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.
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
Software Engineer 3 (NWG - 037)
$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
Software Engineer 3 (NWG - 037)
$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
Software Engineer in Test, Embedded Firmware
$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
$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
Software Development Engineer, Aurora Control Plane
$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
Software Development Engineer in Test II - Mobile Applications
$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
$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
$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
Senior Software Development Engineer
$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
$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
Functional QA Tester ( Manual ) with Guidewire
$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
Senior Software Development Engineer, High Value Send Experience
$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
Principal, Software Development Engineer
$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
$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
$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
Senior Software Engineer in Test
$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
$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
Systems Development Engineer, Lab Operations Platform, Amazon Leo DevOps
$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
Software Engineer - AI-Assisted Development
$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...
Reposted 3 days ago
Software Development Engineer, Network Product Development
$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
Systems Development Engineer II, US Amazon Dedicated Cloud Security Engineering
$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
Senior Software Development Engineer - AWS, Amazon Dedicated Cloud (ADC) Networking
$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
Test Development Engineer, Mechanical Dev Test & Integration
$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
$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
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.