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 Engineer (Java 17 development)
$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
Senior Software Engineer, Adaptive
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - TS/SCI with Polygraph
$141K - $190K *
Lead the charge in delivering mission-critical software solutions for the Intelligence Community. Collaborate with Agile teams to enhance applications, troubleshoot issues, and support modernization e...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - TS/SCI with Polygraph
$141K - $190K *
Elevate your career by solving complex technical challenges in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with Agile teams to enhance mission-critical applications that support national security objectives an...
1 week ago
IT Software Development Advisor Sr
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by leading a team in software design, development, and maintenance. Drive project success through effective problem-solving and collaboration, ensuring quality and user satisfactio...
6 days ago
$81K - $90K *
Innovate automated testing by designing and maintaining scripts with Playwright. Collaborate with teams to enhance testing efficiency and integrate automation into CI/CD pipelines, ensuring high-quali...
4 days ago
$81K - $90K *
Empower development success by crafting innovative automation solutions and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance testing processes and efficiency in a dynamic environment...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer II, PXT, HAIEX
$143K - $194K *
Unlock potential by designing scalable and maintainable platforms while developing AI solutions, integrating HR systems, and mentoring engineers to enhance code quality and architecture decisions, ens...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer, AWSBA Service Care Center (SCC)
$150K - $251K *
Elevate the software development experience for thousands of AWS engineers. Collaborate to design and build innovative tools that simplify deployment and maintenance, driving transformation and effici...
6 days ago
Sr. Software Engineer II, DevEx
$154K - $260K *
Develop AI-driven workflows to enhance CI/CD systems, ensuring safe, efficient software delivery. Collaborate with teams to reduce tech debt and improve production reliability while scaling engineerin...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Agentic Test Systems
$213K - $263K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative systems that enhance release qualification and boost developer productivity across diverse technologies and software environments...
1 week ago
Sr. Software Dev Engineer, Corporate Development Finance
$168K - $227K *
Manage and optimize the Investment Management System, ensuring accuracy and timely data integration across teams. Lead a technical team to design services and applications, driving stakeholder collabo...
3 days ago
$160K - $178K *
Serve as a key contributor in test and evaluation support for military medical systems, ensuring effective planning, execution, and documentation of testing events to meet operational objectives and e...
6 days ago
Frontend Software Development Engineer III
$110K - $130K *
Deliver user-centric web applications by designing and implementing intuitive interfaces. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex problems and enhance application performance while st...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer (SAI-STAR-2295-01)
$110K - $130K *
Develop high-value software enhancements by collaborating with cross-functional teams, utilizing DevOps principles, and ensuring robust security in tool implementations to meet user needs and product...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, ADC2S
$143K - $194K *
Transform the future of cloud engineering by automating AWS deployments, collaborating with service teams, and solving complex challenges that impact millions of customers globally. Join a dynamic tea...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, Global From Day1
$143K - $194K *
Transform your career by architecting scalable, multi-tenant systems that enhance global inventory management. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive engineering excellence and leverage AI for data-d...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, ADC2S
$143K - $194K *
Lead innovative automation solutions to streamline AWS deployments, enhancing efficiency and enabling zero-touch processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex engineering challen...
3 days ago
Software Development Engineer, ADC2S
$143K - $194K *
Transform the AWS deployment process by automating solutions and collaborating with teams to enhance efficiency. Join a dynamic group of engineers dedicated to innovation and impactful results in a fa...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, ADC2S
$168K - $227K *
Empower innovation at a leading tech firm by automating AWS deployments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex engineering challenges and enhance operational efficiency while impact...
3 weeks ago
Software Quality Assurance Specialist/Applications Tester - TS/SCI with Polygraph
$162K - $219K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software excellence through rigorous testing and validation. Collaborate with developers and analysts to deliver high-quality, mission-critical systems while l...
6 days ago
Software Development Engineer III, MuleSoft
$127K - $213K *
Transform integration solutions by designing and developing robust MuleSoft applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality delivery and optimize performance while mentori...
5 days ago
Full Stack Software Engineer 3
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of automation as a DevOps-focused engineer, driving CI/CD integration and infrastructure support. Collaborate with teams to enhance tools and troubleshoot complex issues, ensuring sea...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to design and implement software solutions for mission-critical defense applications, collaborating in an Agile environment to enhance combat systems and ensure reliability in soft...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Help us drive innovation as a Senior Applications Engineer, providing technical leadership and support for semiconductor test systems. Collaborate with customers to deliver tailored solutions and ensu...
2 weeks 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.