
$110K - $130K *
Elevate quality and automation efforts for enterprise deployments. Collaborate with customers and engineering to develop a robust QA function using agentic tooling, ensuring consistent environments an...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing AI product quality through rigorous testing and requirements management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software meets user needs and indus...
Reposted 4 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Join our team to ensure high-quality AI product releases by developing test plans, executing tests, and managing requirements. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance product functionality and drive...
1 week ago
Senior Software Development Engineer
$101K - $203K *
Drive operational excellence by providing technical support and enhancing application performance. Collaborate across teams to ensure reliability, implement SRE practices, and contribute to continuous...
2 days ago
Senior Software Development Engineer
$92K - $185K *
Unlock your potential by leading the design and development of innovative cloud-native applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical direction and enhance member experiences...
1 week ago
Senior Software Development Engineer - Big Data
$156K - $262K *
Join a dynamic team to design and optimize scalable data pipelines and infrastructure, enabling analytics and AI-driven capabilities. Collaborate across functions to deliver high-quality data solution...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer Microsoft Development Platform (DoD Programs)
$120K - $145K *
Pioneer innovative software solutions for defense programs by leveraging your expertise in C#, .NET, and SQL Server. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, compliant, and high-quali...
2 days ago
$115K - $120K *
Elevate software quality by managing test planning, execution, and reporting. Collaborate with development teams, mentor junior testers, and ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards while drivin...
2 days ago
Staff Software Development Engineer
$140K - $173K *
Innovate by solving complex problems and building cloud-native solutions. Collaborate in an agile environment, delivering impactful software while utilizing modern technologies related to AI, Java, AW...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer
$121K - $145K *
Champion innovative solutions by building custom software for partners, engaging stakeholders, and defining architectural roadmaps. Drive efficiency and customer success through collaborative developm...
2 weeks ago
Test Automation Architect (JavaScript / Python)
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of cutting-edge test automation solutions, leveraging JavaScript and Python to enhance scalability, quality, and speed in the software develop...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Rapid Development Team
$180K - $200K *
Champion the design and development of AI-driven security solutions, enhancing autonomous investigation capabilities while collaborating with cross-functional teams to address customer needs and impro...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower a team of engineers by leading development, managing delivery, and driving process improvements. Collaborate across departments to ensure quality releases while maintaining a hands-on technica...
1 week ago
Senior QA Engineer in C# (Test Automation & Data Testing)
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring the quality of complex data-driven applications through a blend of manual and automated testing, focusing on large datasets and data flows while collaborating...
3 days ago
Staff Software Engineer, Devops
$155K - $233K *
Shape the future of our infrastructure by architecting and building a hybrid Kubernetes platform. Lead hands-on initiatives across AWS, ensuring reliability and efficiency while collaborating with cro...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $130K *
Transform your career by designing and delivering complex full-stack solutions using Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate with teams to enhance engineering quality and lead technical initiative...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer IV - Windows Instrumentation and Automation
$107K - $190K *
Innovate in the field of scientific software engineering by leading the design and development of cutting-edge Windows applications that drive advanced atomic force microscopy systems and enhance perf...
Reposted 1 week ago
What is a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)?
An SDET is a software engineering professional who builds testing tools, automated test systems, and quality processes to help ensure software works reliably.
What does an SDET do day to day?
Typical work includes writing automated tests, developing test frameworks, validating APIs and applications, investigating defects, and collaborating with software teams to improve product quality.
What skills are commonly required for SDET jobs?
Requirements often include programming ability, test automation experience, API testing, CI/CD knowledge, and familiarity with software development practices. Specific tools and qualifications vary by role.
Are SDET jobs available with salaries of $100,000 or more?
Yes. Compensation depends on factors such as experience, location, specialization, and employer. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more.
How can I find an SDET job on Ladders?
Search Ladders for Software Development Engineer in Test, SDET, test automation, or quality engineering roles, then review each listing’s responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation details.