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.
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...
3 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...
6 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
$150K - $250K *
Lead a team of developers in delivering cutting-edge technology solutions, driving collaboration and best practices to optimize electronic execution in financial markets. Engage in strategic problem-s...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $250K *
Accelerate the growth of a high-performing tech team delivering electronic execution solutions in finance. Collaborate and innovate to enhance engineering practices and resolve cross-group misalignmen...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, Agentic AI
$158K - $213K *
Transform the future of AI by designing scalable machine learning systems. Lead technical projects, mentor engineers, and drive innovative solutions that impact our global customer base in a fast-pace...
Reposted 4 days ago
Software Development Engineer, Agentic AI
$158K - $213K *
Transform the future of machine learning by designing scalable, fault-tolerant systems. Collaborate with experts to deliver impactful software solutions while mentoring junior engineers in a dynamic...
3 weeks ago
Sr Director, Software Development Engineering
$244K - $366K *
Lead the charge in revolutionary database management and migration strategies. Drive cross-functional partnerships and enhance database reliability while spearheading public cloud initiatives to maxim...
Reposted today
Sr Director, Software Development Engineering
$281K - $422K *
Drive growth and resilience by leading Database Engineering & Cloud Migration teams, establishing strategies, developing talent, and ensuring operational excellence in cloud-native database platforms...
Reposted today
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing high-performance embedded software solutions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, test, and optimize RF sensor products while mentoring junio...
4 days ago
Staff Software Engineer, Geo Automotive SDK
$207K - $300K *
Lead the charge in shaping innovative automotive software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and deliver cutting-edge APIs and SDKs that enhance user experiences in next-ge...
5 days ago
$95K - $188K *
Accelerate your career by developing scalable backend services for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver reviews through innovative technology and collaboration with cross-functional...
6 days ago
$95K - $188K *
Transform backend development by designing and building scalable services for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver review processes through innovative integrations and workflows...
6 days ago
$95K - $188K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of technology and healthcare by designing and developing secure backend services for an AI-enabled platform that enhances medical waiver reviews and supports cr...
6 days ago
$95K - $188K *
Unlock potential by driving backend development for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver reviews through scalable services, APIs, and integrations while collaborating with cross-func...
6 days ago
$95K - $188K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of healthcare technology by designing and developing secure, scalable backend services for an AI-enabled platform that enhances medical waiver reviews and support...
6 days ago
$95K - $188K *
Transform backend development for a secure AI-enabled platform, driving innovation in medical waiver reviews. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable services, ensuring compliance a...
6 days ago
$95K - $188K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of healthcare technology by developing secure, scalable backend services for an AI-enabled platform that enhances medical waiver reviews and integrates advanced a...
6 days ago
$95K - $188K *
Advance your career by designing and developing scalable backend services for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver review processes through innovative technology and collaboration wi...
6 days ago
$95K - $188K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing secure AI-enabled platforms for efficient medical waiver reviews. You'll design, build, and sustain backend services while collaborating with cross-functiona...
6 days ago
$95K - $188K *
Unlock your potential as you design and develop scalable backend services for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver reviews through innovative technology and collaboration with divers...
6 days ago
$95K - $188K *
Unlock potential by leading backend development for a secure AI-enabled platform, enhancing medical waiver review processes through scalable services, APIs, and integrations while collaborating with c...
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.