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 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
Senior Software Developer in Test (AI Portfolio)
$114K - $155K *
Transform the testing landscape by developing automated solutions for AI products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing strategies, ensuring quality and reliability in a fast-pac...
3 days ago
Software Development Manager, Data Center Automation Services
$184K - $250K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of industrial automation software. Lead and mentor engineers to build high-performing applications for mission-critical data center operations, driving innovation...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower product excellence by validating designs and testing integrated hardware and software systems. Collaborate in an R&D lab to enhance product quality and drive innovative solutions through rigor...
1 week ago
$72K - $149K *
Lead the charge in enhancing software quality by developing and implementing automated testing strategies for voice/IVR applications, ensuring seamless integration into CI/CD pipelines and delivering...
1 week ago
$90K - $120K *
Drive innovation by developing and maintaining cutting-edge software solutions utilizing Vue.JS and Python. Collaborate within an Agile environment, enhancing code quality while mentoring team members...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$77K - $135K *
Engineer robust software quality by designing, executing, and maintaining test solutions. Collaborate with an Agile team to enhance automation processes, ensuring high-quality product delivery and cli...
3 weeks ago
$77K - $135K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality software through robust testing strategies. Collaborate with Agile teams to enhance testing processes, develop automation frameworks, and ensure...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, Customer Experience Improvement - Defect Enrichment
$143K - $194K *
Drive innovative solutions that enhance customer experience by developing scalable systems and tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and ensure operational excell...
1 week ago
System Development Engineer I, Enterprise Productivity
$99K - $160K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing system reliability and efficiency. You'll design, automate, and troubleshoot systems, ensuring operational excellence while collaborating with peers to improv...
1 week ago
$80K - $90K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through innovative testing strategies. You'll manage an enterprise test repository, develop test plans, and ensure compliance with DoD standa...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer in Test, Compiler & Systems Validation
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of quality engineering by enhancing validation practices and building scalable strategies for code-transformation workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish relia...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer in Test, Compiler & Systems Validation
$135K - $160K *
Oversee quality engineering initiatives by enhancing validation practices, establishing scalable strategies, and improving release evidence in collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure robus...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer in Test, Compiler & Systems Validation
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's redefining quality engineering by enhancing validation practices and building scalable automated testing frameworks for AI-assisted software workflows, ensuring reliability and exce...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer I
$80K - $95K *
Empower innovation by designing and implementing LLM-powered tools and systems, utilizing AI-assisted development for real-world applications that enhance institutional investor services globally...
1 week ago
SDET/ Test Automation Engineer (Python, XCUI)
$80K - $160K *
Transform quality assurance by leveraging expertise in Python, Swift, and XCUITest. This role focuses on automating tests and building frameworks to enhance iOS software reliability through comprehens...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing missile warning and defense systems through innovative software testing. Collaborate with experts to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of critical rada...
1 week ago
$80K - $120K *
Analyze and develop software solutions for electronic data processing systems, ensuring quality and compliance with standards. Collaborate with experts to create customized applications and enhance us...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive the development of innovative software solutions, collaborating with experts to design, test, and implement applications that meet user needs while adhering to industry standards and best practi...
1 week ago
Principal Software Development Engineer
$200K - $270K *
Drive the technical direction for security in a high-scale, customer-facing API environment. Lead architecture for access decisions, ensuring clarity and performance while collaborating across teams t...
1 week ago
System Development Engineer, Flight Computer Software
$129K - $174K *
Empower innovative software development by designing embedded solutions, collaborating across teams, and enhancing autonomous system capabilities to drive critical satellite functions...
Reposted yesterday
Software Development Engineer II, AWS
$143K - $194K *
Champion innovation by designing and developing cutting-edge software solutions across diverse domains. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and mentor junior engineers while...
4 days ago
Software Development Engineer - CV Test Infrastructure, Annapurna ML, CV Test Infrastructure
$143K - $194K *
Shape the future of validation systems by designing robust diagnostic tools and building automated test frameworks. Collaborate across teams to ensure quality, enhance CI/CD pipelines, and optimize re...
Reposted 1 month ago
Software Development Engineer, Agentic AI, Velocity Labs
$143K - $194K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI-driven software solutions. You'll design, build, and implement innovative services, ensuring high-quality delivery while collaborating with cross-functional...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive system integration and testing for hypersonic vehicles, ensuring compliance with performance standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage risks and document processes, contributi...
Reposted 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.