Software Test Engineer

This role supports the verification of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) software across multiple experience levels. At Level 1, the Software Test Engineer assists with planning, executing, and documenting software tests under the guidance of Sr engineers, helping to ensure that software requirements are correctly implemented and objectively verified. At Level 4, the Sr Software Test Engineer leads the planning, development, execution, and continuous improvement of software verification activities, translating system and software requirements into robust verification strategies and advanced test capabilities. Across both levels, this position operates in a disciplined aerospace software environment, focusing on rigorous requirements-based verification for mission-critical UAS applications.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning, execution, and documentation of software verification activities for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
• Develop and execute repeatable software test procedures derived from approved requirements, designs, and interface documentation.
• Perform functional, integration, regression, and system-level testing in laboratory and hardware-in-the-loop environments.
• Document test configurations, test procedures, results, anomalies, and objective evidence in accordance with established processes.
• Reproduce software defects, collect relevant logs and data, and collaborate with developers to support root-cause analysis and resolution.
• Maintain test scripts, test data, simulators, and laboratory equipment under configuration control.
• Support requirements reviews and traceability activities to help ensure complete verification coverage.
• Participate in test readiness reviews and communicate test status, risks, and blockers to the project team.
• Follow safety, cybersecurity, configuration-management, and quality procedures applicable to aerospace software testing.
• Define software verification strategies, plans, procedures, environments, and acceptance criteria for complex UAS programs.
• Lead functional, integration, regression, performance, robustness, and system-level testing across software and hardware boundaries.
• Design, implement, and maintain automated test frameworks, simulators, test harnesses, and hardware-in-the-loop capabilities.
• Review system and software requirements and architectures for testability, ambiguity, completeness, and verification coverage.
• Analyze complex failures, lead defect triage and root-cause investigations, and verify corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain bidirectional traceability among requirements, test cases, results, anomalies, and configuration baselines.
• Lead test readiness and test results reviews while clearly communicating technical risks and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Mentor junior test engineers, providing guidance on test methods, tools, and best practices.
• Continuously improve test processes, metrics, tools, and laboratory practices while supporting program safety and compliance objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• For Level 1: 0–2 years of experience in software test, software development, systems integration, or related engineering disciplines.
• For Level 4: 7+ years of experience in software test, verification, integration, or related engineering disciplines.
• Foundational knowledge (Level 1) or demonstrated expertise (Level 4) in software test methods, defect tracking, and requirements-based verification.
• Experience with at least one programming or scripting language such as Python, C, C++, or Java.
• Strong proficiency in test automation and scripting using languages such as Python, C, or C++ for Sr-level roles.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, real-time systems, software–hardware interfaces, laboratory equipment, and data analysis (particularly for Level 4).
• Ability to read and interpret technical requirements, follow controlled procedures, and produce clear, accurate test records.
• Basic familiarity (Level 1) or working knowledge (Level 4) of version control, configuration management, requirements traceability, defect management, and CI/CD practices.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to investigate and resolve complex software and system issues.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills for documenting results and presenting findings.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. SECRET security clearance.

Skills

• Internship, academic, or professional experience testing embedded, real-time, aerospace, defense, or UAS software (Level 1).
• Exposure to automated testing, continuous integration, hardware-in-the-loop systems, or laboratory instrumentation (Level 1).
• Familiarity with DO-178C, MIL-STD-882, requirements traceability, or software configuration management tools and practices.
• Experience working in Linux environments and analyzing logs, network traffic, or serial communications.
• Experience in UAS, aerospace, defense, flight controls, avionics, or other safety-critical software domains (Level 4).
• Familiarity with verification objectives, structural coverage, tool qualification, and safety processes aligned with MIL-STD-882 or similar standards (Level 4).
• Experience qualifying test environments, developing test infrastructure, or supporting formal customer acceptance events (Level 4).
• Knowledge of cybersecurity testing, network protocols, simulation, model-based testing, or real-time operating systems.
• Interest in supporting UAS-focused work and contributing to advanced aerospace and defense applications.

Work Environment

This position is based on site and operates within a structured aerospace and defense environment focused on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Work is primarily performed in laboratory settings that include hardware-in-the-loop test benches, simulators, real-time systems, and specialized test equipment. Engineers use modern software development and verification tools, including version control systems, issue-tracking platforms, CI/CD pipelines, and Linux-based environments for testing and analysis. The role involves hands-on interaction with embedded systems, networked components, and flight-related software in a controlled, safety-conscious setting. Collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams is frequent, and work follows established configuration-management, safety, cybersecurity, and quality procedures to support mission-critical aerospace programs.

Schedule

This is a permanent, fully onsite position in Madison, AL.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $110,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for individual employees (with partial family coverage).
• 5% 401(k) match.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.