Software Test Engineer

Job Title: Software Test EngineerJob Description

The Software Test Engineer will play a key role in verifying and validating safety-critical flight software through requirements-based testing, automated test development, and the creation of robust test environments for current and future applications. This role focuses on improving and automating existing testing processes, developing code coverage strategies, and designing test cases for both system-level and unit-level testing to ensure reliable and high-quality software in a demanding aerospace environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute requirements-based software tests to verify safety-critical flight software functionality and performance.

• Develop, enhance, and maintain automated test frameworks and scripts to improve test efficiency and coverage.

• Create new test environments to support future software applications and evolving project needs.

• Support verification activities for safety-critical flight software, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and best practices.

• Develop and implement code coverage strategies and tools to measure and improve test completeness.

• Author and maintain detailed test cases for system-level and unit-level testing, including regression test suites.

• Contribute to the development of a robust regression testing framework to ensure ongoing software quality.

• Use tools such as Python, Jira, and unit testing platforms (e.g., Vectorcast or similar) to manage test execution, defects, and reporting.

• Collaborate closely with the software test team and development engineers to identify defects, analyze root causes, and validate fixes.

• Document test results clearly and provide actionable feedback to stakeholders to support release decisions and safety assessments.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or an equivalent technical discipline.

• Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on experience in software testing or software verification.

• Proficiency in Python for developing automated tests, scripts, and test frameworks.

• Strong experience with requirements-based software testing in safety-critical or high-reliability environments.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain regression testing frameworks.

• Experience with Vectorcast or similar unit testing tools for system and unit-level verification.

• Background in automated test development and software verification for avionics or comparable domains.

• Ability to design, write, and execute test scripts and test cases for complex software systems.

• Familiarity with using Jira or similar tools for defect tracking and test management.

• Solid understanding of software testing principles, code coverage, and quality assurance best practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with safety-critical software, particularly in aerospace or avionics applications.

• Knowledge of industry standards and practices related to safety-critical software development and verification.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex requirements and translate them into effective test cases.

• Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams and presenting test findings.

• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to testing in high-consequence environments.

• Motivation to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace projects, including space plane development approaching launch readiness.

Work Environment

You will work as part of a dedicated software test team that is highly focused on safety-critical development within an aerospace setting. The environment emphasizes rigorous verification practices, disciplined testing processes, and close collaboration with software engineers and other technical stakeholders. Modern tools and technologies, including Python-based test automation, Jira for tracking and collaboration, and unit testing platforms such as Vectorcast, support your daily work. The team culture values precision, accountability, and continuous improvement, offering the opportunity to directly support the development of an advanced space plane program as it moves toward launch milestones.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tustin, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $85.00/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 hybrid position in Tustin,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 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.