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.
$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...
1 week 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
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in developing and maintaining automated testing solutions to enhance software quality and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline testing processes and accel...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Product
$200K - $400K *
Transform customer experiences by designing and building robust systems for configuring, training, and monitoring AI agents, ensuring usability for non-technical teams while maintaining powerful funct...
1 week ago
Senior Full Stack Software Developer
$110K - $135K *
Elevate your career by designing and developing innovative web applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions while mentoring junior developers and integrating cut...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate robust SaaS platforms by collaborating with cross-functional teams, building and enhancing features, and delivering customer-centric solutions throughout the development lifecycle...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Engineering, Team Manager
$165K - $175K *
Empower engineering teams to enhance assessment services through leadership, technical expertise, and responsible AI adoption. Drive team performance and customer outcomes across diverse product areas...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of non-destructive testing by collaborating with a diverse team to develop, execute, and validate innovative test processes, ensuring compliance and quality for advanced hardware and...
Reposted 1 week ago
Full Stack Software Engineer - Developer Experience
$89K - $158K *
Join us to enhance the developer experience for engineering teams by building intuitive, scalable tools and applications. Your expertise will streamline workflows and improve self-service capabilities...
4 days ago
$90K - $100K *
Unlock potential by driving quality assurance initiatives, adapting swiftly to changes, and leveraging critical thinking to enhance testing processes in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with teams t...
2 weeks ago
$105K - $154K *
Oversee end-to-end validation of enterprise storage management solutions in a dynamic team environment. Collaborate in designing and maintaining high-quality applications, utilizing open-source and th...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to develop scalable platforms that enhance cloud services. Engage in the full software lifecycle, tackling complex challenges and driving innovation in a collaborative environment...
2 days ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer, CS Tools
$168K - $227K *
Transform customer support through innovative software solutions. Lead the design, development, and maintenance of tools that enhance user experience and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional...
2 weeks ago
$165K - $180K *
Transform your career by developing and enhancing complex software systems. Collaborate with teams to analyze requirements, debug software, and implement innovative solutions that meet performance sta...
2 days ago
$165K - $180K *
Engage in the development and enhancement of complex software systems, collaborating with teams to analyze requirements, debug software, and implement solutions that meet performance standards while e...
2 days ago
$90K - $130K *
Optimize mission-critical applications in a regulated environment, providing Tier 3 support and enhancing legacy systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure secure integrations and maintain high...
1 week ago
System Development Engineer, Platform Engineering & Emerging Technology - AWS Config
$99K - $160K *
Unlock innovative cloud solutions by designing and operating complex systems for U.S. Government agencies. Collaborate with top-tier clients to enhance compliance and customer experience while tacklin...
1 week ago
Software Engineer Skill Level 3 (SWE3) - 534
$199K - $235K *
Empower security excellence by leading the design and implementation of advanced identity and access control systems for high-performance computing environments, ensuring compliance with security poli...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer Skill Level 3 (SWE3) - 534
$199K - $235K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing security in high-performance computing environments. Lead the design and implementation of access control systems, ensuring compliance with security policies...
2 weeks ago
Mid-Level QA Automation Test Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Lead the quality assurance efforts for a critical defense simulation project, ensuring reliability and usability through automated testing. Collaborate with developers and guide junior engineers while...
4 days ago
Principal Software Development Engineer, ML-Powered Flight Search
$231K - $323K *
Drive the architectural vision and delivery of complex software solutions, optimizing performance and security across multiple domains while mentoring engineering teams and integrating AI/ML solutions...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Early Career
$95K - $115K *
Transform core ad experiences by crafting impactful code that millions will see. Collaborate with diverse experts to tackle challenges, own projects, and drive the future of advertising in a dynamic...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
SDET Manager, Mail & Messages Automated Testing Frameworks
$135K - $160K *
Lead a dynamic team to enhance automated testing frameworks for vital communication apps. Shape the testing discipline, drive quality culture, and influence product engineering with innovative test so...
4 weeks ago
Staff Full Stack Software Engineer
$150K - $175K *
Join us to develop scalable full-stack applications using React, TypeScript, and Java. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experience and contribute to best practices in a cloud-native microservi...
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.