Software Test Engineer

Job Title: Software Test Engineer
Job Description
The Software Test Engineer supports system-level software integration and testing within a laboratory environment. This role focuses on executing requirement-driven manual and automated integration tests, loading and configuring software in controlled lab settings, and troubleshooting distributed software components operating in publish/subscribe architectures. The engineer works hands-on with live systems, performs gray-box analysis of production C++ code, and develops integration support tools in a configuration-controlled environment to ensure reliable, high-quality software delivery for complex defense-related systems.
Responsibilities

• Execute system-level software integration and test activities in a laboratory environment, focusing on requirement-driven test procedures.
• Set up, configure, and maintain Linux-based test environments to support integration and system testing.
• Perform manual integration and system testing, particularly during the initial phase where testing is predominantly manual.
• Support the transition from primarily manual testing to automated testing by contributing to the design and implementation of automated test solutions.
• Load, configure, and validate software builds in a configuration-controlled environment, ensuring consistency and traceability of test baselines.
• Interpret and analyze documented system and software requirements to derive, develop, and execute appropriate test procedures.
• Troubleshoot distributed software systems operating in Linux/Unix environments, including systems using publish/subscribe architectures.
• Conduct gray-box analysis of production software code written in C/C++ or similar languages to support integration troubleshooting and validation.
• Develop and maintain integration support tools and scripts, primarily using Python or comparable scripting languages, to improve test efficiency and coverage.
• Document test results, defects, and integration issues clearly and accurately using configuration and issue tracking tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in an agile environment to identify, reproduce, and resolve software integration issues.
• Support laboratory operations, including setup and maintenance of test equipment and test beds, to ensure readiness for integration and test activities.
• Participate in reviews of requirements, test plans, and test procedures to ensure comprehensive coverage and alignment with system objectives.
• Support testing activities outside standard business hours when required to meet program milestones and lab availability constraints.
• Adhere to established configuration management, quality, and security processes in a structured development and test environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 2-4 years of experience in software integration, system test, or software engineering in a structured, configuration-controlled environment.
• Ability to read and modify C++ code to support integration troubleshooting and gray-box validation.
• Experience setting up and executing test procedures in a Linux or Unix environment.
• Experience executing system-level test procedures derived from documented requirements.
• Experience troubleshooting distributed software systems in Linux/Unix environments.
• Proficiency in Python or a comparable scripting language for test automation and tooling.
• Ability to interpret and analyze system and software requirements for test design and execution.
• Experience with software integration and test, including systems testing and integration testing.
• Familiarity with agile development and test practices.
• Eligibility to work on U.S. defense-related programs that require an active or recent DoD security clearance.
• Ability to work on-site in laboratory environments and support testing outside standard business hours.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working as a software test engineer, integration and test engineer, or systems test engineer on complex, distributed systems.
• Familiarity with requirements management tools such as DOORS or similar platforms.
• Experience with configuration management and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices and tools.
• Experience using issue tracking and collaboration tools such as Jira or Jazz.
• Exposure to large-scale defense or mission-critical systems, including radar, missile defense, or ship defense systems.
• Ability to perform gray-box testing by analyzing production code to design effective test cases.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for diagnosing integration and system-level issues.
• Comfort working in an agile, team-oriented environment with iterative development and testing cycles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting test results and collaborating with engineering teams.

Work Environment
Work takes place on-site in a laboratory environment at a large engineering facility, with occasional travel to a nearby partner plant. The role involves hands-on interaction with live systems, test equipment, and Linux/Unix-based test beds in a structured, configuration-controlled setting. Testing is initially heavily focused on manual system and integration testing (approximately 90% manual for the first 1-2 years), with a planned transition toward increased automation over time. The environment supports long-term, continuous project work on major defense programs, with established processes, tools, and infrastructure in place. Work may require supporting tests outside standard business hours to align with lab availability and program schedules, and collaboration occurs within agile teams using modern requirements, configuration management, and issue tracking tools.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of MOORESTOWN, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $50.00/hr.
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 onsite position in MOORESTOWN,NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 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.


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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.



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