Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Jobs

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.

What Does an SDET Do?

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.

Common SDET Skills and Qualifications

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.

Career Paths in Software Quality Engineering

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.

Find SDET Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$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...

Mountain View, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Advance innovation by leveraging 12+ years of software engineering expertise in complex programs. Collaborate with teams to enhance software solutions using Java, Springboot, and cloud technologies, e...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing innovative software solutions. Leverage your extensive experience in software engineering to drive complex projects and collaborate with cross-functional tea...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$85K - $107K *

Support the development of test infrastructure for embedded firmware, ensuring quality and reliability through automated testing and collaboration with diverse teams. Engage in hands-on testing and tr...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Lead the development and execution of test plans, ensuring comprehensive evaluation of systems through data collection and analysis. Collaborate with teams to enhance test strategies and support decis...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$143K - $194K *

Champion the design and development of scalable, reliable database systems. Collaborate with engineers to create robust web service APIs, ensuring high availability and performance for innovative clou...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$76K - $128K *

Transform the quality assurance landscape by developing automated tests for mobile applications and collaborating across teams to ensure robust product performance in a dynamic Agile environment...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$106K - $162K *

Unlock potential by leading test automation efforts to enhance system performance and reliability. Collaborate with stakeholders to design, implement, and support innovative testing solutions that mee...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$96K - $144K *

Join our innovative team as you enhance automated testing for critical government systems, collaborating across functions to ensure quality and efficiency in digital transformation projects with signi...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Optimize service desk operations by leading incident management and ITSM processes. Drive efficiency through collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring high-quality support and adherence to se...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$60K - $180K *

Engage in advanced system integration and verification, driving innovation through testing and automation. Collaborate with teams to develop test plans and troubleshoot issues, ensuring high-quality o...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality software solutions through effective manual testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure comprehensive testing coverage and contin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $225K *

Champion the development of scalable systems that enhance customer trust for high-value transfers. Collaborate across teams to deliver reliable web and mobile experiences, ensuring optimal performance...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$134K - $165K *

Innovate as a senior technical leader, driving AI integration and scalable solutions across a SaaS portfolio. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and mentor engineers i...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$125K - $155K *

Elevate the quality of mission-critical Army systems through rigorous testing, collaboration, and innovative strategies. Drive functional, integration, and regression testing to ensure compliance with...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $155K *

Join us to ensure mission-critical Army systems meet quality standards through comprehensive testing. Collaborate with teams to identify defects, execute test plans, and support both manual and automa...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$142K - $197K *

Drive the future of test engineering by leveraging generative AI to enhance product quality and automation. Collaborate with teams to design, test, and deliver innovative solutions, ensuring robust in...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $270K *

Unlock potential by leading the architecture and engineering strategy for a cutting-edge AI platform. Drive innovation in scalable, fault-tolerant systems while mentoring engineers and tackling comple...

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$151K - $204K *

Unlock your potential by developing intuitive systems that streamline lab operations, enhance scheduling, and improve equipment management. Collaborate with engineers to create tools that drive effici...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$80K - $155K *

Accelerate your career by developing and modernizing applications using AI coding agents. Collaborate with teams to enhance software quality and maintainability while driving innovation in complex env...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $223K *

Join a team that's redefining cloud networking solutions to optimize performance, reliability, and scalability. Collaborate with engineers and experts to develop reliable embedded software for network...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$129K - $174K *

Empower our high-security systems engineering team to innovate and automate robust physical access control solutions, ensuring the health and security of critical infrastructure while delivering excep...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$168K - $227K *

Empower innovation by leading the design and development of automated networking solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security and availability for mission-critical systems, d...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$96K - $160K *

Unlock your potential by designing and implementing test infrastructure for satellite hardware. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and reliability in a fast-paced...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$95K - $115K *

Empower the future of software deployment by optimizing over 100 applications and managing comprehensive virtual systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance compliance and streamline IT operations, e...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.