Senior Software QA Engineer

About the Role

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions. You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Senior Software Quality Assurance Engineer to drive validation and quality for the next wave of UAV systems and supporting tool development for our upcoming product lines. The ideal candidate will thrive in an innovative and fast-paced environment, bring strong critical thinking skills, and serve as a senior technical contributor ensuring software quality, system reliability, and customer readiness as PDW transitions products from concept into production. This position reports to the Software Quality Assurance Engineering Manager.

What You'll Do

• Drive and contribute to the design, implementation, and refinement of QA processes to support high-quality software and system delivery.
• Develop and execute test strategies across bench, simulation (SITL), and flight test environments, including manual and automated testing, to validate product functionality, performance, and system behavior.
• Define and execute quality checkpoints across development, integration, and release phases to ensure reliable validation of software and integrated system behavior.
• Analyze defects, test escapes, and process inefficiencies; perform root cause analysis; and support corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with firmware, ground control, embedded, production, and flight test teams to align on quality goals and resolve issues efficiently.
• Create and maintain QA documentation, including test plans, test cases, validation procedures, bug reports, and best practices.
• Mentor junior QA engineers and share best practices for testing tools, workflows, and methodologies.
• Provide technical input on quality initiatives, release readiness, and validation planning for new features and product updates.
• Acquire and maintain deep system and product expertise, leveraging that knowledge to develop efficient test strategies and provide authoritative input on software release readiness.
• Identify opportunities to improve QA practices, test coverage, and product reliability by applying current industry practices, test methodologies, and relevant standards.

Requirements

• Strong command of QA principles and methodologies for software and integrated systems, with the ability to apply consistent and scalable quality standards.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in software QA, systems QA, or embedded/robotic system validation roles, with strong individual technical contribution in complex environments.
• Experience developing and maintaining Python-based test scripts, automation tools, and QA utilities.
• Proficient in modern test automation tools such as PyTest, Playwright, or similar, and comfortable building automation for validation, regression, and CI/CD integration.
• Experience using and improving quality tools, test infrastructure, and automated testing frameworks in system-level or embedded environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis, defect investigation, and validation of complex system behavior.
• Experience reviewing logs, telemetry, and system parameters (e.g., ULog) to diagnose failures and verify expected behavior.
• Experience working in Linux-based environments and contributing to CI/CD workflows and automated test execution.
• Experience with TestRail or similar test management platforms, including test case management and results tracking.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with UAV systems, including PX4/QGroundControl-based platforms.
• Familiarity with MAVLink, SITL, or hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing environments.
• Experience with RF communications, video/FPV systems, or other distributed/real-time systems.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds.
• Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment.
• Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-differential collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options
• On-site fitness center