Software QA Automation Engineer, II

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Software QA Automation Engineer II designs automated solutions to systematically verify mission systems software and helpsmaintainrobust test infrastructure. In this role, one regularly collaborates with the development team and the system test team whileoperatingwith a good degree of autonomy.

Position Responsibilities:

• Participates in the design, expansion and maintenance of the automated test suite and frameworks (e.g., Xray)

• Contributes to isolatedcomponent, sub-system, and automated system tests; reviews system requirements and supports system test plans, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) regressions, and engineering flight tests

• Defines and plan scope, resource needs,benchmarksand goals of manual & automation work

• Applies QA practices, procedures,standardsand reporting

• Supports the bug reporting and review process; helpsidentifyand track software risks

• Identifiesproject risks, quantify risk/benefit relationships and provide alternative solutions as well as risk mitigation

• Designs test plans,scenariosand cases to exercise new functionality & identify breaking issues

• Analyzes, designs, programs, debugs, andmodifiestest software and automation for embedded, networked, and mission systems software

• Partners with resources as needed tovalidatesoftware with projecttime line

• Mentorsentry level team members on QA/QC concepts,methodologiesand best practices

• Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors

• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):

• Bachelor's degree in related discipline isrequiredor equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

• Minimum 2 - 5 years of relevant experience

• Familiarity with one or more of C/C++, Python, C# .NET, or Java; object-oriented design experience is a plus

• Experienced in Software QA automation

• Experience building or contributing to automation frameworks (e.g., Xray or similar), with scripting in Python or similar

• Comfortable working in Linux and with source control / CI pipelines (e.g., GitLab)

• Experienced performing code reviews and mentoring team members on automation concepts and best practices

• Occasionally may berequiredto travel within the Continental U.S. (20%)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:

• Developing professionalexpertise, applies company policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues

• Champions quality by forging influential relationships across QA, development, product, DevOps, and system test teams

• Exposure to embedded, robotics, UAS, or other safety- or mission-critical software is a plus

• Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments and lab hardware is a plus

• Embraces AI-assisted development and test tools to accelerate automation and related engineering work

• Demonstrates strong debugging / problem resolution skills, and competency in multitasking and handling multiple time critical issues / projects simultaneously

• Demonstrates passion to continuously improve and execute tests for a faster and higher quality result

• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determineappropriate action

• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties

• Displays strong initiative and drive toaccomplishgoals and meet company objectives

• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products

• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

• Has effective interpersonal and communication skills

• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in an office and R&D environment (Constant)

• Required to sit and stand forlong periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers tooperatea computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Special Requirements:

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder)or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)required.

• Occasionally may berequiredto travel within the Continental U.S.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$82,000 - $125,000

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.