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.
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in ensuring software quality by managing testing processes, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and productivity across multiple proj...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer - Engineering Systems, Continuous Integration
$236K - $354K *
Lead the design and architecture of large-scale Continuous Integration systems, enhancing developer workflows and software delivery across a multi-cloud environment. Collaborate with teams to drive te...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize healthcare technology by resolving bugs and ensuring system stability. Collaborate with a dynamic R&D team to support monthly upgrades and perform quality assurance, driving continuous deploy...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, SRE (US Federal)
$137K - $205K *
Elevate your career by collaborating across teams to enhance architecture and foster smooth operations of our services. Engage in hands-on development, support, and troubleshooting of large-scale syst...
Reposted 4 days ago
Software Development Engineering - Sr Professional I
$90K - $144K *
Empower innovation by designing and developing high-quality software applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions that meet business objectives and enhance clien...
Yesterday
Software Development Engineering - Sr Professional I
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by leading software development initiatives that drive innovation and enhance client solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality applications that me...
Yesterday
Software Development Engineer, International Seller Growth
$143K - $194K *
Elevate innovation by architecting an AI-native platform that transforms user experiences globally. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build intelligent solutions that drive measurable busines...
6 days ago
Systems Development Engineer, Analytics ADC
$129K - $174K *
Drive innovative solutions as a Systems Development Engineer II, simplifying complex challenges while enhancing customer experiences across a suite of Analytics services. Collaborate with teams to inf...
2 days ago
Sr Quality Engineer - Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform quality assurance by designing and implementing robust automation solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing frameworks and integrate automated processes into CI/C...
1 week ago
Software Development Manager, Frontier Amazon Dedicated Cloud (ADC)
$184K - $250K *
Champion a high-performing engineering team to deliver secure, scalable AI solutions in GovCloud. Drive technical direction, simplify complex challenges, and ensure operational excellence while collab...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in quality assurance automation by developing robust frameworks and ensuring system integrity for a major federal modernization program while collaborating with diverse technical teams...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $120K *
Join us to lead a dynamic software engineering team, driving innovation in fleet management technology. You'll mentor developers, oversee the software delivery lifecycle, and contribute hands-on to co...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer
$156K - $210K *
Take ownership of full-stack projects, driving development from scoping to delivery. Collaborate across teams to create high-quality applications using Python and React, while leveraging AI tools to e...
1 week ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer
$129K - $174K *
Transform software development by leading teams, driving innovation, and managing complex systems. Collaborate across departments to enhance operational excellence and mentor engineers while staying a...
1 week ago
$200K - $250K *
Empower innovation as a Senior Software Engineer, collaborating cross-functionally to design scalable systems and enhance user experiences through robust, data-driven solutions. Drive impactful projec...
1 month ago
$200K - $250K *
Shape innovative software solutions by collaborating across teams to develop scalable, robust systems. Tackle complex challenges while taking ownership of significant features to enhance user experien...
1 month ago
Staff Software Engineer, Developer Automation
$150K - $180K *
Transform the build infrastructure by leading the Bazel migration, designing remote execution, and enhancing CI/CD systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize build times and establish bes...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Developer Automation
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's driving automation in CI/CD pipelines to enhance reliability and efficiency. As a Staff-level contributor, you'll blend AI techniques with software automation to support rapid devel...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer In Test - Embedded Software/Firmware
$124K - $212K *
Champion the verification and validation of embedded software for insulin-pump systems. Develop automated test solutions and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure product safety and compliance in a...
4 days ago
Staff Engineer - QA Automation
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of quality assurance by leading automated testing initiatives for cloud-based ERP systems, ensuring seamless integration and performance across various business processes and upgrades...
1 week ago
Sr Software Engineer - API Platform, Product Engineering (Python/Typescript)
$176K - $264K *
Optimize high-throughput, low-latency API architectures while leading teams in delivering robust frameworks. Drive standards and performance enhancements collaboratively across product pillars in a dy...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Development Engineer, StoreGen
$143K - $194K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of software development through AI-driven tools and methodologies, enhancing collaboration and efficiency across engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us in shaping a robust QA automation framework for Windows and web applications. Leverage your expertise in automation technologies and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer
$156K - $234K *
Drive impactful design decisions and lead the development of scalable, high-performance AI model serving systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance infrastructure, optimize performance, and maintain r...
Reposted 4 days ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer
$156K - $234K *
Lead the charge in designing and scaling a high-performance AI model serving platform, ensuring reliability and efficiency while fostering an inclusive team culture. Drive impactful decisions that enh...
Reposted 4 days 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.