Senior Software Test & Automation Engineer – Autonomy
Duration: 6–12 months (opportunity available for extension and/or conversion)
Position Summary
The Software Test & Automation Team develops the verification, validation, and automation capabilities required to rapidly and reliably deploy Hivemind autonomy across the Expeditionary and Emerging Operations portfolio.
The team provides objective evidence of software quality, reliability, and mission readiness by developing scalable automated test frameworks, repeatable validation environments, and data-driven readiness assessments. Testing spans simulation, Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), and Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL) environments.
The Senior Software Test & Automation Engineer will build automated test infrastructure, execute system-level verification activities, analyze software performance, and develop tooling that enables continuous validation throughout the software development lifecycle. This position works closely with autonomy software, systems engineering, digital infrastructure, integration, and flight-test teams to ensure autonomy capabilities are thoroughly validated and ready for operational deployment.
Key Responsibilities
- Test Automation Development: Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks, validation tools, and test infrastructure supporting autonomy software.
- Verification & Validation: Develop and execute V&V strategies across simulation, SIL, HIL, VIL, and other representative system environments.
- Automated Testing: Build regression, integration, functional, and performance test suites to improve software quality and deployment confidence.
- Python Development: Develop Python-based automation, test harnesses, and analysis tools that reduce manual testing and improve repeatability.
- System Troubleshooting: Analyze test results, identify software defects and integration issues, and support cross-functional root-cause investigations.
- Quality & Readiness Metrics: Develop software quality metrics, dashboards, and readiness assessments that provide objective evidence of software maturity.
- Continuous Validation: Integrate automated testing into CI/CD workflows to provide rapid developer feedback and continuous validation.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with autonomy software, systems engineering, flight test, and integration teams to establish validation strategies and readiness criteria.
- Test Infrastructure Improvement: Continuously improve automation coverage, test infrastructure, and validation methodologies across the portfolio.
Required Qualifications
- BS in Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 4–7 years of experience developing software test, verification, automation, or validation solutions for robotics, autonomy, aerospace, or other complex distributed systems.
- Strong proficiency in Python for test automation, tooling, and data analysis.
- Experience developing automated test frameworks, test harnesses, and/or validation infrastructure.
- Experience working in Linux-based development environments.
- Experience validating software using simulation, SIL, HIL, and/or representative hardware environments.
- Experience debugging complex software and system-integration issues.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines and continuous validation practices.
- Strong understanding of software verification, regression testing, and quality-assurance methodologies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with flight-control systems such as ArduPilot or PX4.
- Experience working with unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including fixed-wing aircraft and/or quadrotors.
- Background in autonomy, robotics, or aerospace systems.
- Familiarity with flight controllers, radios, and communications systems.
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