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.
Software Development Engineer II
$143K - $194K *
Join a dynamic team to design and operate scalable services that route AWS traffic globally. Tackle complex distributed systems challenges while enhancing automation and efficiency, ensuring reliable...
5 days ago
Software Development Engineer II
$114K - $191K *
Elevate customer experiences by designing AI agents that transform data into actionable insights. As a key contributor, you'll enhance response accuracy and efficiency, shaping innovative solutions in...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer II
$143K - $194K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building reliable software solutions, enhancing system performance and security while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful results and mentor...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer II
$143K - $194K *
Shape the future of software development by designing and delivering scalable solutions that enhance customer experiences. Collaborate with engineers to drive operational excellence and mentor peers w...
1 week ago
$110K - $140K *
Transform quality assurance by designing and maintaining automated test scripts, collaborating with teams to ensure high standards, and integrating tests into CI/CD pipelines for rapid feedback and im...
3 weeks ago
SDET, Security and AI-Enhanced Test Automation
$180K - $210K *
Empower the Signals platform by leading security testing and AI-driven automation. You'll close gaps in vendor engagement and establish a robust foundation for future growth, ensuring security and eff...
2 weeks ago
$76K - $150K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring high-quality software delivery through innovative automated testing solutions. Leverage your expertise in web automation frameworks and Java to drive excellenc...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Development Engineer (Developer Experience and Platform Tools)
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's transforming cloud compute platforms by owning and evolving our platform qualification and test automation service. Collaborate with engineers to ensure software releases are safe...
Reposted 4 days ago
$104K - $160K *
Join us to enhance automation and quality in mobile testing. Leverage your expertise in Android and Java to develop robust automated tests, collaborate with teams, and drive continuous improvement in...
1 week ago
$110K - $186K *
Build and maintain AI-driven test automation frameworks, ensuring robust coverage and performance across diverse products. Collaborate with teams to enhance QA processes and mentor junior engineers in...
1 week ago
$96K - $128K *
Unlock potential by driving product reliability through innovative testing strategies and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality in a dynamic, cloud-based envi...
6 days ago
Senior Software Developer in Test SDET, Remote
$84K - $123K *
Champion quality engineering by developing and maintaining robust automation solutions that ensure optimal application performance, reliability, and scalability while collaborating across teams to dri...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principal Software Development Engineer in Test (Performance & Bare-Metal)
$140K - $252K *
Unlock potential by leading test strategies for hypervisor performance and VM quality. Collaborate with teams to design automated benchmarks and validate deployment safety, ensuring high standards acr...
1 week ago
Principal Software Development Engineer in Test (Performance & Bare-Metal)
$140K - $252K *
Contribute to the development of robust test strategies for hypervisor performance and VM quality. Collaborate with teams to ensure deployment safety and validate systems, while mentoring others in st...
1 week ago
$110K - $135K *
Lead the charge in quality assurance by developing automated test scripts using Java, Selenium, and Appium. Collaborate with teams to enhance application performance and ensure robust testing for web...
6 days ago
Senior Software Development Engineer in Test
$80K - $153K *
Elevate quality assurance by owning end-to-end testing strategies, driving automation, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions for a new business opportunity in a f...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of gaming quality assurance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop automated testing frameworks, ensuring exceptional player experiences while mentori...
4 days ago
$120K - $176K *
Empower innovation as you develop automated testing frameworks, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and mentor junior members to enhance quality assurance processes and deliver exceptional gaming...
4 days ago
Sr Software Dev Engineer, ALG Software and Network Integration and Test
$168K - $227K *
Join a dynamic team to architect and deliver innovative software tools for integration testing in complex hardware and software systems, enhancing verification processes for space and terrestrial appl...
3 days ago
Senior Automation Developer (SDET)
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer scalable automation solutions by designing reusable frameworks and validating complex integrations. Collaborate on backend systems to enhance data integrity and performance, driving efficiency...
6 days ago
Software Development Engineering in Test Senior Associate (Selenium, Java, Kafka)
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through automated testing. Collaborate with cross-functional squads to design, develop, and implement robust testing frameworks, ensuring sea...
5 days ago
Software Development Engineering in Test Senior Associate (Selenium, Java, Kafka)
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team focused on automating software testing. Collaborate with cross-functional squads to enhance product quality through innovative testing solutions and continuo...
5 days ago
Software Development Engineer in Test - Platform System Validation
$130K - $155K *
Pioneer a comprehensive testing strategy for SoCs and products, focusing on firmware and bootloader technologies. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance test automation and quality metrics, ensurin...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer
$145K - $175K *
Transform network automation by designing and operating systems that streamline Lambda's network lifecycle, enhancing efficiency and reliability across data center operations and deployment processes...
3 days ago
Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) - US Recent Grad (Remote)
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of automated testing solutions. Collaborate with engineers and QA professionals to design and implement scalable frameworks, leveraging AI to enhance testing effi...
2 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.