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.
AWS Software Engineer (Cloud / DevOps) w/ TS/SCI
$150K - $230K *
Join our team to design, develop, and deploy scalable AWS-native applications. Leverage your cloud and DevOps expertise to enhance system performance and security while collaborating with cross-functi...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Agentic Tooling & Productivity
$216K - $270K *
Drive innovation by crafting secure, scalable applications that enhance workflow automation and improve G&A team efficiencies through collaboration and cutting-edge technology solutions...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer 1 (FST - 145)
$88K - $105K *
Unlock your potential by leveraging 7+ years of software engineering expertise in complex programs. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive innovative solutions and enhance project outcomes in a secu...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - Autonomous Driving Simulation
$152K - $287K *
Drive innovation by developing advanced simulation platforms for autonomous vehicle training and validation, working across disciplines to align software performance with real-world scenarios and indu...
Reposted 1 week ago
$125K - $225K *
Create innovative data solutions by designing scalable pipelines and AI tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data quality and security, driving impactful analytics and machine lea...
2 days ago
Software Test Engineer - Precision Fires
$90K - $110K *
Transform software testing processes by developing test plans, executing tests, and analyzing results. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure software quality and operational excellence in...
2 weeks ago
Software Test Engineer - Precision Fires
$92K - $110K *
Drive the development and execution of software testing strategies, ensuring quality and defect-free operation of systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze results and resolve issue...
2 weeks ago
$56K - $114K *
Drive the design, development, and support of applications and integrations using Java, .NET, and JavaScript. Collaborate on incident management and ensure quality through testing and documentation wh...
2 weeks ago
$56K - $114K *
Develop and optimize applications and integrations using Java, .NET, and JavaScript. Oversee production support, incident management, and troubleshooting while ensuring adherence to quality standards...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Engineer innovative software solutions for the Intelligence Community, supporting national security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and enhance applications while mentoring junior...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff Software Development Engineer - Java
$106K - $284K *
Advance healthcare technology by leading the design and development of scalable, secure applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and mentor engineers in modern...
Yesterday
Functional Test Engineer - HIL
$95K - $115K *
Optimize testing methodologies for hardware-in-the-loop systems, ensuring robust test plans and execution. Collaborate with engineers to enhance automation and reporting, driving quality and efficienc...
1 week ago
Senior Software Quality Engineer
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of health software quality by leading risk-based testing strategies, ensuring patient safety and privacy while leveraging AI for enhanced efficiency and reliability in a dynamic, coll...
2 weeks ago
Systems Engineer - Test Analyst
$92K - $110K *
Lead the analysis and evaluation of complex Missile Defense Systems, utilizing model-based engineering approaches to assess performance and support data reviews. Collaborate with a distributed team to...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, AWS Transform
$143K - $194K *
Drive innovation by architecting scalable AI-driven applications that enhance enterprise workloads. Collaborate cross-functionally to shape next-gen solutions, focusing on latency, reliability, and cu...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Customer 360
$168K - $227K *
Innovate customer experiences by developing cutting-edge personalization services. Lead advanced AI solutions to create seamless, adaptive interactions that enhance service across a diverse range of b...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$145K - $180K *
Lead and grow a dynamic software development team, driving innovation in B2B print and packaging solutions. Collaborate across departments to enhance systems, prioritize projects, and ensure operation...
3 days ago
Automated Test Engineer (supporting NOAA)
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by enhancing automated testing frameworks for cloud-based solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver high-quality software for government clients, ensuring compliance and p...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Engineer scalable software solutions that enhance mission-critical systems. Lead technical teams in developing complex applications using best practices in security and performance while ensuring qual...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Integration Engineer 2 (NHK - 009)
$95K - $115K *
Lead system administration efforts with a focus on Linux environments, utilizing automation tools and scripting languages to enhance operational efficiency and support complex systems. Collaborate wit...
6 days ago
Software Integration Engineer 2 (NHK - 009)
$95K - $115K *
Unlock innovative solutions by leveraging your expertise in Linux systems and automation tools. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance system performance and streamline operations while ensuring s...
6 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - Data Acquisition
$196K - $243K *
Unlock potential by architecting high-performance data systems that power analytics and streamline workflows. Collaborate across teams to build scalable solutions and mentor junior engineers, shaping...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive high-performance software solutions as a Senior Software Engineer, enhancing complex systems and leading technical development. Collaborate with teams to ensure quality, scalability, and securit...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $120K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and develop user-centric web applications, integrating AI-driven insights for high-stakes decision-making workflows while ensuring performance and sec...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of user-centric web applications by designing and developing modern front-end solutions that integrate AI insights, ensuring secure and scalable experiences for Veterans and the VA mi...
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.