Software Test Engineer

Job Title: Software Test Engineer / SDET – Autonomous Driving SystemsJob Description

This role focuses on ensuring the quality and reliability of software running on an Autonomous Driving System (ADS) through robust, code-driven test automation. You will work as a software engineer in test, designing, developing, and executing automated and manual test cases across embedded and Linux-based components. The position emphasizes building and extending test automation frameworks, validating safety-critical behavior on Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) benches and vehicle platforms, and collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams in an Agile environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, review, and maintain comprehensive test cases based on business and functional requirements, targeting both new functionality and existing coverage gaps.

• Execute functional, regression, system, and integration tests on HIL benches and vehicle platforms to validate Autonomous Driving System behavior.

• Perform both manual and automated testing while systematically converting high-value manual test cases into automated tests.

• Build, maintain, and enhance automated test scripts using the existing automation framework, ensuring scalability and maintainability.

• Analyze requirements, clarify ambiguities, and translate them into detailed, traceable test scenarios and test cases.

• Identify, document, and track software defects, working with development teams to ensure issues are resolved and verified through closure.

• Document test results, coverage metrics, and test status in the designated test management tool, contributing to release readiness and quality reporting.

• Collaborate closely with software, systems, and hardware engineers throughout the Agile development lifecycle to ensure testability and quality at every stage.

• Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, status reviews, and project meetings to provide testing input, estimates, and progress updates.

• Work with GitHub or similar tools to manage test code, track unit tests, and support CI/CD pipelines for continuous quality assurance.

• Operate and monitor remotely accessible HIL benches and support occasional in-person vehicle-based testing as needed.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of testing processes, automation coverage, and tooling across embedded and Linux-based platforms.

Essential Skills

• Engineering degree or equivalent technical education.

• 3 to 5 years of experience as a Software Test Engineer or SDET with hands-on test automation development.

• Proven experience designing, implementing, and executing automated tests for complex software systems.

• Experience testing embedded software and/or automotive-grade systems.

• Exposure to MCU/RTOS environments such as AUTOSAR, MICROSAR, or similar real-time operating systems.

• Experience testing Linux-based platforms and services.

• Working knowledge of test management tools such as Jama, ALM, qTest, Zephyr, or similar.

• Experience using GitHub or comparable version control and CI/CD tools for managing test code and pipelines.

• Experience working with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test environments.

• Experience operating within an Agile/Scrum development environment.

• Ability to perform requirement analysis and derive clear, testable conditions and acceptance criteria.

• Ability to develop test cases, execute them, and report results clearly and accurately.

• Must be based in the United States and able to travel domestically as needed.

• Ability to travel up to approximately 20% for HIL or vehicle-based testing.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in automotive, ADAS, autonomous vehicles, ECU validation, or embedded systems testing.

• Experience with test automation using Python, C++, or similar scripting or programming languages.

• Experience validating safety-critical systems and embedded controllers.

• Familiarity with integration and system-level testing in complex hardware and software environments.

• Experience with Infineon TC397 MCUs and Vector MICROSAR RTOS or comparable platforms.

• Familiarity with components such as ECU Health Monitor, Fault Framework, High Integrity Gateway, Mode Handler, Motion Control, Body Control, System Error Handler, Vehicle Gateway, and Vehicle Monitor.

• Experience contributing to test reporting and metrics that support release readiness decisions.

• Comfort working in distributed teams and across multiple time zones; East Coast time zone alignment is preferred.

Work Environment

You will work in a highly technical environment focused on autonomous driving systems that combine embedded controllers and Linux-based platforms. The core systems include an Infineon TC397 MCU running Vector MICROSAR RTOS, with components such as ECU Health Monitor, Fault Framework, High Integrity Gateway, Mode Handler, Motion Control, and Body Control, alongside Linux-based components including System Error Handler, Vehicle Gateway, and Vehicle Monitor. Test environments are primarily remotely accessible Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) benches, complemented by occasional in-person vehicle-based testing at locations such as Ann Arbor, MI; Blacksburg, VA; or the Dallas–Fort Worth, TX area. Test management activities take place in a dedicated test management tool (for example, Jama or similar), while unit tests and CI/CD workflows are tracked and managed in GitHub or comparable platforms. The team follows Agile/Scrum practices with regular sprints, planning sessions, and status reviews, fostering close collaboration between software, systems, and test engineers. Travel of up to approximately 20% may be required for on-site HIL or truck-based testing. The environment emphasizes safety, reliability, and rigorous validation of safety-critical systems, with a professional, engineering-focused culture and a strong emphasis on automation, continuous improvement, and high-quality software delivery.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Blacksburg, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr.

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.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.