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.
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Unlock potential by leading advanced machine learning initiatives to optimize rider pricing, driving revenue growth and enhancing user experience across Uber's mobility services. Collaborate with cros...
2 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Engage in comprehensive vehicle testing and validation, focusing on performance metrics and advanced driving systems. Collaborate with teams to analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and document findings...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $216K *
Champion the development of high-performance REST APIs, leading architectural decisions and mentoring engineers. Collaborate across teams to enhance system performance and establish best practices in...
1 week ago
$120K - $216K *
Elevate your career by leading the design and implementation of high-performance backend systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish API standards and mentor engineers, driving innov...
1 week ago
Test Automation Developer - ETL/API/Rules
$100K - $200K *
Lead the charge in automation testing, developing frameworks for ETL, APIs, and business rules, enhancing system quality and integrity in a collaborative, mission-focused environment...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software Development Manager Senior
$234K - $398K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of portfolio construction by leading a high-performing engineering team. Shape strategy, enhance execution, and deliver innovative tools that empower investment pr...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Manager Senior
$234K - $398K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of portfolio construction by leading engineering efforts to deliver innovative tools and insights. Drive strategy, enhance operational excellence, and empower tal...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Manager Senior
$234K - $398K *
Lead the charge in building a high-performing engineering organization that delivers innovative tools and insights for risk-aware portfolio construction, enhancing investor decision-making through str...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Manager Senior
$248K - $422K *
Champion innovation by leading a high-performing engineering team to enhance portfolio construction tools. Drive strategy, execution, and operational excellence while collaborating with stakeholders t...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $229K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of insurance technology by leading engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance product effectiven...
6 days ago
Manager, Software Development Engineering
$186K - $233K *
Join a team that's redefining the automotive shopping experience. Lead engineers in building innovative consumer applications, driving technical direction, and fostering collaboration across disciplin...
3 days ago
Staff Full Stack Software Engineer
$150K - $175K *
Join a dynamic team to develop scalable full-stack applications, enhancing a leading portfolio management platform. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver exceptional user experiences and drive inn...
1 week ago
Staff Full Stack Software Engineer
$150K - $175K *
Reimagine the future of portfolio management by developing scalable full-stack applications. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experience and tackle complex challenges in a cloud-native environ...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer - Distributed Services
$143K - $194K *
Champion the future of shopping experiences by crafting scalable software solutions. Collaborate with teams to tackle complex challenges, translating business needs into high-quality software across d...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer - Distributed Services
$143K - $194K *
Join a dynamic team to engineer scalable software solutions, collaborating across functions to solve complex challenges while enhancing the core shopping experience and supporting multiple business go...
3 weeks ago
Staff Full Stack Software Engineer
$150K - $175K *
Join a dynamic team to develop scalable full-stack applications, enhancing user experience and driving innovation in portfolio management software for global investment firms. Collaborate across all p...
1 week ago
Senior Software Development Manager, Commerce
$150K - $180K *
Join us to lead and shape the engineering teams driving innovative Commerce solutions. You'll define technical strategies, develop high-performing teams, and ensure exceptional customer experiences in...
2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - Autonomous Systems
$145K - $200K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge software for autonomous systems, integrating advanced sensors and AI to enhance mission capabilities. Collaborate with experts to redefine operational scenarios i...
1 week ago
Sr. Software Engineer-Enterprise Platform Modernization and Architecture
$120K - $145K *
Transform enterprise software by modernizing legacy systems and enhancing multi-tenant SaaS platforms. Lead design, development, and deployment while ensuring operational continuity and integrating AI...
6 days ago
Sr Manager, Software Development Engineering
$274K - $296K *
Innovate and lead the development of large-scale data systems, enabling real-time insights and advanced analytics across our platforms. Drive AI/ML initiatives for service enhancement while managing v...
Reposted yesterday
Test Automation Software Engineer
$69K - $158K *
Shape the future of cybersecurity by leveraging your software engineering skills to enhance test automation capabilities. Collaborate with teams to design, implement, and optimize quality assurance pr...
4 days ago
Senior Performance Analysis Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Analyze missile defense system performance, leveraging MATLAB and Python to evaluate effectiveness and operational capabilities. Collaborate with engineering teams to develop tools and communicate fin...
1 week ago
$75K - $90K *
Drive software quality by executing tests and collaborating with engineers to enhance StreamCaster products. Engage in manual regression, exploratory testing, and defect resolution to ensure robust pe...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, AWS Network Data Management and Research
$168K - $227K *
Transform your career by leading the architecture of critical data systems, driving multi-team initiatives, and mentoring engineers to enhance performance and reliability in a dynamic environment...
1 week ago
Lead Software Development Engineer in Test (Multiple Positions)
$219K - $353K *
Lead the charge in quality assurance by owning the testing process, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and mentoring junior members to enhance technical capabilities and drive engineering exce...
6 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.