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.
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
Staff Systems Software Engineer
$180K - $235K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building high-performance game software and systems. Leverage your expertise in C++ and game development to create engaging experiences while collaborating with designe...
Reposted 3 days ago
Software Engineer - Agent Development
$83K - $120K *
Unlock potential by designing and enhancing agentic systems that streamline AI-assisted software development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that improve engin...
5 days ago
Staff Software Engineer (Agentic AI)
$129K - $214K *
Pioneer the development of agentic AI systems, driving strategic projects and mentoring engineers to enhance intelligent automation. Collaborate across teams to build scalable solutions that align wit...
3 weeks ago
$143K - $194K *
Unlock innovative AI solutions in logistics by developing intelligent systems that enhance operational efficiency and decision-making for carriers, while collaborating with a dynamic team of software...
1 week ago
$202K - $274K *
Engineer innovative lead-to-cash solutions by designing and delivering core services for pipeline management, quoting, and order automation, while driving AI capabilities and mentoring engineering tea...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovation in software development by creating robust web-based solutions using the Microsoft stack. Collaborate within an agile team to enhance a logistics technology platform, ensuring quality...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower innovation by enhancing user experience through developing and maintaining web and mobile components. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create impactful solutions that prioritize reliability...
1 week ago
Software Development Engineer, Identity Services
$143K - $194K *
Join a dynamic team to design and implement scalable authentication systems, driving innovation and enhancing user experiences across diverse platforms. Collaborate effectively to solve complex challe...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$176K - $332K *
Innovate software solutions by leading design, development, and testing efforts. Collaborate with teams to ensure system requirements are met while maintaining high standards of quality and security i...
3 weeks ago
$176K - $332K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Software Engineer, leading the design, development, and testing of innovative software solutions while collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet system requir...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $140K *
Optimize web application development by leading design and implementation using .NET Core, ASP.NET, and Angular. Collaborate with teams, mentor junior developers, and ensure code quality while leverag...
4 days ago
Software Development Manager, S3
$184K - $250K *
Lead a high-performance software development team to innovate and enhance AWS S3 Fleet Management services, driving cloud-based automation and delivering exceptional technology solutions in a fast-pac...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Manager, S3
$184K - $250K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative storage solutions and mentoring engineering teams in a dynamic environment. Drive customer-centric strategies while ensuring operational excellence for scalabl...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Develop and maintain scalable AI applications, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate cutting-edge AI technologies while promoting best...
5 days ago
Sr. Software Dev Engineer, Benefits Experience and Technology (BXT)
$168K - $227K *
Join a team that's redefining benefits engagement through AI-driven solutions. As a tech lead, you will shape innovative products, guide architecture decisions, and mentor engineers while tackling com...
Reposted 6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance technical excellence by leading software solutions, establishing architecture standards, and mentoring teams to enhance ownership and problem-solving skills, ensuring scalable and maintainable...
3 weeks ago
Component Test Engineer (I-III)
$80K - $155K *
Partner with us to lead the Verification and Validation lifecycle of avionics components. Drive functional and acceptance testing to ensure reliability and performance in aerospace applications while...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to solving complex problems and building impactful technology. Collaborate on large-scale applications and distributed systems, transforming business needs into effective...
4 days ago
Software Development Engineer II, New Security Service
$165K - $223K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of network security by developing a groundbreaking AI-driven product. Lead full-stack engineering efforts to enhance customer experiences and ensure high-quality...
1 week ago
$180K - $230K *
Transform your career by leading the development of advanced software systems. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver scalable, secure applications that meet complex customer needs and dr...
6 days ago
Software Engineer, Applications (Scientific Development Solutions) (High Seniority)
$160K - $190K *
Unlock potential by serving as a senior technical authority, architecting full-stack solutions that enhance complex lab operations and regulatory compliance while mentoring engineers and collaborating...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - Composites
$105K - $135K *
Develop software that transforms complex 3D CAD geometry into validated manufacturing outputs, enhancing production efficiency in electric aviation. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to autom...
2 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.