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 Development Engineer II
$180K - $220K *
Drive the development of innovative full-stack applications for a cutting-edge identity platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex technical challenges and enhance system perfo...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - Reporting
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Software Engineer, shaping innovative reporting and analytics UIs. Leverage your full-stack expertise to enhance user experiences, drive delivery, and collaborate on data-driv...
1 week ago
Senior Software Integration Engineer (TTO3)
$120K - $145K *
Join our team to enhance High Performance Computing services, providing critical support for multi-vendor systems and advanced storage solutions across diverse environments. Your expertise will drive...
3 days ago
Sr. Developer Enablement Engineer - 1043
$144K - $194K *
Champion developer enablement by creating technical documentation and support resources for advanced quantum computing platforms, ensuring user success through collaboration with cross-functional team...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate technical excellence by providing expertise in design, testing, and analysis of complex systems. Oversee evaluations and develop standards while guiding junior personnel in achieving high-qual...
2 weeks ago
Flight Software and Test Engineer
$70K - $120K *
Optimize your skills in flight software design and test for spacecraft missions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop robust software architecture, ensuring reliability and mission readi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Enginering - Mk8S/Control Plane
$150K - $180K *
Explore the forefront of AI infrastructure as you design and maintain scalable Kubernetes services. Collaborate across teams to enhance reliability and automation, driving innovation in GPU-accelerate...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Enginering - Mk8S/Control Plane
$145K - $175K *
Drive the development of scalable Kubernetes infrastructure, enhancing automation and reliability for AI workloads. Collaborate across teams to build resilient systems that support mission-critical ap...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Enginering - Mk8S/Control Plane
$150K - $180K *
Pioneer the future of AI infrastructure by designing and building scalable Kubernetes solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance reliability and automation, driving innovation in GP...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's transforming mission-focused software into scalable, customer-agnostic platforms. Leverage your Java expertise to design secure applications and collaborate with cross-functional te...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock your potential as you design and develop scalable Java applications, transforming mission-focused software into customer-agnostic platforms while collaborating with cross-functional teams to me...
1 week ago
$133K - $160K *
Empower innovation by leading complex test activities, ensuring product verification through functional, integration, and acceptance testing. Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve technical issues...
2 weeks ago
Software Developer (Hybrid)(Secret Clearance Required)
$100K - $115K *
Drive innovative software and database solutions to enhance global logistics operations. Collaborate in a dynamic team to develop, integrate, and optimize secure applications and databases, ensuring h...
1 week ago
Manager, Quality Assurance Engineering
$127K - $159K *
Transform quality assurance by leading cross-functional initiatives, ensuring high standards in delivery and user experience. Drive test strategy, automation, and risk management to enhance product re...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - Full Stack (TS Clearance)
$180K - $240K *
Build and launch innovative web applications and APIs for national security, enhancing data integration and delivering seamless user experiences to empower analysts with high-performance tools in miss...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Full Stack (TS Clearance)
$180K - $240K *
Transform the national security landscape by building cutting-edge web applications and APIs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data integration and deliver powerful tools for analyst...
3 weeks ago
MFG Test Development Software Engineer
$170K - $255K *
Lead the development of innovative test architectures and automation for next-gen server and storage systems, enhancing product reliability and production efficiency through comprehensive testing stra...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Drive innovation as a technical lead, guiding multiple teams in designing and developing robust software solutions using AngularJS, NodeJS, MongoDB, and Elasticsearch to enhance system performance and...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Empower software innovation as a technical lead, guiding multiple teams in designing and developing robust solutions using AngularJS, NodeJS, MongoDB, and Elasticsearch. Drive excellence in software p...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Support and enhance software tools for optimal integration across teams, driving productivity and mission efficiency through close collaboration with developers, administrators, and project managers...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Deliver secure access controls for High-Performance Computing systems, implementing RBAC/ABAC, identity federation, and secrets management in a Linux environment while ensuring compliance with securit...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing and enhancing complex software systems, ensuring high performance and adherence to design standards. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions, while overs...
3 weeks ago
Developer Experience Engineer, AWS Developer Experience
$117K - $206K *
Transform the developer experience by building agent-driven solutions on AWS. Collaborate across teams to create content and resources that enhance the development process, ensuring developers thrive...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join us to architect the future of Kubernetes multi-tenancy, driving innovation and building tools that empower leading engineering teams. Take ownership of complex challenges and contribute to open-s...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Tackle complex challenges by designing and integrating system architectures while collaborating with diverse teams to align technical requirements and ensure mission success in a dynamic environment...
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.