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.
$100K - $120K *
Innovate AI Marketplace solutions by leading quality strategy, developing QE agents, and implementing testing standards for AI systems. Define workflows and mentor teams to enhance agent performance a...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $160K *
Elevate your career as a Staff Software Engineer, leading full-stack development in a dynamic team. Design, build, and support healthcare applications while ensuring data security and compliance in a...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $125K *
Join a dynamic team to develop advanced software solutions for C5ISR systems, focusing on testing and quality assurance. Collaborate in an Agile environment to enhance software reliability and perform...
3 days ago
Staff Software Engineer (Cloud CICD Platforms)
$110K - $130K *
Lead and oversee technology solutions for Digital Banking and Cloud initiatives, ensuring compliance and delivery excellence while collaborating with key stakeholders and managing teams to innovate an...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr Software Engineer (Developer Advocacy, GenAi), Ai & Data Platforms
$130K - $155K *
Champion the future of AI by bridging engineering and the developer community. Build production-ready architectures, create proof-of-concept applications, and empower developers to leverage cutting-ed...
4 days ago
Service Engineer (DevSecOps) II
$75K - $143K *
Build and enhance secure, scalable cloud solutions while driving automation and reliability. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality outcomes and contribute to technical innovation in cloud env...
1 week ago
Software Dev Engineer II, Amazon Private Brands
$143K - $194K *
Take ownership of software design and development, collaborating with leaders to innovate solutions that enhance customer experiences and elevate standards across applications and systems...
4 days ago
Senior Director, Software Development, Test Automation
$300K - $390K *
Shape the future of test automation by architecting a cutting-edge platform and guiding a skilled team. Drive quality engineering initiatives and strategic decisions to enhance CI/CD processes for AI...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer (Platform and Execution Model)
$180K - $240K *
Transform complex distributed systems by designing reliable, scalable architectures. Lead teams in building critical platform components, ensuring correctness and observability in high-assurance envir...
2 weeks ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer (Platform and Execution Model)
$180K - $240K *
Champion the design and implementation of robust distributed systems, ensuring reliability and scalability in mission-critical environments. Collaborate across teams to drive architectural excellence...
2 weeks ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer (Platform and Execution Model)
$180K - $240K *
Elevate your career by designing and building robust distributed systems. Lead architectural decisions, ensure reliability, and mentor engineers while tackling complex challenges in regulated environm...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer, AWS Transform
$168K - $227K *
Unlock potential by designing and implementing advanced AI systems that modernize enterprise applications, ensuring scalability and reliability while driving technical alignment across teams and enhan...
1 week ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer, AWS Transform
$168K - $227K *
Transform the future of AI by designing and building autonomous agents for cloud migration. Lead innovative projects that enhance infrastructure efficiency and drive enterprise solutions with minimal...
1 week ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer, AWS Transform
$168K - $227K *
Transform the future of AI-driven infrastructure with innovative solutions. Take ownership of developing an autonomous migration platform, driving intelligent decisions and seamless transitions for en...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Champion the development of robust backend applications and APIs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions in the mortgage industry. Drive projects from design to depl...
1 week ago
Software Engineer Embedded Staff
$143K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in embedded systems. Collaborate with engineers to design, implement, and validate Linux drivers and firmware solutions for electro-mechanical devices, fostering...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $175K *
Shape the future of electrical testing by leading technical initiatives, mentoring specialists, and enhancing test processes to ensure quality and efficiency in production. Collaborate across teams to...
1 week ago
$140K - $175K *
Lead the charge in advancing electrical test processes, establishing best practices, and mentoring a team of Test Specialists. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust testing and qual...
1 week ago
Software Development Manager (SDM), Amazon Compensation Technology (ACT)
$171K - $286K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic team to develop innovative, large-scale compensation solutions. Drive full-stack software development using cutting-edge technologies while fostering collaboratio...
1 week ago
Software Verification Engineer (DO-178C)
$108K - $178K *
Deliver innovative solutions as a Software Verification Engineer, ensuring compliance with DO-178C for safety-critical embedded software. Engage in rigorous testing, documentation, and collaboration t...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate our financial systems by developing scalable software solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support accurate payment processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver r...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer, ML Infrastructure
$166K - $220K *
Join us to build cutting-edge ML infrastructure for autonomous perception systems, enhancing training and data platforms across defense technology. Collaborate with engineering teams to innovate and o...
6 days ago
Software Engineer - Level 3 - Operational Technology
$95K - $115K *
Lead complex software engineering projects, collaborating with analysts to design and implement technical solutions that align with business strategies while ensuring quality and compliance with archi...
4 days ago
$115K - $125K *
Unlock potential by developing and maintaining high-performance distributed systems, driving the development of microservices applications, and supporting operational excellence in a collaborative, ag...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Manager, Deployment Engine
$184K - $250K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team to innovate CI/CD automation for global infrastructure. Drive impactful solutions that enhance operational efficiency and empower engineers in a fast-pace...
6 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.