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, Aurora DSQL
$168K - $227K *
Innovate and develop scalable software solutions for DSQL's write path, ensuring the ACID properties at a massive scale while collaborating across teams to enhance performance and engineer reliable sy...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
System Dev Engineer, CIA Deployment Engine Team
$129K - $174K *
Join a dynamic team to design and implement AI-driven tools for automating network management across Amazon's global fulfillment centers, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Help us design and enhance robust software systems, guiding teams on innovative projects while ensuring software performance and quality standards are met with leading-edge technologies...
3 weeks ago
$200K - $230K *
Unlock potential by developing innovative software solutions in a fast-paced environment. Collaborate with teams to create impactful systems, leveraging your expertise in data processing and cloud tec...
2 weeks ago
$200K - $230K *
Transform complex data into actionable insights by developing end-to-end solutions. Collaborate in an agile environment to enhance systems and tackle client challenges using cutting-edge technologies...
2 weeks ago
Senior Development Engineer - BackEnd Technologies
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing high-quality backend software solutions while mentoring junior developers and collaborating across teams. Drive project success through design, implementation, and mainte...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Developer Experience (AI Infrastructure)
$180K - $230K *
Drive the evolution of developer infrastructure by designing scalable testing environments that enhance software delivery speed and quality, enabling engineers to validate changes efficiently and inte...
4 days ago
Software Engineer, Developer Experience (AI Infrastructure)
$180K - $230K *
Drive the development of robust infrastructure for testing environments, enabling engineers to validate software changes efficiently. Collaborate with teams to enhance development velocity and ensure...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Build your career as a Software Architect, driving Cloud-Native solutions for the Royal Canadian Navy. Collaborate on innovative projects, enhance operational readiness, and develop cutting-edge train...
3 weeks ago
Software Integration Engineer (SIE) 4 TS/SCI Poly
$173K - $227K *
Transform complex software integration processes by leveraging your expertise in COTS/GOTS systems, scripting, and HPC environments to enhance operational efficiency and support cutting-edge technolog...
3 days ago
Software Integration Engineer (SIE) 4 TS/SCI Poly
$173K - $227K *
Elevate your career by integrating and supporting advanced software solutions in a dynamic HPC environment. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance system performance and troubleshoot complex chall...
3 days ago
$145K - $170K *
Join a team that develops and optimizes cutting-edge software solutions, ensuring high-quality application performance across diverse military commands. Drive innovation through collaboration and tech...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development of Cloud-Native architecture for the Royal Canadian Navy, focusing on collaborative systems and training environments. Engage in design, deployment, and documentation to enhance o...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform operational requirements into tailored software solutions for FAA's TFDM program. Involve hands-on development, integration, and testing to enhance air traffic control systems, ensuring effi...
Reposted 3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform client data solutions by designing and developing enterprise-scale APIs and services. Collaborate across teams to enhance data management, improve system reliability, and support modernizati...
5 days ago
$86K - $198K *
Optimize software testing processes by collaborating with developers and users to ensure product integrity. Automate security and performance testing while enhancing your skills in cloud development a...
3 days ago
$86K - $198K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of software testing by automating security and performance evaluations. Collaborate with developers and users to enhance cloud-based systems while expanding your...
3 days ago
Software Engineer, Engine Systems
$168K - $212K *
Advance the future of gaming by building core diagnostic systems that enhance performance and reliability across platforms, ensuring a seamless user experience for millions of players worldwide...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineering Development Program - Hybrid from Waltham, MA
$90K - $105K *
Unlock potential by engaging in a dynamic, one-year rotational program designed for emerging engineers. Gain hands-on experience across diverse teams, explore cutting-edge technologies, and develop a...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, AWS Lambda EDA
$143K - $194K *
Shape the future of distributed systems by designing and maintaining scalable platforms that process billions of events daily, ensuring high reliability and performance for millions of users...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform digital banking experiences by developing secure, scalable full-stack applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement innovative solutions using modern JavaScript framewor...
5 days ago
Software Engineering & Development, AVP
$90K - $157K *
Join a team that's pivotal in developing enterprise applications, leveraging your expertise in database engineering to enhance risk management across global markets. Collaborate with cross-functional...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Test Development Engineer, Amazon Leo - OISL
$136K - $184K *
Unlock your potential by developing advanced test systems for innovative hardware. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, validate, and troubleshoot testing processes that ensure quality a...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform software development by creating reliable, modular, and secure components. Collaborate on large-scale systems, leveraging your expertise in JavaScript, React, and Linux to drive innovation a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of software engineering by developing secure, modular applications on RHEL. Leverage your expertise in JavaScript and React to create impactful web solutions whil...
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.