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.
$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
Sr. Software Engineer/System Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in transforming a mission-focused product suite for broader DoD deployment. Drive software development, enhance key management services, and collaborate across teams to ensure robust...
2 weeks ago
$104K - $133K *
Elevate software testing for geospatial systems by designing, debugging, and validating applications. Collaborate on GUIs and backend logic to enhance performance and functionality, ensuring high-qual...
2 weeks ago
User Interface Automated Test Engineer (26-381)
$95K - $115K *
Engineer automated testing frameworks for UI products, leveraging Java, C++, and Python. Collaborate in a dynamic environment, ensuring quality through effective test script development and communicat...
5 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality by designing and implementing automated API testing solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the reliability and performa...
3 days ago
Senior Software Development Engineer - AI Foundations
$184K - $258K *
Champion innovative solutions as a Senior Software Developer, driving scalable AI capabilities and enhancing product excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to elevate software design, rel...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Forward Deployed Software Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Elevate user experiences by developing modern web applications with React and TypeScript. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, maintainable solutions that integrate AI workflow...
5 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - SDN
$150K - $180K *
Contribute to our network platform's evolution by designing robust software for a high-performance cloud infrastructure. Collaborate on automating SDN and developing scalable solutions to enhance our...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Chicago based
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's tackling complex technical challenges in a dynamic, agile environment. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to deliver high-quality software solutions while mentoring peers and...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's pioneering automated testing solutions to enhance software delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and maintain robust test automation frameworks, ensu...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer, Open Data Analytics - Engines
$143K - $194K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of query engines and table formats through performance optimization and deep contributions to open-source communities. Collaborate on innovative solutions driving...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, Open Data Analytics - Engines
$143K - $194K *
Drive innovative solutions by designing next-gen analytics technologies with a focus on performance and reliability. Collaborate end-to-end in the software development process while tackling complex d...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr. Automated Test Engineer-Signal Integrity
$100K - $120K *
Lead the development and enhancement of automated test solutions for high-speed interconnect products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and efficiency in manufacturing proce...
1 week ago
Sr. Automated Test Engineer-Signal Integrity
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to develop and enhance automated test solutions for high-speed interconnect products, ensuring quality and efficiency across global manufacturing. Collaborate with cross-functional...
1 week ago
$140K - $150K *
Unlock your potential by leading automation testing efforts, designing frameworks, and ensuring quality in a dynamic federal program. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance CI/CD processes...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $150K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing automation testing for federal programs. You'll design, build, and maintain robust test frameworks, ensuring quality and reliability in software releases whil...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Software Engineer (Compute Test, North Reading)
$129K - $207K *
Advance software solutions by leveraging your 5+ years of engineering experience, designing, testing, and implementing scalable applications, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Software Engineer (Compute Test, North Reading)
$129K - $207K *
Join our innovative Software Engineering team to design, implement, and deploy high-performance software for automatic test equipment. Collaborate across functions, tackle complex challenges, and cont...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer I to III, Digital Engineering
$70K - $160K *
Unlock potential by joining our Digital Engineering team to build and maintain in-house software that connects product data across the lifecycle. Collaborate with experienced engineers in a fast-paced...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer I to III, Digital Engineering
$75K - $165K *
Join a dynamic team to build and maintain in-house software that connects product data across the lifecycle. Contribute to impactful projects while learning from experienced engineers in a fast-paced...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team of developers to deliver high-quality software solutions. Collaborate with product managers and designers to drive innovation and ensure seamless user experi...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead and inspire a team of developers to deliver high-quality software solutions. Collaborate with product managers and designers to ensure reliability while fostering a culture of growth and innovati...
2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Explore the potential of AI in full-stack development while designing and delivering enterprise applications. Collaborate across teams and mentor engineers, ensuring your expertise shapes cutting-edge...
3 weeks ago
Senior Systems Development Engineer, Amazon Dedicated Cloud (ADC)
$151K - $204K *
Innovate cloud computing solutions for U.S. Government agencies, tackling complex distributed systems. Lead engineering efforts to enhance operational excellence and automate processes, ensuring top-t...
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.