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.
$88K - $105K *
Engineer innovative software solutions by developing and enhancing systems. Collaborate with peers to ensure quality and adherence to standards while managing individual components and integrating the...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate software quality by testing Link 16 applications, integrating automated procedures, and documenting processes. Collaborate with architects to enhance testing frameworks and adapt to dynamic pr...
1 week ago
$112K - $135K *
Contribute to the testing of software components for a Link 16 application, collaborating with architects to integrate automated test procedures, document processes, and track anomalies in a dynamic e...
1 week ago
$80K - $135K *
Drive innovation by developing and enhancing complex software systems for critical defense programs. Collaborate with teams to ensure adherence to design requirements and resolve software issues, cont...
2 days ago
Software Dev Engineer II, AWS Organisations
$165K - $223K *
Drive the development of scalable, robust systems that enhance AWS customer experiences. Collaborate with a diverse team to design, implement, and deliver innovative features while mentoring junior en...
1 week ago
$68K - $131K *
Empower product quality by ensuring compliance and integrity in software development. Collaborate across teams to drive continuous improvement and effective testing of digital products, enhancing over...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer / Technical Lead
$120K - $145K *
Lead the design and development of secure software solutions, modernizing applications for enterprise environments. Collaborate with teams to ensure successful delivery of scalable architectures and k...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer / Technical Lead
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by leading the design and development of secure software solutions for enterprise environments, driving modernization efforts, and mentoring engineering teams to deliver scalable...
1 week ago
Lead Software Development Engineer, Consumer Domains
$184K - $250K *
Lead the development of innovative software solutions that enhance customer experiences, guiding a team of engineers through an agile environment while driving best practices and continuous improvemen...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer I, Data Storage
$159K - $215K *
Optimize integration processes to empower teams in utilizing Data and ML systems. Collaborate across functions to build solutions that enhance product capabilities, reduce friction, and provide valuab...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Quality Assurance Manager
$116K - $182K *
Transform the software quality assurance landscape by leading a dynamic QA team, defining testing strategies, and ensuring top-notch quality for video collaboration software. Collaborate cross-functio...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Engine Systems
$243K - $295K *
Engage in the innovative development of core engine systems for a dynamic platform, ensuring optimal performance across devices while taking ownership of projects throughout their lifecycle. Collabora...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Software Performance Engineer
$160K - $180K *
Optimize system performance as a Senior Performance Engineer, focusing on latency and resource management. Collaborate with robotics teams to enhance high-throughput execution reliability and efficien...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Development Manager, AWS SDKs and Tools
$203K - $275K *
Lead the charge in managing a dynamic team of engineers, driving technical direction and operational excellence for AWS SDKs. Foster a culture of growth and innovation while balancing feature developm...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Manager, AWS SDKs and Tools
$184K - $250K *
Transform your career by leading a dynamic team of engineers, setting technical direction, and driving the roadmap for innovative AWS SDKs while fostering a culture of growth and excellence...
2 weeks ago
$103K - $218K *
Drive quality assurance by developing and executing comprehensive tests to ensure software reliability. Collaborate with teams to identify defects and enhance test processes, all while contributing to...
Reposted 1 week ago
$103K - $218K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software quality and reliability. Drive comprehensive testing strategies, develop robust test plans, and identify defects for software applications, e...
Reposted 1 week ago
$135K - $165K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative AI products by designing, building, and maintaining full-stack applications and backend services, while ensuring platform reliability and security in a collabo...
3 weeks ago
Sr Testing and Quality Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Transform your career by leading quality assurance initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Collaborate across multiple functions while driving improvements and ensuring compliance with...
Reposted yesterday
Principal Test Automation Engineer
$150K - $180K *
Innovate AI-driven automation across the software development lifecycle, enhancing build, CI, testing, and release processes. Collaborate with engineers to establish foundational tools and methodologi...
1 week ago
Software Quality Assurance Engineer (BT-26189)
$95K - $115K *
Elevate software quality through comprehensive testing, automation, and collaboration. Engage with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality applications, driving continuous improvement and effect...
2 weeks ago
Sr Software Development Engineer, AWS Forward Deployed Engineering
$184K - $250K *
Lead the charge in building cloud-native software solutions and infrastructure, ensuring quality design and scalability while mentoring engineers and driving technical strategies across teams...
3 weeks ago
Intermediate Automated Test Developer
$95K - $135K *
Drive automation excellence by designing and implementing robust automated test solutions, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring compliance in a dynamic healthcare software environment...
5 days ago
$121K - $160K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in software development, leading a talented group of engineers to enhance enterprise applications. Oversee project execution, mentor talent, and foster a culture...
1 week ago
$121K - $160K *
Transform your career by leading a dynamic software engineering team to enhance enterprise applications. Drive innovation, mentor talent, and ensure seamless delivery through Agile methodologies while...
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.