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 Quality Assurance Automation Engineer
$110K - $145K *
Advance your career by designing and maintaining test automation frameworks for cloud applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and enhance testing processes while mentor...
3 weeks ago
Senior Quality Assurance Automation Engineer
$110K - $145K *
Engineer automated testing solutions for a cloud-based big data platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance quality assurance processes and ensure robust application performance in an...
3 weeks ago
$96K - $154K *
Optimize testing processes by designing and building automated regression suites. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and reliability through scalable Playwright and Ty...
3 days ago
$96K - $154K *
Drive the development of automated regression capabilities, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable Playwright and TypeScript automation, ensuring faster releases wi...
3 days ago
$96K - $154K *
Accelerate progress at our company by designing and building automated regression capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing efficiency and reliability, ensuring faster r...
3 days ago
Software Development Engineer II, Percolate
$143K - $194K *
Join a team that's focused on delivering innovative software solutions, collaborating on system design and architecture, and driving successful software development from concept through deployment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Developer - Level III
$100K - $120K *
Contribute to secure digital workflows by developing and integrating applications, automating processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable solutions that meet federal s...
1 week ago
Sr. Software Development Engineer - Energy & Commodities
$156K - $210K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Software Developer, designing and maintaining systems for commodity trading and risk management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality softwar...
4 days ago
Software Engineer Skill Level 3
$230K - $248K *
Transform complex software systems by developing, enhancing, and maintaining innovative solutions. Collaborate with teams to analyze requirements, debug software, and implement algorithms that meet pe...
3 days ago
Software Engineer Skill Level 3
$230K - $248K *
Join a dynamic team to develop and enhance complex software systems, ensuring high performance and adherence to design requirements. Collaborate with engineers and lead projects while utilizing advanc...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - Product
$145K - $175K *
Join our dynamic team as you design and build scalable software solutions for healthcare, addressing complex challenges and enhancing patient experiences with autonomy and innovation...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Operating Systems
$185K - $210K *
Innovate and develop robust software for autonomous spacecraft operations, tackling complex challenges in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect and implement miss...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Take ownership of system-level testing to ensure the reliability and performance of distributed databases. Collaborate with engineering to develop automated tests, diagnose failures, and enhance produ...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive system improvements and enhance applications by identifying opportunities, implementing innovative designs, and maintaining quality code while collaborating with teams to leverage new technologi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's transforming the feed industry by developing innovative software solutions. You'll tackle real-world challenges, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and take ownership of criti...
2 weeks ago
Software Dev Engineer 2, BuyForMe - MultiAgentFramework
$143K - $194K *
Join a dynamic team to innovate LLM-powered shopping solutions, enhancing customer experiences through cutting-edge technology. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver impactful software in a fast-p...
2 weeks ago
Senior Embedded Software Developer
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by designing and developing embedded software for safety-critical systems. Lead technical efforts, mentor teams, and collaborate across disciplines to create reliable applications...
3 weeks ago
Senior Embedded Software Developer
$110K - $130K *
Engage in the development of safety-critical embedded software while leading teams, designing systems, and enhancing applications for heavy equipment and driver-assistance technologies. Drive innovati...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager for Tool Software Automated Testing
$166K - $350K *
Lead the charge in overseeing software development, quality assurance, and team management while driving enhancements and new product initiatives for complex cloud-based solutions in a fast-paced envi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion innovation as part of a dynamic team, developing cutting-edge software features that enhance user experience while collaborating closely with product teams to provide seamless and effective s...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower the future of aviation by designing and developing cutting-edge software for airborne platforms. Collaborate with a skilled team to enhance products and support innovative 5G solutions in a dy...
1 week ago
$240K *
Advance your career by leading the design and development of innovative GenAI platforms, ensuring architectural excellence and scalability while integrating state-of-the-art large language models and...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Champion the testing of industrial automation systems by developing and executing comprehensive test plans and procedures. Collaborate on software validation and defect resolution while ensuring compl...
3 days ago
Staff / Senior Staff Test Automation Engineer (Clearance Required)
$102K - $157K *
Drive the design and maintenance of a robust CI/CD pipeline, integrating automated testing across diverse systems to ensure seamless deployment and validation of software releases in dynamic environme...
6 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team as a Principal Software Engineer, leading technology initiatives and architecting scalable solutions for investment software. Collaborate across functions to enhance system perform...
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.