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.
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in delivering high-quality software solutions through test automation, design discussions, and collaborative coding. Drive system stability and enhance user experience while ensuring a...
2 weeks ago
$81K - $109K *
Unlock potential by shaping software solutions through collaborative design, integration testing, and proactive bug resolution. Join our team to enhance system reliability and contribute to the entire...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Collaborate to enhance software applications by designing, testing, and maintaining robust systems while ensuring high-quality delivery and fostering effective cross-functional teamwork...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$201K - $246K *
Optimize containerized services within a Kubernetes cluster, ensuring software performance and customer support. Collaborate in a fast-paced environment to develop, document, and maintain high-perform...
3 days ago
Sr Software Engineer - ML platform
$202K - $224K *
Join a dynamic team to drive the architecture and implementation of scalable, low-latency feature serving systems for real-time ML applications, while mentoring engineers and ensuring operational exce...
5 days ago
$91K - $163K *
Drive innovation in testing strategies by collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project delivery and quality assurance. Leverage your expertise to enhance testing processes and...
5 days ago
SIE 3 - (Linux, Ansible, Python)
$201K - $246K *
Elevate the performance of high-performance computing environments by leading software integration efforts, ensuring secure and efficient deployments while collaborating with cross-functional teams to...
2 weeks ago
SIE 3 - (Linux, Ansible, Python)
$201K - $246K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of software integration, leading high-performance computing deployments. Collaborate with teams to resolve complex issues, enhance system stability, and ensure com...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Connectivity & API Transformation
$139K - $174K *
Join our team to shape the future of our platform by designing robust APIs, improving service connectivity, and evolving legacy systems into modern architectures, all while fostering a collaborative e...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in delivering high-quality software solutions by managing teams, driving project success, and fostering customer relationships. Utilize your expertise to enhance product functionality...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of software development by leading teams to deliver high-quality solutions, managing complex projects, and fostering strong customer relationships to drive business growth and continu...
1 week ago
Software Development Manager, Agentic AI DevOps
$171K - $286K *
Elevate innovation by leading a diverse engineering team driving the AWS DevOps Agent System of Context. Guide technical roadmaps, mentor talent, and collaborate across teams to enhance customer exper...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Sr. Tools & Automation Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Champion the evolution of test automation for core products, designing frameworks and tools that enhance reliability and scalability. Collaborate with teams to implement AI-driven solutions, ensuring...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing automation testing for critical software. You'll collaborate across teams to design, develop, and integrate automated tests, driving efficiency in release cyc...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, Senior Leader Experiences - Workforce Planning
$150K - $251K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the development of innovative workforce planning applications, promoting best practices and fostering collaboration among engineers and designers for a seamless user experi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$82K - $152K *
Engage in building innovative AI-driven solutions for legal professionals. Take ownership of backend development, leveraging Python and cloud technologies to create scalable features. Collaborate in a...
2 days ago
$82K - $152K *
Join a team that's redefining legal tech by developing AI-driven solutions for legal professionals. You'll take ownership of projects, leveraging cutting-edge tools to create scalable features that en...
2 days ago
MBSE Systems Tools Developer - Advanced Vehicle Development
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing and coordinating the MBSE toolchain, integrating engineering systems, and providing training and support to enhance team capabilities in advanced vehicle development...
1 week ago
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Pioneer impactful engineering solutions that enhance global trust systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges, improve developer efficiency, and drive architectural e...
Reposted 3 days ago
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Drive product innovation as a Senior Software Engineer, leading cross-functional projects to enhance key metrics in the Autonomous Vehicle space while ensuring platform reliability and stability...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in Autonomous Vehicle technology. Lead key software projects that enhance user experience, boost business metrics, and improve platform stability through strategi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$202K - $224K *
Accelerate your career by designing innovative systems that optimize machine learning models. Lead cross-functional collaboration, mentor talent, and tackle complex engineering challenges to drive eff...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Design and build scalable AI-powered search infrastructure, focusing on backend systems, LLM integration, and performance optimization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance search experi...
2 weeks ago
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Shape the future of AI-powered search by designing scalable backend systems that enhance retrieval, ranking, and personalization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance and re...
2 weeks ago
Sr Software Engineer - Engineer
$202K - $224K *
Transform complex challenges into scalable solutions as a Senior Software Engineer, driving impactful projects that enhance system performance and reliability across a global marketplace. Collaborate...
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.