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.
$108K - $130K *
Unlock potential by designing and maintaining scalable data systems that enhance analytics and AI services for government stakeholders, ensuring data readiness and security through collaboration and i...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer II - Maritime
$101K - $167K *
Drive innovation by developing high-performance GIS applications using C++ and C#. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance maritime spatial data infrastructure, ensuring quality and usabili...
5 days ago
$120K - $160K *
Elevate your career by designing and implementing innovative data solutions that empower government stakeholders with advanced analytics and AI services, ensuring data integrity and security while opt...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer - II, Elastic Load Balancing (ELB)
$143K - $194K *
Transform the cloud landscape by designing and developing scalable systems for Elastic Load Balancing, ensuring high availability and performance for millions of global users while collaborating with...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer II - Maritime
$101K - $167K *
Drive the development of high-performance GIS applications using C++ and C#. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance maritime spatial data infrastructure, ensuring quality and usability for...
4 days ago
$92K - $161K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic Agile Scrum team to design, develop, and maintain complex software solutions, collaborating across multiple teams to enhance security and meet enterprise requirem...
1 week ago
Software Quality Assurance Specialist/Applications Tester
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality and reliability. As a key player, you'll leverage your expertise in testing methodologies and tools to enhance application performance and sup...
6 days ago
Test Engineer, HPC & AI Systems
$57K - $130K *
Lead the charge in optimizing HPC lab operations, ensuring infrastructure and test systems are compliant and efficient. Collaborate globally to support complex system validations and enhance the deliv...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$225K - $265K *
Partner with us to lead a high-performing engineering team, driving innovation and efficiency in our travel marketplace. You'll manage project lifecycles, enhance collaboration, and champion a custome...
1 week ago
Software Developer/Systems Engineer (SKY-HLV-002-02)
$100K - $120K *
Advance innovative solutions that support the Intelligence Community, collaborating with a skilled team to develop software components and enhance web applications, while mentoring junior developers a...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (Java)
$115K - $132K *
Transform your career by joining a dynamic team focused on developing innovative software solutions. Leverage your expertise in application development and cloud optimization to enhance systems and dr...
Reposted 2 days ago
$91K - $119K *
Champion the testing and calibration of radar products, ensuring reliability and performance in a production environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test procedures and trouble...
6 days ago
Lead Quality Assurance Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential as a Lead Quality Engineer, driving quality assurance and control across diverse projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance compliance, improve processes, and e...
1 week ago
$102K - $179K *
Help us design and develop scalable software solutions, leveraging AI to enhance user decision-making and workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality applications and AP...
2 weeks ago
$102K - $179K *
Empower your career by designing and developing scalable software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful, user-centered applications while leveraging AI-assisted devel...
2 weeks ago
$102K - $179K *
Deliver innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and supporting scalable applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet user needs and enhance business processes through...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Frontier AI Tools
$168K - $227K *
Elevate customer outcomes by driving AI transformation through innovative software solutions. Collaborate across teams to design, implement, and optimize platforms that enhance delivery workflows and...
3 weeks ago
USAF - Software Test Automation Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing software quality through automation. You'll develop and maintain automated tests for enterprise applications, ensuring robust performance and security in a mi...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Amazon Quick
$168K - $227K *
Join us to design and implement robust access-control systems that ensure secure interactions in Amazon Quick. Collaborate across teams to influence architectural decisions and mentor engineers, shapi...
1 week ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Amazon Quick
$193K - $261K *
Drive innovation by leading the architecture of distributed services for AI-powered solutions, enhancing the skills platform and catalog experience while mentoring a talented engineering team to solve...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Amazon Quick
$193K - $261K *
Transform the future of AI-driven business solutions by leading the design and architecture of innovative features for a cutting-edge platform, ensuring high availability and scalability while mentori...
3 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer, Product Engineering
$165K - $220K *
Join a team that's redefining software engineering by architecting innovative solutions for complex challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to drive digital transformation and enhance pa...
2 days ago
Staff Full Stack Software Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Reimagine your career as a Staff Full-Stack Software Engineer, leading technical direction and mentoring teams while developing a cloud-based platform that empowers forensic investigators to uncover c...
5 days ago
$150K - $250K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic software engineering team focused on electronic execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to implement cutting-edge practices and solutions within the financia...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $250K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of electronic execution in finance. Lead and develop a high-performing engineering group while driving collaboration and innovation, ensuring best practices are f...
Reposted 3 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.