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.
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that shapes and secures identity operations across corporate, cloud, and factory systems. This hands-on role focuses on building scalable identity solutions and automation to enhance secur...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Champion innovation and influence in building AI-forward cloud solutions that transform enterprise processes. Collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality, scalable products that truly impact cust...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Engineer - TS//SCI w/CI Polygraph
$150K - $304K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of software development by leveraging Java and agile methodologies. Collaborate on cutting-edge projects, enhance system capabilities, and ensure high software qu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - TS//SCI w/CI Polygraph
$150K - $304K *
Engineer innovative software solutions while collaborating in an agile team. Drive end-to-end software development, from requirement analysis to testing, ensuring high-quality deliverables and fosteri...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - C# (SiPh Test Solutions, North Reading, MA)
$132K - $212K *
Champion innovation by leveraging your C# expertise to develop high-quality software solutions for hardware product systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable applications in...
Today
Software Engineer - C# (SiPh Test Solutions, North Reading, MA)
$132K - $212K *
Champion the development of innovative software solutions in C# for hardware systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance test solutions in the silicon photonic market, ensuring high...
Today
Software Development Engineer, Leo Flight Software Team
$143K - $194K *
Unlock the power of embedded software development to enhance virtualization and emulate satellite systems. Collaborate across teams to optimize software for real-time satellite operations and advance...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$295K - $345K *
Elevate your career by leading the Observability team to enhance AI/ML monitoring solutions. Drive project execution, architect scalable systems, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring top-notch p...
5 days ago
Intermediate Software Developer in Test
$85K - $104K *
Optimize product quality by executing manual and automated tests, enhancing software systems, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues in mission-critical cloud...
1 week ago
Director, Software Development - Language Foundations, Amazon SW Builder Experience
$264K - $350K *
Champion the future of programming languages by leading a multi-team organization focused on language modernization, tooling, and community engagement, driving innovation and performance across Amazon...
2 weeks ago
$221K - $387K *
Drive innovation by defining the technical vision for AI-native security solutions, leveraging advanced ML techniques to tackle complex cybersecurity challenges while enhancing scalability and reliabi...
5 days ago
Senior SDE, OpenSearch, AWS OpenSearch
$168K - $227K *
Shape the future of cloud security by designing innovative solutions for a scalable log analytics platform, enhancing user data protection, and driving impactful changes in a fast-paced, collaborative...
4 days ago
Senior SDE, OpenSearch, AWS OpenSearch
$168K - $227K *
Empower innovation by designing and developing security features for a cloud-scale log analytics platform. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance user data protection and optimize system performan...
4 days ago
Senior Software Engineer II - Platform
$154K - $260K *
Join a forward-thinking team to enhance user experiences through innovative AI solutions and full-stack development, impacting industries worldwide by improving workflows within the Samsara dashboard...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform your career as a senior software engineer, leading projects and mentoring teams. Drive software quality and innovation while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful so...
2 weeks ago
Lead Software Development Engineer, Consumer Domains
$135K - $160K *
Drive innovation as a Lead Software Development Engineer, shaping scalable applications and services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience and mentor fellow developer...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's innovating software solutions for mission-critical applications. You'll develop robust software designs, enhance team capabilities, and embrace evolving technologies in a collaborat...
Reposted 4 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead a high-performing team to develop and execute R&D testing strategies, enhancing hardware reliability and reducing development time. Drive visibility into testing progress while managing multiple...
5 days ago
Director, Software Engineering
$160K - $200K *
Elevate engineering outcomes by leading global software teams in semiconductor integration and testing, ensuring robust solutions through hands-on development and strategic alignment with product mana...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
System Development Manager, ADC Monitoring & Observability
$166K - $225K *
Join a team that's innovating cloud analytics solutions for government clients. Lead engineers in delivering scalable systems while enhancing customer experiences in secure, air-gapped environments. D...
3 days ago
Director, Test Automation and Data Analytics
$166K - $290K *
Unlock potential by leading the development of innovative test automation and data analytics solutions, driving efficiency and quality across multiple production lines and market segments while shapin...
2 weeks ago
Director, Test Automation and Data Analytics
$166K - $290K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge automation platforms and data analytics tools, driving innovation in test processes and enhancing product quality across diverse market segments. Shape the f...
2 weeks ago
Software Dev Engineer, AWS Hardware Engineering
$143K - $194K *
Shape the future of cloud technology by developing innovative solutions that enhance the AWS platform's capacity and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact projects t...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Software Engineering Director - Digital Delivery
$142K - $190K *
Unlock your potential by leading enterprise-level digital solutions, shaping engineering direction, and influencing cross-functional teams to deliver innovative customer experiences across web and mob...
1 week ago
$102K - $138K *
Optimize quality assurance processes by developing standards, conducting audits, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product excellence. Drive continuous improvement initiatives an...
5 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.