Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Jobs

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.

What Does an SDET Do?

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.

Common SDET Skills and Qualifications

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.

Career Paths in Software Quality Engineering

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.

Find SDET Jobs on Ladders

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.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$120K - $160K *

Elevate your career by developing and executing test solutions for advanced electronic warfare systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance test coverage and troubleshoot complex RF/microwave c...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by developing and executing test solutions for advanced electronic warfare systems, focusing on integration, debugging, and enhancing test coverage from component to system level...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing military systems through comprehensive testing and engineering. Lead test activities, develop strategies, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensu...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Create innovative software solutions across embedded, full stack, and autonomy domains. Collaborate with a dynamic team to rapidly prototype and transition advanced technologies into production, ensur...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Engage in refining and deploying cutting-edge autonomous systems for real-world maritime operations. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, utilizing real-time data to enhance performance an...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $218K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing embedded software quality through innovative testing strategies. Collaborate with developers to design, implement, and execute comprehensive test plans, ensur...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $218K *

Engineer high-quality embedded software testing solutions. Collaborate with developers to create test plans, execute tests, and enhance processes. Leverage your expertise to solve technical challenges...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $115K *

Elevate mission operations by ensuring system performance and reliability. Support software integration, automation, and monitoring in Linux environments while troubleshooting and resolving issues to...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing mission operations through automation and monitoring. Contribute your expertise in Linux environments to ensure system resiliency and support critical workloa...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of quality assurance for features, ensuring robust testing and collaboration across teams. Drive risk-based planning, automation, and continuous delivery in a fast-paced environment, su...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic Agile team to enhance federal IT through innovative testing techniques, ensuring high-quality software delivery and supporting digital transformation in critical government environments...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Reimagine engineering workflows by developing scalable tools and AI-driven automation systems that enhance productivity, reliability, and software quality across teams, while collaborating with engine...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Develop and enhance software solutions by engaging in programming, testing, and documentation. Collaborate with team members to ensure adherence to best practices and support project goals while gaini...

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$108K - $130K *

Drive the development and enhancement of complex software systems, ensuring high performance and adherence to design requirements. Collaborate with teams to solve challenges in processing-intensive an...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$108K - $130K *

Elevate software development by creating and enhancing complex systems, ensuring adherence to design requirements while resolving issues and optimizing performance through innovative solutions and met...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$132K - $212K *

Elevate your career by developing high-performance software solutions for Automatic Test Equipment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate customer needs into scalable applications while...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$132K - $212K *

Transform software solutions by developing high-performance applications for Automatic Test Equipment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and scalability while driving innovativ...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $238K *

Elevate cloud infrastructure by joining a dynamic team focused on building next-gen platforms. Collaborate with engineers to enhance processes, drive best practices, and support developers in deliveri...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$176K - $262K *

Join a dynamic Cloud Platform team to enhance core infrastructure, enabling diverse workloads. Collaborate with engineers to drive innovation, improve processes, and support developers in building nex...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Unlock potential by developing and enhancing enterprise applications using C#, .NET, and modern technologies. Collaborate in a dynamic team to build cloud-based solutions while modernizing legacy syst...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$125K - $150K *

Lead and inspire a team of engineers to enhance developer support, driving innovation and operational excellence through automation and collaboration, while fostering a culture of growth and technical...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$95K - $115K *

Contribute to the development of innovative AI agents and workflows for clinical trials, integrating backend LLMs with front-end applications while ensuring compliance and reliability in a fast-paced...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Innovate and drive AI agent development for clinical trial platforms, integrating LLMs through the .NET stack. Engage in hands-on engineering to deliver end-to-end AI features, enhancing patient-centr...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $260K *

Empower innovation as a Senior Software Engineer, driving transformative web and API solutions utilizing cutting-edge Java technologies, while collaborating on critical projects and shaping the future...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by taking ownership of complex software challenges. Drive real-time traffic optimization through innovative AI solutions, collaborating across teams to deliver scalable and reliable s...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.