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.
$114K - $160K *
Join a team that's transforming rocket engine data into actionable insights. Lead the design of scalable platforms, bridging sensor streams and cloud analytics to enhance propulsion systems for next-g...
1 week ago
Simulation Software Engineer III
$166K - $222K *
Drive simulation software development by creating accurate synthetic datasets for ML applications, ensuring quality and efficiency while collaborating with architects and teams to meet project deadlin...
4 weeks ago
Software Developer(Android focused)
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team of Android Developers tackling complex challenges across diverse devices and industries, while contributing to innovative enterprise mobility solutions th...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Engineer innovative cloud-based software solutions while collaborating closely with teams to enhance user experiences and drive technical direction. Lead complex projects and mentor junior developers...
Reposted 3 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Optimize test and evaluation processes by designing effective procedures, ensuring compliance, and enhancing quality assurance across intelligence fields. Execute comprehensive assessments and communi...
3 weeks ago
Software Dev Engineer, Antenna System Validation
$143K - $194K *
Innovate and enhance satellite ground infrastructure by developing robust software solutions for antenna systems validation, focusing on automation, data processing, and cross-disciplinary collaborati...
Today
Software Engineer Professional
$109K - $163K *
Join our dynamic tech team to automate and deploy innovative financial models using advanced ML algorithms. Collaborate on integrating APIs and enhancing software performance while ensuring data accur...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, EC2 Trainium AI Infra
$168K - $227K *
Drive innovation in AI infrastructure by leading the design and development of provisioning systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance performance and reliability while mentoring engineers to...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Build Systems & CI
$159K - $235K *
Empower the future of development by enhancing CI systems and build efficiency across large monorepos. Collaborate with teams to streamline workflows, reduce bottlenecks, and improve tool usability fo...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Build Systems & CI
$159K - $235K *
Strategize build efficiency and CI workflows at scale, making software development smoother for teams. You'll tackle monorepo complexities, enhance tooling, and lead technical projects that significan...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Build Systems & CI
$159K - $235K *
Manage and enhance build systems at scale, ensuring efficient CI for diverse teams. Collaborate across engineering to improve workflows, reduce build times, and foster a reliable developer experience...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Build Systems & CI
$159K - $235K *
Lead the charge in optimizing build systems and CI workflows for large-scale software development, ensuring efficiency and reliability across teams while enhancing developer experience and infrastruct...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive innovation as a Software Systems Engineer, providing specialized expertise in systems software analysis, design, and support. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure...
1 week ago
Senior, Software Design Quality Engineer
$125K - $140K *
Empower your career as a Senior Software Design Quality Engineer, driving the development and compliance of innovative medical software products while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and qu...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive software testing excellence by developing test plans, validating requirements, and collaborating with teams to enhance military software systems. Contribute to the success of the Patriot tactica...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing and validating software for military applications. Engage in testing, problem-solving, and collaboration to enhance the Patriot tactical software life cycle...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Engineer innovative software solutions for UAS products, driving development and deployment across the software lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance capabilities and ensure hi...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate our software engineering capabilities by designing and building modern, cloud-native data pipelines. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure seamless project delivery and advocate for best pr...
1 week ago
$80K - $110K *
Lead the oversight and execution of integrated test plans for surface ship maintenance, ensuring compliance with naval directives and effective coordination among diverse teams to achieve operational...
1 week ago
Software Engineer in Test / Python / Pytest
$110K - $130K *
Elevate engineering quality by designing scalable automation frameworks and enhancing test coverage. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize testing practices and ensure reliable software...
Reposted yesterday
Software Development Engineer, AWS Agentic AI
$143K - $194K *
Design and develop innovative AI solutions by solving complex technical challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable services and prototypes, mentoring junior engineers while...
3 weeks ago
$93K - $145K *
Drive the development and maintenance of manufacturing test solutions for PCB assemblies, collaborating with engineers to enhance product quality and efficiency while resolving complex test failures a...
1 week ago
Software Development Manager, Cloudwatch Logs
$184K - $250K *
Lead a high-performing engineering team to enhance CloudWatch Logs. Drive technical strategy, architectural decisions, and operational excellence while fostering a culture of ownership and inclusion...
3 days ago
Software Development Engineer III, AWS Sagemaker Unified Studio
$193K - $261K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team of back-end engineers to design and deliver innovative ML solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect offerings, mentor peers, and enh...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Python Test Automation Engineer
$120K - $140K *
Champion quality assurance initiatives by leveraging Python and AI-assisted practices. Drive automation improvements, enhance testing efficiency, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to elevate...
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.