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.
$180K - $225K *
Innovate and optimize the transaction platform, enhancing delivery estimates and building reliable, scalable services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to elevate transaction experiences while...
3 days ago
$180K - $225K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of data infrastructure by designing and maintaining large-scale systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product success and tackle complex techn...
5 days ago
Software Development Engineer, iOS
$121K - $180K *
Help us shape the future of mobile technology by developing innovative iOS applications. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance user experiences and deliver high-quality products that engage milli...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing the security and performance of modern information-sharing platforms. As a Test Engineer II, you'll develop testing criteria, execute tests, and ensure operat...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity through rigorous testing. As a Test Engineer II, you'll define, execute, and analyze tests for critical systems, ensuring quality and reliabilit...
3 weeks ago
User Interface (UI) Automated Test Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Transform the quality of defense software by developing automated testing frameworks. Collaborate with engineers to enhance user interface applications through innovative testing solutions, ensuring h...
6 days ago
Staff Software Engineer - Platform Team
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in shaping our platform's technical direction, mentoring engineers, and driving high-impact initiatives. Collaborate across teams to build scalable, resilient systems in a fast-paced s...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer - Platform Team
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI by leading the development of scalable, high-quality systems. Leverage your expertise to mentor engineers and drive architectural decisions in a dynamic sta...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Platform Automation, ADP Managed Services
$160K - $200K *
Innovate the future of multi-cloud infrastructure automation by leading a team of engineers to develop a unified platform that simplifies deployment, enhances security, and leverages AI for operationa...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, AWS Lambda
$168K - $227K *
Join us to shape the future of serverless computing by leading the design and architecture of large-scale, low-latency data systems. Collaborate with teams to drive innovation and operational excellen...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower innovation by designing and deploying Retrieval-Augmented Generation solutions in a high-performance computing environment, leveraging advanced technologies to deliver scalable, production-rea...
3 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower innovation by designing and deploying Retrieval-Augmented Generation solutions in a high-performance computing environment, leveraging advanced technologies to deliver scalable, production-rea...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion the development and enhancement of complex software systems, leading teams to deliver high-quality solutions while ensuring adherence to design requirements and performance standards...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential as a software engineer, driving innovative web applications for Off-Site Manufacturing. Collaborate with project managers, implement effective solutions, and take ownership of pr...
Reposted 2 days ago
Manufacturing Test Engineering, Software
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to develop and maintain software for manufacturing test systems, ensuring quality and efficiency in hardware testing. Collaborate with engineers to automate processes and troublesh...
4 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining pharmacy operations through AI. As a Senior Engineer, you'll drive features from concept to production, tackling complex healthcare integrations and ensuring robust perfo...
2 weeks ago
$112K - $135K *
Join a team that's passionate about building innovative products. Lead software engineers with a focus on mentorship and engagement, executing major initiatives using Agile and DevOps methodologies to...
Reposted 5 days ago
Software Engineer Skill Level 2 - FFPP-8863
$186K - $220K *
Champion innovative data solutions by leveraging big data and cloud tech to drive reliable intelligence. Utilize your coding skills to develop scalable applications in complex environments, ensuring e...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - Quality Assurance
$91K - $146K *
Unlock potential by driving innovation in software development for mission-critical database solutions. Collaborate in an agile environment to create high-quality software that meets the needs of glob...
5 days ago
Software Development Engineer, Platform Engineering & Emerging Technology
$143K - $194K *
Join us to engineer innovative cloud solutions for U.S. Intelligence and Defense agencies. Collaborate in a dynamic team to build and deploy mission-critical services, enhancing operational scalabilit...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $175K *
Drive your career forward by developing cutting-edge software for hardware-in-the-loop test environments, collaborating with engineers to enhance aircraft systems integration and ensure reliable perfo...
3 days ago
Full Stack Software Developer - SME | TS/SCI w/ Poly
$110K - $130K *
Transform the future of national security by building full-stack applications. Collaborate with an Agile team to design, develop, and maintain innovative solutions that support critical missions and e...
4 days ago
$107K - $195K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of intelligence technology by designing and deploying innovative solutions in a collaborative environment. Leverage your expertise in DevOps to enhance mission-cr...
1 week ago
Software Engineer Skill Level 2 - FFPP-8863
$186K - $220K *
Unlock potential by leveraging big data and cloud solutions to solve complex challenges. Drive innovation through scalable application development while ensuring reliable intelligence delivery at scal...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - DevX
$190K - $267K *
Unlock potential by designing and building innovative developer tools that enhance software development processes. Collaborate across teams to improve reliability, usability, and scalability of servic...
Reposted 3 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.