Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Jobs

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.

What Does an SDET Do?

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.

Common SDET Skills and Qualifications

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.

Career Paths in Software Quality Engineering

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.

Find SDET Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$148K - $222K *

Unlock new capabilities as a Software Engineer, driving Pipedream's growth by developing connectors and APIs for diverse applications in a dynamic startup environment with enterprise-level impact...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$154K - $227K *

Join a dynamic team as a technical leader, driving scalable software solutions and mentoring engineers. Collaborate across teams to enhance engineering practices and deliver innovative AI-driven appli...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$86K - $123K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative embedded security solutions, collaborating with diverse experts to design, code, and test custom software. Drive projects from concept to implementation while...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$168K - $227K *

Transform your career by owning a critical API platform that optimizes cloud resource management for customers. Collaborate with engineers and product managers to enhance user experience and drive sig...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$200K - $270K *

Unlock potential by leading cross-functional initiatives in financial systems automation and product development. As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll drive technical architecture and standards, e...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$115K - $135K *

Lead the charge in developing high-quality software solutions, mentoring engineers, and driving process improvements. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance systems and deliver impactful results in...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $194K *

Unlock potential by designing and delivering a scalable, high-performance network architecture for a global telecom service leveraging LEO satellites and terrestrial networks. Drive innovation for bes...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$168K - $227K *

Engineer innovative AI-driven tooling to enhance reliability of custom silicon systems. Lead design and delivery efforts, collaborating across teams to automate failure detection and qualification pro...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$130K - $170K *

Join a dynamic team to establish a robust quality foundation, driving root cause analysis and supplier accountability while collaborating across engineering and manufacturing to enhance processes and...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $223K *

Transform the future by designing and deploying large-scale machine learning systems. Collaborate with teams to shape strategies, drive architecture, and mentor junior engineers in a dynamic environme...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $194K *

Help us unlock potential by designing and developing innovative AI services using ML and LLM technologies. Collaborate with a skilled team to create scalable solutions that impact a global customer ba...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$165K - $223K *

Drive the development of innovative generative AI features, collaborating across teams to design, build, and deploy scalable solutions. Engage in a fast-paced environment, tackling complex challenges...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$158K - $213K *

Join a team that designs and develops innovative machine learning systems, enhancing large-scale software solutions. Influence architecture, promote best practices, and mentor junior engineers, all wh...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $194K *

Design and develop large-scale machine learning systems while guiding junior engineers. Collaborate closely to influence strategy and ensure best practices in high-quality software delivery for a glob...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $194K *

Transform your career with innovative machine learning systems, collaborating with teams to drive architecture, implement best practices, and mentor junior engineers in a fast-paced environment focuse...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$150K - $180K *

Transform the future of legal and security solutions by developing scalable, secure applications. Collaborate with a talented team to enhance compliance functions and deliver high-performance systems...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $250K *

Join a team that develops cutting-edge software for autonomous factory systems to enhance machine interfaces, automate production lines, and scale manufacturing capabilities across multiple locations...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $220K *

Build the foundation for autonomous systems by developing simulation and validation infrastructure. Collaborate with engineers to enhance testing frameworks, ensuring high confidence in real-world per...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Develop and modernize enterprise applications by leveraging Java, Spring Boot, and container technologies. Collaborate with an Agile team to enhance system architecture and optimize data processing fo...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's modernizing enterprise data processing applications. Influence technical design and development using Java, Spring Boot, and container technologies while ensuring efficient data man...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative software tool development for cryptanalytic engineering. Collaborate with stakeholders to transform research concepts into practical applications, enhancing anal...

4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $160K *

Champion the design and deployment of interceptor test systems, ensuring rigorous verification and robust performance. Lead the full lifecycle from requirements analysis to hardware integration, drivi...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $180K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of autonomous defense technology by designing and developing full-stack applications that enhance deployment, monitoring, and logistics workflows for cutting-edge...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $194K *

Optimize data processing for high-volume ad events, ensuring compliance and scalability. Design and implement Spark-based pipelines while collaborating across teams to enhance system architecture and...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$179K - $228K *

Join a team of engineers solving complex networking and security challenges through low-level software development for critical communication systems. Engage in hands-on programming that directly impa...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.