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 Engineering Team Lead
$115K - $135K *
Lead the technical team in delivering solutions, ensuring process adherence, and enhancing client support while mentoring members and driving efficiency in project execution and training activities...
2 days ago
Sr. Software Dev Engineer, AI Security
$184K - $250K *
Empower innovation by leading cross-functional teams to develop secure, scalable software solutions. Drive best practices in software development while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring high-qua...
6 days ago
Software Development Engineer - S3, Storage Control Plane
$143K - $194K *
Unlock potential by designing and implementing innovative software solutions for a high-performance storage system. Collaborate with talented engineers to enhance reliability and scalability in a fast...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - AI Developer Enablement
$120K - $145K *
Transform the developer experience by designing and implementing AI-assisted tools, enhancing productivity, and optimizing the software development lifecycle through innovative solutions and automatio...
2 weeks ago
$92K - $130K *
Pioneer automation innovations by leading projects in controls development, mentoring engineers, and collaborating across disciplines. Drive successful client outcomes while enhancing your expertise i...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineering Director – Digital Delivery
$142K - $190K *
Contribute to enterprise-level digital solutions by leveraging your expertise in software engineering and delivery. Shape technical direction, influence cross-functional teams, and drive modernization...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer (Ruby/Rails), MVR
$185K - $218K *
Lead the design and development of scalable MVR systems, ensuring reliability and efficiency. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance architecture and drive technical excellence while mentoring engi...
Today
$165K - $185K *
Develop and enhance complex software systems, ensuring adherence to design requirements while collaborating with teams. Analyze user needs, debug software, and integrate solutions to optimize performa...
1 week ago
Fullstack Software Development Engineer I, Card
$124K - $155K *
Optimize scalable full-stack systems for innovative lending solutions, collaborating with product teams and engineers to deliver high-quality software while tackling complex challenges. Engage in desi...
Reposted 2 days ago
$138K - $220K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of network management by leading the development of innovative SDN applications. Leverage your expertise in Java/Scala to drive complex projects and enhance our v...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer II, Application Platform - AI Services
$109K - $186K *
Unlock potential by developing cutting-edge backend services for an AI-driven application platform, enhancing developer experience and operational excellence in a collaborative environment focused on...
1 week ago
Software Engineer II, Application Platform - AI Services
$109K - $186K *
Grow your skills by developing backend services for a cutting-edge AI platform. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance developer experience and ensure quality, scalability, and security in modern...
1 week ago
$76K - $98K *
Lead the charge in software quality by implementing test strategies, conducting code reviews, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and user experience in a dynam...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by designing and developing high-quality C/C++ software. Take ownership of features from concept to release, collaborating with a dynamic team to deliver robust solutions in a Linu...
3 weeks ago
Test & Validation Integration Engineer - Federal Customer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in ensuring seamless deployment of enterprise-grade infrastructure by integrating, testing, and validating complex systems in a controlled lab environment, enabling rapid field activat...
1 week ago
$69K - $125K *
Transform cutting-edge radar technology through software development, enhancing both user interfaces and backend systems. Collaborate in a dynamic team to ensure performance, scalability, and integrat...
Reposted 1 week ago
Software Development Engineer , Leo Customer Terminals Applications & Networking Team
$143K - $194K *
Elevate customer connectivity by designing robust software for terminals. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and reliability, ensuring seamless operations in a large-scale, intermittent i...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$72K - $149K *
Engage in the development and integration of Momentum Financials for a DoD agency, ensuring compliance with federal standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, scalable finan...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer -- Full Stack Java and Angular
$70K - $156K *
Champion the development of innovative enterprise applications, leveraging Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions that meet complex busin...
4 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Optimize team performance by leading high-impact software engineering initiatives. Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity while ensuring quality...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive software development excellence by leading teams, shaping technical direction, and aligning engineering practices with business goals to deliver impactful solutions and enhance user experiences...
5 days ago
Software Engineering Manager - Foundry
$180K - $220K *
Empower a globally distributed team to build and enhance an in-house ERP application, ensuring alignment across engineering, operations, and delivery while fostering a culture of collaboration, accoun...
3 days ago
$121K - $169K *
Advance your career by leading structural and integrated test campaigns for a cutting-edge heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure successful execution and mana...
3 days ago
$121K - $169K *
Unlock potential by leading structural and integrated test campaigns for a cutting-edge heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure successful execution, manage pro...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer (Apex Team)
$120K - $145K *
Drive your career with a Senior Software Engineer role focused on developing and maintaining innovative software solutions. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality applications while mentoring...
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.