Software Test Engineer

About the role

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute test cases based on software requirements, functional specifications, and user needs for laboratory systems
• Perform manual and/or automated testing to validate software functionality, data integrity, and workflow performance in a CLIA-regulated environment
• Partner closely with laboratory operations teams to understand end-to-end workflows and translate them into effective test scenarios
• Identify, document, and track software defects; collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues
• Support validation and verification activities for new software releases, system upgrades, and process changes in accordance with CLIA, CAP, NYSDOH, and internal quality standards
• Ensure traceability between requirements, test cases, and validation documentation
• Participate in risk assessments and impact analyses related to software changes affecting laboratory operations
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of software testing strategies, SOPs, and documentation practices
• Support audits and inspections by maintaining clear, thorough, and compliant testing documentation
• Act as a quality advocate, ensuring software supports accurate, reliable, and timely patient testing results
• Partner with Operational Excellence to align test strategies with process design, workflow optimization, and scalability initiatives
• Provide input into system requirements and user stories based on laboratory workflow expertise and testing insights
• Support critical feedback loops to ensure continuous improvements to software systems
• Support change management efforts by assessing downstream operational impact of software releases and enhancements

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics) or related field, or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of experience in software testing, quality assurance, or validation, preferably in a regulated environment
• Familiarity with NGS workflows and/or clinical laboratory operations (CLIA, CAP, or equivalent)
• Experience writing and executing test cases based on requirements and specifications
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify edge cases and failure modes
• Excellent documentation skills with a focus on clarity, completeness, and compliance
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex operational workflows into structured test scenarios and validation strategies

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience testing LIMS, LIS, or other laboratory software systems
• Knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and validation frameworks (e.g., CSV, GxP)
• Experience working in high-complexity molecular diagnostics or MRD testing environments
• Familiarity with data validation, NGS file formats (e.g., FASTQ, BAM, VCF), and/or bioinformatics pipelines
• Exposure to test automation tools or scripting (e.g., Python, SQL)
• Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, bioinformatics, and quality teams
• Exposure to regulated change control processes and software impact assessments in regulated environments

Key Competencies

• Quality Mindset: Operates with a strong understanding of regulated environments and the importance of compliance, accuracy, and reproducibility
• Attention to Detail: Able to rigorously evaluate software behavior and identify subtle defects or inconsistencies
• Problem Solving: Approaches issues methodically, with a focus on root cause analysis and practical solutions
• Systems Thinking: Understands how software, workflows, and laboratory operations interconnect and impact one another across the full testing lifecycle
• Operational Acumen: Demonstrates awareness of real-world laboratory constraints, throughput considerations, and process dependencies
• Collaboration: Works effectively across technical and non-technical teams to drive outcomes
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting priorities

OUR OPPORTUNITY

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

What You Will Bring

• Minimum Requirements:
• - Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics) or related field, or equivalent experience
• - 2+ years of experience in software testing, quality assurance, or validation, preferably in a regulated environment
• - Familiarity with NGS workflows and/or clinical laboratory operations (CLIA, CAP, or equivalent)
• - Experience writing and executing test cases based on requirements and specifications
• - Strong attention to detail and ability to identify edge cases and failure modes
• - Excellent documentation skills with a focus on clarity, completeness, and compliance
• - Demonstrated ability to translate complex operational workflows into structured test scenarios and validation strategies

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave
• 401k benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Free testing and fertility care benefits
• Employee referral program

Equal Opportunity Employer

Natera is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcomes people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.

Contact Information

If you are based in California, please read this important information for California residents. For more information, visit www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/.

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