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.
$175K - $340K *
Empower your career by developing complex software systems that enhance customer operations. Collaborate with teams to analyze requirements, debug software, and implement innovative solutions in a dyn...
3 days ago
$175K - $340K *
Join a team that's developing innovative software solutions to enhance customer operations. Collaborate on complex systems, analyze requirements, and ensure quality through testing and debugging while...
3 days 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...
4 days ago
Software Quality Assurance Engineer and Tester
$120K *
Elevate quality assurance processes by validating data migration and system integration, ensuring seamless functionality and performance in a dynamic Agile environment. Collaborate closely with client...
4 days ago
Software Development Engineer II, Amazon Vulnerability Management Services
$143K - $194K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team to develop AI-driven reporting tools that enhance vulnerability management insights for senior leadership, combining full-stack engineering with data analyti...
6 days ago
Manager, Software Quality Assurance
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in ensuring top-tier software quality by driving testing strategies, methodologies, and automation initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance, security...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring the quality and reliability of banking products. You'll plan and execute testing, validate requirements, and support release readiness in a fast-paced environm...
1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Contribute to the quality and reliability of our banking platform by executing comprehensive testing strategies, validating business requirements, and enhancing automation processes to ensure seamless...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead system-level testing for advanced naval combat systems, ensuring performance and reliability through rigorous testing and validation. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance software functi...
1 week ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Aurora PostgreSQL
$168K - $227K *
Drive the development of innovative database systems, collaborating with teams to enhance performance, reliability, and security. Lead impactful projects, mentor peers, and solve complex technical cha...
Reposted 3 weeks 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 II, Post Silicon Validation
$143K - $194K *
Transform your career by validating cutting-edge machine learning accelerators. Collaborate with top minds in a fast-paced environment, impacting AWS's infrastructure and the future of cloud technolog...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$82K - $147K *
Engage in user-focused design and development as you advocate for positive experiences across UI, CLI, and API. Collaborate with teams to enhance performance, resolve issues, and contribute to a cultu...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer, CoRe Relations
$143K - $194K *
Join a team that's developing cutting-edge ML systems to enhance reliability and performance. Collaborate with experts to innovate solutions that ensure customer trust while managing the entire ML pip...
4 days ago
Software Development Engineer IV - Windows Instrumentation and Automation
$107K - $190K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and development of cutting-edge Windows software for advanced nanotechnology instrumentation, driving innovation through collaborative engineering, and ensuring...
Reposted 1 week 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
$110K - $130K *
Elevate the desktop experience by providing expert IT support and engineering solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery, maintain security, and optimize endpoint m...
4 days ago
Member of Technical Staff, Automation Specialist
$140K - $220K *
Champion innovative automation in complex risk workflows, transforming processes through structured problem-solving and technical tools. Collaborate across teams to enhance efficiency while continuous...
Reposted 1 week ago
Test Automation Engineer - Contract
$92K - $110K *
Partner with us to enhance test automation in the Medical Device sector. Leverage your Python expertise to convert manual tests and integrate automated suites into CI/CD pipelines, ensuring efficient...
1 week ago
System Development Engineer, Astra ADC
$129K - $174K *
Lead the charge in optimizing foundational services for Amazon builders, ensuring reliability and security across isolated environments while driving automation and enhancing the developer experience...
1 week ago
Software Development Manager, Region Flexibility & Efficiency
$171K - $286K *
Champion the development of innovative software solutions that enhance global efficiency and flexibility for engineering teams, driving strategic direction and fostering a collaborative environment to...
Today
Sr. Software Engineer, Testing
$350K - $500K *
Redefine testing through designing and building advanced automation platforms that enhance performance and reliability in mission-critical systems, driving innovation across Portfolio and Trading team...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $120K *
Lead the charge in quality engineering for critical assessment platforms, driving testing excellence and automation maturity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and scalabil...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion quality and compliance as you lead critical testing activities, ensuring adherence to standards while collaborating with teams to enhance product performance and customer satisfaction in a dy...
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.