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.
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...
3 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...
4 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...
2 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...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineering Tech Lead
$154K - $230K *
Elevate your career by leading agile teams in delivering innovative full-stack applications and microservices. Drive technical excellence and collaboration while modernizing platforms to enhance busin...
1 week ago
$130K - $155K *
Develop cutting-edge realtime rendering solutions, collaborating cross-functionally to enhance 3D applications. Apply your expertise in graphics to optimize performance and drive innovation in softwar...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer/ Data Analyst (AI/ML)
$100K - $120K *
Innovate within a dynamic engineering team to create advanced software and data solutions, utilizing AI/ML technologies and cloud architectures. Collaborate to enhance systems and deliver production-r...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Engineer/ Data Analyst (AI/ML)
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop innovative software solutions leveraging AI/ML technologies in cloud environments. Enhance existing systems and deliver scalable applications while collaborat...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$118K - $219K *
Engage in designing and building scalable enterprise software solutions, focusing on cloud-native applications and microservices. Collaborate across teams to deliver secure, resilient platforms that e...
2 weeks ago
$118K - $219K *
Unlock your potential as a Lead Software Engineer, driving innovation in scalable enterprise solutions. Collaborate across teams to design secure, resilient APIs and cloud-native applications that enh...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovation by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experiences through data-driven software solutions and iterative improvements, ensuring the effectiveness of both new...
3 days ago
Enterprise - Software Engineer - Linux, Debug, Design
$144K - $158K *
Transform complex software systems by developing, maintaining, and enhancing diverse applications. Collaborate with teams to analyze requirements, debug software, and integrate solutions, ensuring adh...
2 weeks ago
Enterprise - Software Engineer - Linux, Debug, Design
$144K - $158K *
Join a team that's developing innovative software solutions for complex systems. Collaborate on diverse projects, enhance existing applications, and ensure high-quality performance while adhering to d...
2 weeks ago
Reverse Engineer/Software Tester
$150K - $250K *
Unlock the potential of cybersecurity by leading reverse engineering and software testing efforts. Collaborate with experts to enhance technology transition and research management, ensuring robust so...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovation by designing and developing scalable enterprise applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance solutions while ensuring best practices in software e...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Develop and scale enterprise data catalog solutions, enhancing data governance and discovery. Collaborate with teams to drive architectural decisions and mentor junior engineers, ensuring robust, secu...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a dynamic team as a Java Developer, focusing on digital banking solutions. Collaborate with architects and peers to enhance code quality, tackle technical challenges, and drive innovation in a fa...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Engineer innovative ETL solutions and enhance finance processes. Join a dynamic team to support and optimize applications, ensuring effective data management and reporting across the organization...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Discover innovative solutions in capital markets by joining a dynamic team. Collaborate with business teams to develop and implement cutting-edge applications that enhance user experiences and drive b...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Join our team to ensure software and instruments work seamlessly together. You'll lead testing from integration to release, collaborate with developers, and drive automation efforts, all while contrib...
3 days ago
Software Development Engineer III, AWS Field Experience (AFX)
$168K - $227K *
Drive innovation by leading the design and delivery of complex software systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system architecture and mentor engineers, ensuring high-quality code...
2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer I, Data Content
$125K - $175K *
Explore a dynamic role where you'll design, build, and scale software systems, enhancing data privacy and utility for precision medicine. Collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality, reliable pro...
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.