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.
$124K - $168K *
Empower innovation by developing cutting-edge AI agents for a transformative platform. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance agent capabilities, ensuring reliability and efficiency in real-world...
1 week ago
QA Test Automation-Senior Manager
$124K - $238K *
Champion the transformation of web and service automation testing frameworks, integrating AI solutions to enhance quality and efficiency. Lead a team in developing strategies that drive operational ex...
4 days ago
QA Test Automation-Senior Manager
$124K - $238K *
Champion innovation by leading automation and AI initiatives in testing. Drive strategic execution, optimize frameworks, and ensure quality deliverables while mentoring a team of QA professionals in a...
4 days ago
QA Test Automation-Senior Manager
$124K - $238K *
Accelerate your career by leading automation and AI initiatives in testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance quality and efficiency, while mentoring a skilled team of QA professional...
4 days ago
Software Engineer - TS/SCI with Polygraph
$162K - $219K *
Lead the charge in developing and maintaining enterprise-grade applications, leveraging full-stack expertise to optimize performance and ensure seamless integration across complex mission environments...
6 days ago
Software Engineer - TS/SCI with Polygraph
$144K - $195K *
Unlock potential by driving innovation in software engineering for mission-critical projects. Collaborate with teams to design, develop, and optimize scalable applications that enhance national securi...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to ensuring reliable software operations. Oversee live production environments, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with development and operations to maintain system hea...
2 days ago
Software Engineer, Developer Infrastructure
$120K - $145K *
Optimize developer productivity by enhancing infrastructure, CI/CD processes, and deployment environments, ensuring smoother collaboration and efficiency for both engineers and AI agents in a dynamic...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Enterprise - Software Engineer - AWS, Java, Develop
$185K - $200K *
Optimize software systems by developing, maintaining, and enhancing complex applications. Collaborate with teams to analyze requirements, debug software, and implement solutions that meet performance...
1 week ago
Enterprise - Software Engineer - AWS, Java, Develop
$185K - $200K *
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...
1 week ago
$125K - $168K *
Join a team that's redefining data engineering by designing and optimizing scalable cloud-based data warehouse solutions, integrating IoT data, and enhancing analytics capabilities through innovative...
5 days ago
Software Development Engineer, VirtSat Team
$143K - $194K *
Join a team that's redefining satellite technology by designing scalable, cloud-native systems. You'll tackle complex challenges, collaborate with peers, and mentor new talent while ensuring high-qual...
2 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Architect AI-driven applications that enhance business workflows by integrating large language models. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop, maintain, and support innovative AI solutions while ens...
4 days ago
$100K - $130K *
Explore your potential as you contribute to innovative cloud-native solutions, collaborating with engineers and data scientists to enhance insights and build scalable services. This role offers growth...
1 week ago
Senior Cloud Software Engineer, Developer Tools
$184K - $287K *
Empower developers by architecting innovative AI-assisted cloud solutions, enhancing workflows through high-performance services and collaboration with cross-functional teams in a scalable environment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by owning end-to-end software features, tackling complex challenges across the stack, and collaborating with teams to deliver high-quality products in a fast-paced environment...
1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Join a dynamic team to design and develop AI-driven applications, integrating large language models into workflows. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance user experiences and support AI services in...
4 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Champion the development of AI-driven applications, integrating large language models into workflows. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver robust solutions, enhance user experiences, and support A...
4 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Unlock potential by developing AI-driven applications and integrating large language models into business workflows. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance user experiences and support AI services i...
4 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Innovate by developing AI-driven applications that enhance business workflows. Collaborate with stakeholders to implement solutions, support AI services, and improve user experiences through automatio...
4 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Join a dynamic team to develop and maintain AI-driven applications, integrating large language models into workflows. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions while ensuring quali...
4 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Innovate AI-driven applications by integrating large language models into workflows. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop solutions, enhance user experiences, and support AI services while adherin...
4 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Deliver innovative AI-driven applications by integrating large language models into workflows. Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements, implement solutions, and enhance user experiences t...
4 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI applications by developing and integrating cutting-edge solutions. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance workflows and user experiences while ensuring ro...
4 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Champion the development of AI-driven applications, integrating large language models into workflows. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions, enhance user experiences, and suppo...
4 days 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.