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.
Sr. Software Development Engineer
$176K - $264K *
Join a team that's building and scaling a robust messaging platform, enhancing user communication across multiple channels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, resilient m...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Design and build automated testing frameworks for validating endpoint management across operating systems. Collaborate with teams to enhance software quality and drive automated validation of system-l...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$93K - $156K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of software development by leading agile teams, driving high-quality releases, and fostering continuous improvement in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with dive...
Reposted yesterday
SQE - Software Developer - Test
$100K - $120K *
Innovate with us to enhance quality engineering in robotics automation. As a key player, you'll develop test automation frameworks and collaborate across teams to ensure our software solutions are rob...
3 days ago
Software Engineer, Test Frameworks & Tooling
$153K - $196K *
Advance the test automation landscape by designing and scaling innovative tools and frameworks that enhance reliability and efficiency across diverse platforms, driving quality earlier in the developm...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, AWS Artifact, AWS Compliance & Security Assurance
$143K - $194K *
Engage in building secure, scalable systems while mentoring junior developers. Collaborate on Agile projects, ensuring high availability and compliance across AWS services. Drive continuous improvemen...
1 week ago
$170K - $210K *
Engage in client development and system architecture while leading a team to enhance client satisfaction. Collaborate on solutions, mentor staff, and drive growth through effective communication and s...
1 week ago
ERP test Automation Engineer, Amazon Leo Governance
$115K - $160K *
Shape the future of automated testing for ERP systems, ensuring quality and efficiency while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive test strategies, improve frameworks, and deliver best pr...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer, ADC2S
$143K - $194K *
Drive innovation by designing and operating EC2 control-plane services in secure, air-gapped environments. Collaborate with engineers to enhance cloud infrastructure for government clients, ensuring r...
2 days ago
Software Development Engineer, ADC2S
$143K - $194K *
Drive innovation by automating AWS deployment processes, collaborating with teams to enhance system architecture, and solving complex engineering challenges that impact global customers and revenue...
2 days ago
Software Development Engineer, ADC2S
$143K - $194K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on automating AWS deployments. Collaborate with innovative engineers to solve complex challenges, enhance operational efficiency, and drive impact...
2 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Engineer scalable AI/ML infrastructure, bridging research and product teams. Drive AI adoption from strategy to production, ensuring impactful solutions in healthcare. Lead architecture, design, and d...
1 week ago
$67K - $92K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring software quality through automated testing. Collaborate with developers, execute test cases, and leverage AI tools to enhance testing processes while participa...
6 days ago
Software Development Engineer I
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of FinTech by developing robust applications. Collaborate with engineers and product managers to deliver high-quality software solutions while ensuring compliance...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, Core Search
$168K - $227K *
Optimize the architecture and delivery of large-scale, low-latency services for search navigation, driving innovation in AI-powered customer experiences while leading cross-team initiatives and mentor...
1 week ago
Sr Software Development Engineer, Agent Platforms & Services
$168K - $227K *
Drive the architectural vision for AI agent orchestration in advertising, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance campaign management. Shape the future of intelligent advertising by build...
1 week ago
Senior Software Development Engineer
$97K - $143K *
Transform cloud-based applications by leading design, development, and support efforts. Collaborate with teams and customers to deliver secure, reliable solutions while mentoring engineers and enhanci...
1 week ago
$129K - $217K *
Join a team that shapes innovative web and mobile applications while mentoring peers and advocating for best practices in a collaborative environment. Lead projects from design to delivery and impact...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Test Engineer - Integration, Test, and Documentation
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in integrating and verifying advanced technical systems for national security. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless documentation and readiness of complex hardware and software...
2 days ago
Automated Test Software Programmer
$88K - $105K *
Unlock your potential by developing automated testing scripts for web software, leveraging your expertise in Java and JavaScript to enhance testing efficiency while supporting the U.S. Navy's mission...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Development Engineer, AWS EC2 Hyperplane
$193K - $261K *
Lead the charge in developing scalable distributed systems for AWS, ensuring high performance and low-latency for millions of users. Collaborate across teams, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Development Manager, GTM AI Tooling, Specialist Technology Team
$184K - $250K *
Lead a high-impact engineering team to develop AI-driven solutions that transform AWS Go-To-Market strategies, enhancing sales plays and user experiences through innovative agentic systems and advance...
1 week ago
$183K - $228K *
Join a team that's redefining developer experience by building innovative SDKs and APIs for third-party integrators. Collaborate across functions to deliver impactful solutions that enhance integratio...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Optimize software quality and security by developing test strategies for cloud-native applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure functionality and performance, while advancing A...
3 weeks ago
Lead Software Development Engineer
$133K - $190K *
Drive innovation as you lead the design and deployment of scalable AI-native platforms, blending advanced technologies with enterprise systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure high performance and...
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.