Senior Software Quality Engineer - QGC & Tool Automation

PDW•Burlington, MA

About The Position

PDW is seeking a Senior Software Quality Engineer to establish and expand test automation for QGroundControl (QGC), controller software, and supporting ground-side tools across Linux and Android environments. The role will develop maintainable frameworks, automate repeatable validation, and reduce reliance on manual testing as automated coverage becomes reliable and sufficient. The engineer will own the automation architecture and technical roadmap for this workstream, partnering with SQA leadership and responsible engineering teams to set priorities. The position works across application interfaces, command-line tools, APIs, vehicle communications, and connected hardware as applicable. It includes integrating automated tests into CI/CD workflows, investigating failures, maintaining test documentation and traceability, communicating quality risks and release readiness, and providing technical guidance and mentorship. The role typically operates in standard office and manufacturing environments, with possible travel to other PDW offices, customer sites, and field locations.

Requirements

8 or more years of hands-on experience in software quality engineering, test automation, software development, or embedded/robotic system validation, including independent ownership of complex automation initiatives.
Strong Python software development skills, including modular design, automated testing, dependency management, code review, and maintenance of shared tools or frameworks.
Experience testing Qt/QML applications and developing automated validation of user interfaces and application behavior using Squish or comparable tools.
Experience validating applications and system workflows in Linux and Android environments, including software installation, configuration, execution, and diagnostic log collection.
Experience automating application, command-line, API, or device-connected workflows using appropriate frameworks, such as pytest, Qt testing tools, or similar technologies.
Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD workflows, including unattended execution, environment configuration, diagnostic artifact collection, and actionable results reporting.
Experience diagnosing failures through application logs, telemetry, system parameters, or communication traces.
Strong analytical and communication skills, including the ability to explain quality risks, recommend priorities, document technical decisions, and drive issues through resolution across teams.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with UAV systems, PX4, QGroundControl, or other ground control applications.
Familiarity with C++ and the ability to review application code when investigating defects or improving testability.
Experience validating software and firmware packages, installation and update processes, and compatibility among components on embedded or Android-based controllers.

Responsibilities

Establish and execute the automation roadmap for QGC, controller software, and supporting ground-side tools, prioritizing work with SQA leadership based on product risk, release needs, manual effort, and opportunities for reuse.
Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and regression suites for Qt/QML applications and associated workflows across Linux and Android environments.
Automate validation of platform utilities, radio configuration, and controller setup workflows, including error handling, recovery, and verification of resulting system state.
Validate complete ground-side workflows across application interfaces, command-line tools, APIs, vehicle communications, and connected hardware as applicable.
Integrate automated tests into CI/CD workflows, including environment setup, configuration control, results reporting, and collection of logs and other diagnostic artifacts.
Partner with developers to define acceptance criteria, identify quality risks, and improve application testability and diagnostic capabilities.
Investigate failures using application logs, telemetry, system parameters, and communication traces; reproduce defects and support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
Maintain test plans, test cases, validation procedures, and traceability between requirements, tests, and results.
Communicate coverage gaps, defects, residual risks, and release-readiness recommendations.
Provide technical guidance, review automation code, and mentor engineers in test design, software development practices, and effective use of shared frameworks.

Benefits

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 Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO locations.
Employer-provided life insurance.
Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume