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.
$120K - $130K *
Optimize quality assurance processes by validating features and tracking defects across Agile teams. Leverage AI tools to enhance testing efficiency and contribute to continuous improvement in QA stan...
3 days ago
$120K - $130K *
Champion quality assurance by designing and executing tests for the EDGAR 2.0 platform. Collaborate with Agile teams to validate features, track defects, and enhance testing processes using AI tools...
3 days ago
Software Engineer (SSS-GDV-234-01)
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovative software solutions by leveraging 10+ years of expertise in Core Java, web technologies, and secure application development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance custo...
1 week ago
Software Engineer 3 (NWG - 036)
$120K - $145K *
Discover innovative solutions as a Software Engineer, leveraging your extensive experience to drive complex projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software processes and deliver...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer 3 (NWG - 036)
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative software solutions, leveraging extensive experience in complex programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and drive projec...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Digital Operations
$155K - $185K *
Unlock potential by partnering with business teams to tackle operational challenges, design full-stack solutions, and enhance workflows, leveraging AI technologies while delivering high-quality softwa...
Reposted 6 days ago
$170K - $188K *
Shape the future of cloud-based investment solutions by architecting and implementing scalable, high-performance platform infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation an...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Technical Program Manager, QA & Developer Experience
$115K - $188K *
Elevate your career by leading programs that enhance QA processes and developer workflows, driving exceptional quality and efficiency in AI-powered experiences across a dynamic team. Your influence wi...
Reposted 2 days ago
$68K - $93K *
Innovate and enhance web applications using .NET, Angular, and SQL. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software solutions while driving technology advancements in a dynami...
Reposted yesterday
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 Engineer: Test Automation
$76K - $115K *
Drive quality assurance by designing and maintaining automated testing frameworks. Collaborate across teams to enhance software development processes, ensuring robust, scalable solutions throughout th...
2 days ago
Advanced Software Engineer (C++, Java)
$124K - $137K *
Innovate mission-critical software solutions for U.S. Navy platforms, engaging in the full software lifecycle from design to deployment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system perfo...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing scalable applications and optimizing performance. Collaborate with diverse experts in an Agile environment, delivering high-quality software solutions while...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Inspire quality assurance excellence by designing automated test frameworks that enhance efficiency and collaboration. Drive software validation and continuous improvement in an Agile environment whil...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$71K - $118K *
Champion the development of automated test systems, collaborating with engineering and IT teams to enhance product functionality and documentation, while ensuring high-quality standards in a dynamic e...
4 days ago
Software Development Engineer Test III -REMOTE
$92K - $115K *
Drive test automation excellence by designing and maintaining robust frameworks, collaborating across teams to enhance QA capabilities, and leveraging AI tools to optimize testing processes and reduce...
2 weeks 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
Software Engineer, Quality & Automation
$120K - $145K *
Transform quality assurance by owning automation for enterprise deployments and enhancing customer experiences with agent-first tooling. Collaborate with teams to strengthen testing, reduce bugs, and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Quality Assurance Automation Engineer
$75K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing naval systems through automation. Lead the development of automated testing for critical software and hardware, ensuring reliability and performance in both l...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by designing and deploying cloud-based solutions using Python, Azure, and Databricks. Collaborate with agile teams to enhance productivity and deliver high-quality software through...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic Agile team to ensure software quality through manual and automated testing, collaborating closely with developers and analysts on mission-critical projects...
4 days 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 5 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
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by ensuring high-quality AI product releases through comprehensive testing and requirements management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test plans, document require...
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.