Software Test Engineer

Job Title: Software Test Engineer
Job Description
This Software Test Engineer role supports a critical FAA-related initiative focused on an air traffic software application. You will primarily test backend server software in a Linux environment, developing and executing automated test solutions, validating system requirements, and verifying software functionality. You will work hands-on across the software development lifecycle to analyze requirements, design test strategies, and perform both manual and automated testing to ensure a highly reliable, mission-critical system.
Responsibilities

• Analyze system and software requirements to develop effective test approaches, test strategies, and detailed test cases for backend server applications.
• Execute both manual and automated testing activities for backend and server-side software components.
• Design, develop, and maintain automated test scripts using Python and Robot Framework or similar automation tools.
• Validate software functionality, performance, and reliability against documented requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Identify, document, and track software defects using JIRA, and follow them through to resolution.
• Collaborate closely with software developers, systems engineers, and program stakeholders to investigate issues, clarify requirements, and improve overall product quality.
• Perform testing within Linux environments, including configuring test environments and supporting software deployments when required.
• Write and execute comprehensive test plans, including documenting test procedures, results, and coverage.
• Generate clear and concise test reports and provide regular status updates to project leadership and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of automated testing processes, tools, and methodologies to increase efficiency and coverage.
• Support high-visibility FAA projects by ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the government's main ADS-B airplane tracking application.

Essential Skills

• U.S. citizenship.
• Several years of software testing or software quality assurance experience (manual and automated).
• Hands-on experience with automated software testing, ideally using a formal automation tool such as Robot Framework.
• Proficiency in Python programming for developing and maintaining automated test scripts.
• Experience testing backend and server-side software applications.
• Ability to interpret technical and system requirements and translate them into test strategies, test plans, and test cases.
• Proven experience writing and executing test plans and documenting test results.
• Proficiency using JIRA for defect tracking and test management activities.
• Experience working in Linux environments, including executing tests and supporting deployments.
• Eligibility for a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting FAA, aviation, aerospace, or other mission-critical systems.
• Familiarity with ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) technologies.
• Knowledge of satellite communications or satellite downlink systems.
• Experience working within Agile software development environments.
• Interest in owning automated software test efforts end-to-end, from defining test requirements and writing test plans through execution and reporting.
• Motivation to contribute to high-visibility air traffic control and airplane tracking applications.

Work Environment
The role operates in a hybrid work environment based in the Herndon, VA area, with occasional visits to a partner office in Tysons Corner as needed. You will work within a small, approximately 12-person company that is well established in the FAA air traffic control domain, offering close collaboration with technical peers and stakeholders. The work centers on mission-critical FAA air traffic and ADS-B systems, using Linux-based environments, backend/server technologies, automated testing tools such as Robot Framework, Python-based test automation, JIRA for tracking, and Agile-influenced practices. The environment emphasizes ownership of test efforts, high visibility projects, and close communication with engineers and leadership to ensure system reliability and quality.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Herndon, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $75.00/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 Herndon,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 21, 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.