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.
Principal, Software Development Engineering
$134K - $180K *
Partner with us to design and implement scalable data solutions, driving enterprise architecture and governance. Leverage your expertise in GCP, data modeling, and data processing to enhance business...
2 weeks ago
$154K - $260K *
Innovate and drive technical strategy for AI-powered products at scale. Empower teams to build transformative software solutions, oversee complex projects, and deliver exceptional results that reshape...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
MD-Software Engineer 3 - TS/SCI w/ Polygraph
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of software engineering by developing and enhancing complex systems, leading teams, and driving innovation through cutting-edge technology and methodologies, all while ensuring high-q...
3 weeks ago
Staff Embedded Software Test Engineer
$120K - $224K *
Advance your career by supporting the software engineering lifecycle, ensuring quality through testing and verification. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver robust software solutions in a dynami...
2 days ago
Staff Embedded Software Test Engineer
$120K - $224K *
Transform the software testing landscape by ensuring quality through rigorous testing and collaboration. Engage with multi-disciplinary teams to enhance software reliability and support the full softw...
2 days ago
Staff Embedded Software Test Engineer
$120K - $224K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing software testing excellence. Contribute to the software engineering lifecycle, ensuring quality through rigorous testing and collaboration with multi-discipli...
2 days ago
Manager, Software Engineering, SaaS
$135K - $160K *
Transform your career by leading a dynamic engineering team to enhance our cloud SaaS platform. Drive technical direction, foster team growth, and ensure security and reliability while delivering exce...
1 week ago
Software Integration Engineer 3 (IDN - 197)
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your expertise in software integration and automation. Join a dynamic team to enhance system performance and support cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative environ...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing and maintaining scalable full-stack applications using C#/.NET and TypeScript/React, while integrating AI solutions and mentoring engineers to elevate software quality an...
4 days ago
$100K - $140K *
Empower a dynamic team of Software Engineers to develop innovative full stack solutions. Collaborate on diverse technologies, ensuring user-friendly software that meets mission needs while fostering a...
1 week ago
$100K - $140K *
Empower innovation by driving full stack development, leveraging diverse technologies to create user-friendly software solutions in a collaborative environment that values independent problem solving...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Architect robust automation frameworks that integrate cloud ERPs, legacy systems, and AI-driven workflows to streamline operations from order intake to manufacturing release, enhancing efficiency and...
6 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Champion the enhancement of digital workplace solutions by designing and implementing automated testing frameworks using Selenium, ensuring optimal performance and seamless integration of digital tool...
Reposted 6 days ago
Software Development Manager, AWS OpenSearch
$184K - $250K *
Lead and cultivate a high-performing engineering team to design, develop, and optimize advanced indexing systems that shape data querying for millions, ensuring technical excellence and operational st...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Dev Engineer, Leo Ground Control Services
$143K - $194K *
Engage in all phases of software development to automate satellite operations and enhance service availability for customers, leveraging cutting-edge technologies in a dynamic team environment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Staff Software Engineer
$125K - $181K *
Shape the future of technology by designing scalable architectures for cloud migration and microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, optimize performance, and enhance...
5 days ago
Software Engineer 2 (Hyrid) - AWS
$130K - $270K *
Join a team that champions innovation by developing advanced solutions using AWS managed services. Bring your extensive experience to tackle complex challenges in a dynamic environment while enhancing...
Reposted 1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Drive your career with a role focused on developing and implementing testing methods, managing projects, and ensuring product compliance with industry standards while collaborating across engineering...
4 days ago
Software Development Manager, Frontier Amazon Dedicated Cloud (ADC)
$184K - $250K *
Transform complex challenges into innovative solutions by leading a high-performing engineering team. Drive the development and operation of scalable AI services in secure environments, ensuring relia...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $100K *
Transform data quality assurance by validating ETL processes and integrations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy and reliability of data pipelines, enhancing enterprise data i...
2 weeks ago
Software Validation and Automated Testing Engineer
$82K - $125K *
Drive software quality and performance by designing automated testing solutions for desktop, mobile, and cloud applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance validation processes and...
2 weeks ago
$117K - $160K *
Engineer innovative satellite testing processes for broadband systems, ensuring production quality and performance. Collaborate cross-functionally to troubleshoot and enhance test operations, playing...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$180K - $210K *
Lead and empower a dynamic engineering team to architect and build innovative backend services for booking and finance products, ensuring security and compliance while mentoring engineers and collabor...
3 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Elevate the future of intelligent systems by designing and developing a next-gen Agentic AI Platform. Collaborate across the full stack to create robust web applications and backend services that enha...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Unlock your potential as a Principal Software Developer, driving the design and deployment of cutting-edge AI platforms. Collaborate across the full stack to create intelligent applications that enhan...
1 week 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.