Senior Software QA Engineer

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions. Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Senior Software Quality Assurance Engineer to drive validation and quality for the next wave of UAV systems and supporting tool development for our upcoming product lines. The ideal candidate will thrive in an innovative and fast-paced environment, bring strong critical thinking skills, and serve as a senior technical contributor ensuring software quality, system reliability, and customer readiness as PDW transitions products from concept into production. This position reports to the Software Quality Assurance Engineering Manager. What You’ll Do Drive and contribute to the design, implementation, and refinement of QA processes to support high-quality software and system delivery. Develop and execute test strategies across bench, simulation (SITL), and flight test environments, including manual and automated testing, to validate product functionality, performance, and system behavior. Define and execute quality checkpoints across development, integration, and release phases to ensure reliable validation of software and integrated system behavior. Analyze defects, test escapes, and process inefficiencies; perform root cause analysis; and support corrective and preventive actions. Collaborate with firmware, ground control, embedded, production, and flight test teams to align on quality goals and resolve issues efficiently. Create and maintain QA documentation, including test plans, test cases, validation procedures, bug reports, and best practices. Mentor junior QA engineers and share best practices for testing tools, workflows, and methodologies. Provide technical input on quality initiatives, release readiness, and validation planning for new features and product updates. Acquire and maintain deep system and product expertise, leveraging that knowledge to develop efficient test strategies and provide authoritative input on software release readiness. Identify opportunities to improve QA practices, test coverage, and product reliability by applying current industry practices, test methodologies, and relevant standards. Requirements Strong command of QA principles and methodologies for software and integrated systems, with the ability to apply consistent and scalable quality standards. 5+ years of hands-on experience in software QA, systems QA, or embedded/robotic system validation roles, with strong individual technical contribution in complex environments. Experience developing and maintaining Python-based test scripts, automation tools, and QA utilities. Proficient in modern test automation tools such as PyTest, Playwright, or similar, and comfortable building automation for validation, regression, and CI/CD integration. Experience using and improving quality tools, test infrastructure, and automated testing frameworks in system-level or embedded environments. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis, defect investigation, and validation of complex system behavior. Experience reviewing logs, telemetry, and system parameters (e.g., ULog) to diagnose failures and verify expected behavior. Experience working in Linux-based environments and contributing to CI/CD workflows and automated test execution. Experience with TestRail or similar test management platforms, including test case management and results tracking. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. Preferred Hands-on experience with UAV systems, including PX4/QGroundControl-based platforms. Familiarity with MAVLink, SITL, or hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing environments. Experience with RF communications, video/FPV systems, or other distributed/real-time systems. Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties. Work Environment This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-differential collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand. Benefits PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include: Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company. Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match. Paid Parental Leave. A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation. On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location. Employer provided life insurance. Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP). Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options. EEO Statement PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Instant Teams