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, Amazon Quick
$143K - $194K *
Empower your career by tackling complex challenges in distributed systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable solutions that enhance enterprise governance and user experiences...
4 days ago
Software Development Engineer, Amazon Quick
$165K - $223K *
Innovate cutting-edge AI solutions by tackling complex engineering challenges. Play a key role in designing scalable systems and mentoring engineers, while delivering impactful software that shapes th...
6 days ago
Sr Software Development Engineer, ADC2S
$168K - $227K *
Empower the evolution of secure cloud infrastructure by leading the architecture and technical direction for EC2 control-plane services in air-gapped regions, driving innovation and reliability in gov...
2 days ago
Staff Software Development Engineer
$144K - $201K *
Join a dynamic team to shape a cutting-edge API platform, driving clinical intelligence and enhancing developer experience. Collaborate on design, scalability, and security while navigating high ambig...
3 weeks ago
$109K - $137K *
Drive innovation by optimizing DRAM and NAND test methodologies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and quality while ensuring reliable testing processes and data...
1 week ago
Senior Software Development Engineer (US Federal)
$163K - $245K *
Shape the future of data observability by designing and enhancing critical services. Collaborate with engineers to optimize large-scale systems, ensuring data quality and integrity while supporting U...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer (US Federal)
$163K - $245K *
Transform the observability landscape by designing and enhancing critical services, ensuring data quality and integrity while collaborating with top engineers to optimize large-scale distributed syste...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer (US Federal)
$163K - $245K *
Optimize and enhance our Kubernetes platform to ensure reliability, scalability, and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions. Drive automation and support inf...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software Dev Engineer II - AMZ10587319
$158K - $213K *
Innovate by designing and developing robust software solutions, participating in the full development cycle, and mentoring junior engineers to enhance team capabilities and deliver high-quality applic...
5 days ago
Software Development Engineer, AWS Central SDE Team
$143K - $194K *
Shape the future of technology by designing and developing innovative software solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance systems and mentor junior engineers while driving continuous improve...
5 days ago
Software Development Engineer II
$95K - $115K *
Reimagine software development by delivering scalable solutions in an Agile team. Contribute to all phases of product development, ensuring quality and efficiency while leveraging diverse technologies...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Robotics
$168K - $227K *
Advance your career by leading the design and development of cutting-edge robotics software. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to create reliable, real-time systems that enhance automation and...
1 week ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Robotics
$168K - $227K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge robotics software, collaborating with scientists and engineers to design, prototype, and deploy real-time systems that enhance automation and human-robot int...
1 week ago
Software Developer Engineer in Test Manager, Creativity Apps
$150K - $180K *
Lead and mentor a dynamic team of Software Development Engineers in Test, driving quality and innovation in mobile and desktop applications. Oversee testing methodologies, manage projects, and advocat...
2 weeks ago
Software Test Development Engineer
$68K - $123K *
Transform the quality assurance landscape by developing and validating test solutions for server hardware manufacturing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust software applications...
2 days ago
Software Test Development Engineer
$68K - $123K *
Transform the quality assurance landscape by developing and validating test solutions for server hardware in a dynamic manufacturing environment, ensuring reliability and performance across multiple r...
2 days ago
Sr Software Development Engineer
$163K - $245K *
Accelerate innovation by leading the development and scaling of Kubernetes solutions in AWS GovCloud. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance infrastructure automation, CI/CD pipelines, and...
2 weeks ago
Sr Software Development Engineer (US Federal)
$163K - $245K *
Join a team that builds and maintains a cutting-edge Kubernetes platform, ensuring high availability and security while collaborating across teams. Leverage your technical expertise in cloud infrastru...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer - SubSystem Integration Test (SSIT)
$141K - $211K *
Unlock potential by driving subsystem-level validation for cutting-edge AI frameworks. Collaborate with engineers to define test strategies, develop automated tests, and ensure quality from inception...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate robust event-driven architectures to enhance observability and tracking across diverse data pipelines. Design modular systems for seamless integration, ensuring scalability and adaptability t...
5 days ago
Principal Software Development Engineer in Test (Performance & Bare-Metal)
$169K - $304K *
Lead the development of test strategies for hypervisor performance and VM quality, mentoring teams and designing automated benchmarks to ensure system integrity and deployment safety across the IaaS p...
1 week ago
Sr. Software Engineer/Developer
$150K - $163K *
Champion the development of innovative software solutions, guiding a talented team as you drive architecture, implementation, and optimization to meet dynamic project goals. Collaborate with stakehold...
3 weeks ago
$75K - $90K *
Join a dynamic team as a User Interface Automated Test Engineer, where you'll design and implement automated testing frameworks using Java, C++, and Python. Contribute to innovative software solutions...
6 days ago
Senior Software Test Engineer (Hybrid)
$100K - $120K *
Engineer the future of software testing by ensuring quality and compliance in critical government systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate user interfaces and backend processes, en...
5 days ago
Staff Software Engineer - SubSystem Integration Test (SSIT)
$141K - $211K *
Design and develop embedded and cloud edge software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet performance requirements and enhance product functionality, ensuring high-quality deliv...
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.