Software Quality Engineer

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: (Knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for this position.)

• Design, develop, and maintain automated unit, integration, API, UI, and end-to-end tests for web applications, back-end integrations, and desktop products, applying the same engineering rigor to test code as to production code.
• Develop innovative automation approaches for products that are difficult to test (e.g., legacy desktop applications, third-party integrations, systems with limited test interfaces) using techniques such as UI automation, mocking, service virtualization, and custom test harnesses.
• Integrate automated tests into continuous integration and deployment pipelines so tests run on every change and provide fast, reliable feedback; identify, quarantine, and resolve flaky tests.
• Leverage AI-assisted tools to accelerate test development, expand test coverage, generate test data, and analyze test failures.
• Analyze test results, coverage, and quality metrics; recommend corrective action and improvements to software quality control and testing processes, standards, and tools.
• Partner with development engineers early in the development lifecycle to define testable requirements and acceptance criteria, review code changes for testability, and to reproduce, document, and resolve defects.
• Apply software engineering principles, theories, and concepts to complex analytical processes, information display and visualization, and the testing and validation of complex software systems.
• Plan, develop and implement software-engineering solutions, including automated testing frameworks and tools, to complex problems and major projects.
• Work to support project plans and requirements, establish scope, cost and schedule estimates for design, development, and testing activities.
• Participate in technical reviews for projects at various phases of development and provide recommendations for computer technology solutions to customers and management's needs.
• Maintain and upgrade a variety of systems, as well as develop new software capabilities.
• Create and review new methodologies and architectures that advance the organizations' mission.
• Ensure Compliance with INL's safety, security, environmental, health and quality assurance requirements.
• Document activities, test plans, test results, reports, existing technologies.
• Review and analyze source code and system design documentation, reports from users, and other technical artifacts to create reports and present to other staff and management assessments of code quality, the probable origin and implications of defects and anomalies, and recommendations for improvements and enhancements.
• Engage in professional development to maintain technical proficiency in current and emerging technologies.
• Utilize expertise to define strategic direction in assigned areas.
• Review training plans and help lead the organization forward.
• Mentor junior engineers and development teams in automated testing and quality control practices.
• May write and present technical papers representing INL.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Credentials, and Work Experience:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer information systems, information technology or related field, or 11 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience commensurate with level that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• Experience writing automated tests (unit, integration, API, and/or UI) using frameworks such as NUnit, xUnit, MSTest, JUnit, Selenium, or Playwright.
• Relevant experience using Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) such as Visual Studio or VS Code.
• Applicants must meet the requirements of DOE O 142.3B, *Unclassified Foreign National Access Program*, and must be U.S. citizens.

Preferred

• Experience automating tests for desktop applications using tools such as FlaUI, Appium Windows drivers, TestComplete, or similar.
• Experience testing APIs and back-end integrations using techniques such as containerized test dependencies (e.g., Docker, Testcontainers) or service mocking (e.g., WireMock).
• Experience with performance or load testing tools (e.g., JMeter, k6).
• Microsoft T-SQL Certification, Oracle PL/SQL Certification, Comp TIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Server Certification, ServiceNow Certification, Azure certification, are desirable.
• Experience mentoring others and leading technical tasks.
• Experience using Jira or similar tool.
• Experience with .NET 6 and .NET Core, C#, SQL Server, or similar.
• Experience with RESTful APIs, GraphQL, and NET WebAPI interfaces.
• Experience with Oracle PLSQL.
• Experience with NoSQL Databases such as MongoDB and Neo4J.
• Experience with LINQ to SQL and Entity Framework.
• Experience with continuous integration, and deployment using Azure DevOps, including running automated test suites in pipelines.
• Experience with other development languages (Python, Go/Golang, C/C++, etc.).
• Experience with Agile, Kanban development methodologies.
• Experience with Dapper, JavaScript, jQuery, Bootstrap.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard, and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of Idaho Falls, Idaho facility, with every other Friday off.
• The pay range for this position is: Level ($95,256 - $195,288). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Working Conditions:

The work environment is an office environment. The noise level is generally low; however, may be exposed to loud noises on occasion. Position requires working more than 8 hours/day and working alone.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Security and Privacy Language:
This position includes information security and privacy responsibilities as defined by NIST SP 800 53, OMB Circular A 130, and DOE Order 206.1A. Position must complete initial and annual role-specific training as required. The incumbent must sign and comply with all required access agreements prior to being granted access to organizational systems or data. Comply with all applicable information security and privacy policies and procedures by following established protocols, with an understanding that non-compliance may result in sanctions.

Level Definers

EX3 - Career:

• Knowledge: Complete understanding and wide application of principles, theories, and concepts in field of specialization. General knowledge of other related disciplines. Resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways. This level is fully qualified, career oriented.
• Problem Solving: Works on problems of diverse scope. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Solutions are imaginative, thorough, practical, and consistent with organizational objectives.
• Discretion and Latitude: Works under only general direction. Normally receives little instruction day-to-day. Independently determines and develops approach to solutions. Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.
• Impacts: Contributes to completion of specific programs and projects. Failure to obtain results or erroneous decisions or recommendations would typically result in program delays.
• Liaison: Frequent internal organizational customer contacts. May have some outside contact or represent organization in providing solutions to difficult issues associated with specific projects or work.
• Education/Experience: Bachelor's and 5 years. Master's and 2 years. PhD and 2 years.