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.
$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
$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
Test Equipment Development Engineer (HIL and Test Equipment)
$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
Software Engineer, Deployment Systems
$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
Software Development Engineer, Measurement, Ad Tech, and Data Science (MADS) Foundations- Traffic
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Cyber Software Engineer
$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...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, Amazon Quick
$143K - $194K *
Transform user interaction with AI-powered experiences by designing and building innovative capabilities in a dynamic team environment focused on end-to-end ownership and responsible AI systems...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $200K *
Take ownership of a sophisticated e-commerce platform, driving AI-powered solutions and architectural decisions while delivering production-ready applications with minimal oversight in a highly indepe...
1 week ago
$114K - $191K *
Drive the design and operation of high-scale, event-driven backend services, ensuring seamless shipment and delivery data processing across multiple regions while enhancing operational excellence and...
6 days ago
$61K - $122K *
Join our team to oversee software testing throughout the development lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality diagnostic solutions that impact patient care globally. D...
Yesterday
Quality Assurance Tester (IT Quality Assurance - Journey)
$85K - $115K *
Help us ensure quality by executing comprehensive testing for system enhancements and upgrades. Collaborate with stakeholders to analyze requirements and deliver actionable documentation, all while ma...
1 week ago
Quality Assurance Tester (IT Quality Assurance - Journey)
$85K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring quality in IT systems through comprehensive testing and analysis. This role involves collaborating with stakeholders to enhance the Automated Tax & Licensing A...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - R37
$101K - $206K *
Shape the future of healthcare technology by leading the development of AI-driven software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance workflows, ensuring secure and scalable product...
6 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - R37
$101K - $206K *
Innovate with a team that's transforming healthcare through AI-driven software. Lead the development of scalable solutions, mentor engineers, and enhance workflows in a dynamic environment that impact...
6 days ago
Software Quality Engineer - E2
$70K - $130K *
Analyze and enhance software quality processes, ensuring compliance and reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement effective testing and validation strategies for so...
1 week ago
Senior Quality Assurance Automation Engineer
$110K - $145K *
Transform cloud-based testing by designing and implementing automated solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data processing capabilities and ensure quality across multiple envi...
2 weeks ago
Software Developer (Systems Software) (RVG-RV-003912a)
$110K - $130K *
Lead a high-visibility team to enhance enterprise IT support, focusing on talent management, learning compliance, and performance optimization through innovative solutions and best practices...
3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, Platform Engineering and Emerging Technologies
$143K - $194K *
Engineer innovative solutions by designing, building, and monitoring robust components for a highly-available cloud platform. Collaborate within a dynamic team to enhance user experiences and drive op...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Sr Forward Deployed Engineer, Forward Deployment Engineering
$184K - $250K *
Lead technical delivery and architect AI systems at scale, collaborating with enterprise customers to drive operational excellence and accelerate AI adoption. Mentor teams and define engineering stand...
6 days ago
Software Development Manager, Agentic AI, Velocity Labs
$184K - $250K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI by leading innovative software development. You'll manage a talented group, driving projects from concept to delivery while ensuring high performance and qu...
Reposted 3 days ago
Principal Software Engineer - Engineering Acceleration
$295K - $345K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative service management tools that empower engineers to build, test, and deploy software efficiently, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to shape the f...
2 weeks ago
$105K - $200K *
Unlock potential by driving innovation in underwater robotics and autonomy. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop and test advanced systems for Navy missions, enhancing capabilities in...
1 week ago
$130K - $150K *
Join a team that's pushing the boundaries of software engineering, developing mission-critical systems for DoD programs. Collaborate with skilled professionals while enhancing your expertise and contr...
Reposted 4 days ago
$100K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to design, develop, and maintain innovative software solutions. Collaborate across functions to solve complex problems and enhance user experiences while taking ownership of your w...
4 days ago
Senior Platform DevOps Engineer
$155K - $175K *
Elevate our AI capabilities by building and managing secure infrastructure, pipelines, and guardrails for enterprise-scale AI solutions, ensuring safe adoption and impactful mission support...
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.