Software Test Engineer

Job Title: Software Test Engineer (Level 1 and Level 4)

Job Description

This role supports the verification of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) software in a disciplined aerospace environment. At Level 1, you will help plan, execute, and document software tests under the guidance of senior engineers, focusing on repeatable test execution and accurate evidence of requirements verification. At Level 4, you will lead the planning, development, execution, and continuous improvement of software verification activities, defining strategies, building automated and hardware-in-the-loop capabilities, and ensuring comprehensive, defensible test evidence for complex UAS programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute software test procedures based on 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, 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.

• 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 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 bidirectional traceability among requirements, test cases, results, anomalies, and configuration baselines.

• Lead test readiness and results reviews while clearly communicating technical risk and verification status.

• Mentor junior test engineers and foster a culture of disciplined, high-quality testing practices.

• Continuously improve test processes, metrics, tools, and laboratory practices while supporting program safety and compliance objectives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (required for both Level 1 and Level 4).

• 0-2 years of software test, software development, systems integration, or related engineering experience for Level 1.

• 7+ years of software test, verification, integration, or related engineering experience for Level 4.

• Foundational knowledge of software test methods, defect tracking, and requirements-based verification for Level 1.

• Demonstrated experience leading requirements-based verification for embedded or mission-critical software for Level 4.

• 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 Level 4.

• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, real-time systems, interfaces, laboratory equipment, and data analysis for Level 4.

• Basic familiarity with version control and issue-tracking tools for Level 1.

• Working knowledge of configuration management, requirements traceability, defect management, and CI/CD practices for Level 4.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, teamwork, and written communication skills.

• Strong technical leadership, problem-solving, review, and communication skills for Level 4.

• Ability to read technical requirements, follow controlled procedures, and produce clear, accurate test records.

• Must have or be able to obtain a U.S. SECRET security clearance.

• Experience in software test, software development, systems integration, or related engineering fields.

• Knowledge of aerospace and defense software testing practices, including safety and flight-related test activities.

• Familiarity with network protocols, simulation, Linux, and CI/CD tools.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Internship, academic, or professional experience testing embedded, real-time, aerospace, defense, or UAS software for Level 1.

• Exposure to automated testing, continuous integration, hardware-in-the-loop systems, or laboratory instrumentation for Level 1.

• Familiarity with DO-178C, MIL-STD-882, requirements traceability, or software configuration management for Level 1.

• Experience working in Linux environments and analyzing logs, network traffic, or serial communications for Level 1.

• Experience in UAS, aerospace, defense, flight controls, avionics, or other safety-critical software domains for Level 4.

• Familiarity with verification objectives, structural coverage, tool qualification, and MIL-STD-882 safety processes or similar commercial standards for Level 4.

• Experience qualifying test environments, developing test infrastructure, or supporting formal customer acceptance events for Level 4.

• Knowledge of cybersecurity testing, network protocols, simulation, model-based testing, or real-time operating systems for Level 4.

• Interest in supporting UAS programs and contributing to advanced unmanned aircraft systems.

• Experience with test, safety, flight, and network protocol analysis in aerospace or defense contexts.

• Experience in safety-related standards such as DO-178C and MIL-STD-882.

• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and modern software delivery practices.

• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams and communicate clearly with stakeholders at different technical levels.

Work Environment

This role is performed on site at a dedicated aerospace and UAS facility, providing access to laboratories, simulators, and hardware-in-the-loop test environments. You will work hands-on with real-time systems, test benches, and specialized test equipment while collaborating closely with software, systems, and integration engineers. The environment emphasizes disciplined configuration management, safety, cybersecurity, and quality processes aligned with aerospace and defense standards. Work typically follows a standard full-time schedule, with periods of focused testing around key milestones. The setting is professional and engineering-focused, with appropriate lab and office attire expected when working around test equipment and in shared technical spaces.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Madison, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

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.

Full benefits with Griffon

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.