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.
Test Engineer (TS/SCI with Polygraph)
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality through comprehensive testing strategies and automation. Collaborate with developers to create robust test environments and execute detailed t...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer - Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph (FSP)
$210K - $250K *
Optimize mission-critical software systems by designing resilient, event-driven architectures and data processing frameworks. Collaborate on real-time monitoring and ensure system observability to enh...
5 days ago
Software Engineer (SAI-STAR-4304-01)
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in developing and deploying web applications using cloud infrastructure, ensuring seamless communication with databases and integrating AI/ML models while providing front-end support a...
3 weeks ago
$151K - $204K *
Shape the future of robotics by leading a dynamic team in a cutting-edge test lab. Oversee operations, enhance processes, and ensure high-quality testing for next-gen systems while fostering a culture...
1 week ago
$151K - $204K *
Drive the establishment of a cutting-edge lab organization, leading a multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality testing and validation of robotics systems. Oversee operations, enhance processes, a...
1 week ago
Principal Software Development Engineer, Core Transfer Experience
$240K - $300K *
Champion the technical vision for a high-traffic domain, guiding modernization and enhancing reliability for customer experiences while driving innovation through AI capabilities and mentoring the eng...
3 weeks ago
Back-end Software Development Engineering Engineer 3
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate progress at our organization by designing and delivering robust back-end applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex problems and enhance application performance...
Reposted 4 days ago
Automated Test Applications Architect (Mil Aero; Software Development, System Design & Integration)
$158K - $254K *
Transform complex customer requirements into innovative automated test solutions. Collaborate with engineers, mentor junior staff, and drive process improvements while utilizing cutting-edge technolog...
1 week ago
Automated Test Applications Architect (Mil Aero; Software Development, System Design & Integration)
$158K - $254K *
Transform complex customer requirements into innovative automated test solutions. Collaborate with engineers, mentor junior staff, and drive process improvements while working with cutting-edge techno...
1 week ago
Test Automation Engineer (Hybrid Onsite)
$95K - $115K *
Empower quality assurance by developing automated test suites using Playwright. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality software releases through effective testing methodologies...
3 days ago
Staff Software Engineer, Product
$200K - $400K *
Lead the charge in designing and building robust systems for AI agent configuration, training, and monitoring. Collaborate closely with product and design teams to deliver user-friendly solutions that...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer, Product
$200K - $400K *
Explore a pivotal role in shaping AI agent systems, driving innovation through self-serve functionalities and robust monitoring tools. Collaborate closely with product and design teams to deliver impa...
1 week ago
$63K - $129K *
Innovate security automation solutions for compliance testing in a multi-cloud environment, ensuring continuous monitoring and effective risk management while collaborating with cross-functional teams...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineering, Sr Advisor
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovative software solutions by leading the design and development of a cloud-native card issuing and payment processing platform, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure operati...
5 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Advanced Development
$130K - $155K *
Elevate your career by driving modular enhancements in RokuOS architecture. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new APIs and optimize system software, ensuring high-performance and re...
2 weeks ago
$112K - $137K *
Grow by designing and executing tests that ensure robust performance and compliance. Collaborate on innovative mechanical systems while transforming raw data into insights that drive engineering excel...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Strategic Software Development Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform software development by prototyping across embedded, full stack, and autonomy domains. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring rapid transition from concept to produ...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Manage software testing processes, ensuring quality and security through analysis and evaluation. Collaborate with teams to enhance testing methodologies, supporting cyber operations and maintaining h...
Reposted 6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead comprehensive software testing initiatives to ensure compliance with aviation standards, enhancing airworthiness and safety. Collaborate with teams to evaluate software life cycles and improve te...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Manage software testing oversight for Army aviation programs, ensuring compliance with aviation standards and airworthiness objectives. Collaborate with contractors, evaluate testing processes, and en...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Test Engineer (Python), Intelligence Systems
$191K - $253K *
Join a team that's innovating cutting-edge solutions for the Intelligence Community by spearheading functional testing and validation of advanced networking systems, driving critical analysis, and dev...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of testing as you collaborate with teams to enhance test strategies, troubleshoot systems, and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing environments, ensuring quality and efficie...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer - II , Last Mile Planning, Driver Matching
$143K - $194K *
Launch innovative solutions that drive our Sub-Same Day delivery success. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to design scalable products, tackling complex challenges that influence millions of...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$106K - $143K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement automated testing solutions, enhancing software quality and efficiency through innovative AI technologies and frameworks. Drive impactfu...
2 days ago
$120K - $220K *
Champion the development of innovative space vehicles and systems, collaborating with diverse engineering teams to solve complex challenges. Drive technology integration and ensure fault tolerance in...
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.