Enterprise - Senior Test Engineer - Linux, Python, GitLab

Erias Ventures•Columbia, MD

About The Position

Erias Ventures is seeking a Senior Test Automation Engineer to design, build, and maintain automated test solutions across both back-end services (REST APIs) and web user interfaces. This role requires strong hands-on engineering skills in Linux command-line tooling, Python-based automation, containerized test execution (Docker/Podman), and CI/CD integration using Jenkins and GitLab pipelines. The successful candidate will also help evolve our existing in-house automation framework, including planning and executing migration efforts from legacy Robot Framework implementations to newer platforms.

Requirements

A current Top-Secret/SCI with polygraph security clearance is required.
Candidates cannot be sponsored or nominated for a government security clearance under this position.
Bachelor's degree in Math, Science, Engineering, Statistics, Engineering Management, or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required.
Eight (8) years' experience as a TE in programs and contracts of similar scope, type and complexity is required; or four (4) years of additional TE experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
Polygraph within the last 5 years
Strong experience with Linux and Bash shell scripting, with demonstrated ability to work effectively from the command-line and process/report on large data sets (logs, test artifacts, results)
Advanced experience building test automation in Python, including Pytest-based frameworks and best practices for maintainable automated testing
Strong hands-on experience with Docker (or Podman), including building, versioning, and maintaining images used in automation and CI/CD workflows
Working knowledge of Jenkins and GitLab pipelines, including running containerized workloads and managing automated test stages
Experience with REST API testing, including validation of responses, authentication flows, and negative/error-path testing
Familiarity with Robot Framework UI automation using Selenium library (Python)
Solid understanding of how to architect a test automation harness/framework for UI and/or API testing (test structure, configuration, reporting, environment management)
Familiarity with SQL and tools such as SQL Developer, including writing queries and using them within automated validation steps

Nice To Haves

Experience planning and executing test automation framework migrations (e.g., Robot Framework to Microsoft Playwright or Robot Framework AIO)
Experience improving CI performance, parallelization, and test execution efficiency in containerized environments
Strong debugging skills across services, CI logs, containers, and test reporting outputs

Responsibilities

Assist with any or all of the Level I tasks as constrained by technical training and previous testing experience
Conduct research into and apply knowledge of Government test and evaluation concepts and all related engineering acquisition and operations activities as needed to support the T&E activities
Plan and Execute Performance Analysis
Review planned acquisition approaches to support T&E schedule alignment with decision maker needs for T&E support
Analyze performance risk areas to focus T&E planning
Specify, validate, and adapt Modeling and Simulation for T&E use
Apply Statistical Analysis of variations in performance behavior to characterize confidence in performance estimates
Select, develop, & use analysis tools
Execute the evaluation plan of data collected by the Testing Task
Plan and Execute Performance Data Collection
Plan program and event level testing for collection of data required for analysis and to sync T&E events with supported decision points
Establish and employ Data & Configuration Management capabilities
Support Data Authentication group functions; and comply with program Discrepancy Reporting criteria and processes
Assess operational and system performance requirements for testability and criticality to frame and prioritize T&E objectives and enable evaluation planning
Coordinate with program Systems Engineering (SE) and review T&E-related SE information to leverage functional analysis, system descriptions, parameter selection and dependencies, Modeling and Simulation, and initial performance risk assessments to inform evaluation planning
Assess operational environments and priorities for evaluation attention and scenario selection, and to coordinate user participation in T&E
Plan program and event level risk-tailored performance estimation and analysis of system and operational 'Effectiveness and Suitability' metrics & conditions; levels of T&E include inspection, demonstration, paper analysis, survey simulation, and physical test
Design surveys for evaluation of Subject Matter Expert (SE input and user as estimates of performance)
Participate in the T&E Working-level Integrated Product Team (WIPT) and/or Integrated Test Team for coordination of evaluation plans
Produce Evaluation Plans (metric framework, scenarios/threads, timelines, requirements/T&E cross-walk), Analysis Plans, Data Requirements Risk Assessments, Evaluation Reports, Status reports; provide input to Government T&E products (e.g., Technology Readiness Assessments, Test & Evaluation Strategy, Test & Evaluation Master Plan, T&E Plans & Procedures and Test Readiness Reports)
Design data sampling schemes to optimize the information/resource balance and to control testing uncertainties
Select, coordinate. and calibrate instrumentation, collection and data management tools, targets, and facilities
Ensure test readiness including training of test event participants re conduct of the event; equipment readiness, and security, legal, and privacy compliance arrangements
Participate in T&E WIPT and/or Integrated Test Team for coordination of data collection plan
Execute Testing and Data Collection per plan
Produce associated Test Plans, Procedures, and Reports/Briefings, Data Management Plan
Define and provide technical direction and guidance for the Level 1 tasks to the Level 0 and Level 1 TEs assigned to the task
Recommend draft plans and reports from the Level 1 tasks for approval by the task leader
Work directly with the Government sponsor to coordinate task implementation
Maintain knowledge of current and evolving agency, national, and international standards applicable to the system development of interest
Provide overall leadership of the T&E task and serve as primary liaison to the government for supporting contract coordination and task execution
Communicate issues and solutions to the broader government and contract management structure as requested by Leadership
Ensure the appropriate level of independence of the team from the solution provider to support government management of objectivity risk
Manage T&E resources and tasks; ensure quality assurance of test processes and product
Coordinate and integrate Evaluation and Testing tasks and products
Participate in T&E WIPT and/or integrated Test Team as needed to ensure proper coordination of T&E activities
Drive innovation and responsiveness to program changes and evolving T&E status to help manage program risk; develop alternative courses of action, work-arounds, and fall-back positions with a recommended course of action for each risk and monitor and re-evaluate risks at appropriate milestones

Benefits

Above Market Hourly Pay
11% Roth or Traditional 401k with Immediate Vesting and Deposit
Spot Bonuses for Assisting with Business Development and Company Growth
Professional Development Bonuses for Certificates and Degrees
Company subsidized Medical Coverage
100% Company Paid Vision and Dental Coverage
100% Company Paid Long Term Disability , Short Term Disability , and Group Life Insurance
Monthly Wellness Reimbursement
Paid Time Off with Flexible Work Schedules and Birthday Off
Amazon Prime Membership and Monthly Internet Reimbursement
Technology and Productivity Allowance for Equipment and Supplies
Morale Building and Company Events to Celebrate our Successes and Build our Community
Onboarding and Annual Swag
Company Paid Professional Development and Training