Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Itron, Inc.•Liberty Lake, WA

1d•$60,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Itron is seeking a Software Quality Engineer based in Liberty Lake, Washington, to run its device lab and verify that Distributed Energy Management (DEM) software works correctly with the physical devices it controls. The role involves setting up, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting devices such as smart thermostats and load control switches, as well as prototype distributed energy resources (DERs). It also includes installing and maintaining supporting network equipment and coordinating with IT, networking, security, and engineering teams to establish device access and connectivity. The engineer will make the lab accessible to Itron’s distributed team by supporting remote monitoring, cameras, and remote power cycling. Alongside laboratory operations, the role develops and executes manual test plans, test cases, and procedures; reports and tracks defects through resolution; communicates test results and quality risks; and contributes to feature reviews, sprint activities, and quality planning. The position is hybrid, with a requirement to work on-site at least three days per week and additional on-site presence as needed for lab operations. Travel is 1–10%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
0–2 years of professional experience in software quality assurance, software testing, engineering, or a related technical field; internships, co-op experience, academic projects, and entry-level roles may count.
Experience performing software testing, including test case creation, execution, and defect reporting.
Basic familiarity with Linux operating systems and Git version control.
Exposure to at least one programming or scripting language.
Ability to perform hands-on technical work, including device setup, wiring, hardware configuration, and troubleshooting.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including cross-team collaboration and proactive follow-up on dependencies.
Familiarity with AI-assisted productivity tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Claude.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and quickly learn technologies and processes.
Ability to work on-site at least three days per week, with additional on-site presence as needed for laboratory operations.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and frequently bend, squat, stand, and walk in an office/lab environment.
Willingness to travel 1–10%.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to REST API testing tools and methodologies.
Familiarity with Agile software development practices.
Exposure to Docker, containerization technologies, or virtualized test environments.
Knowledge of cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure or AWS.
Familiarity with IoT, cellular, wireless, or connected-device networking concepts.
Experience working with hardware/software integrated systems.
Exposure to DERs, smart grid technologies, utility operations, or energy management solutions.

Responsibilities

Set up, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory devices, including smart thermostats, load control switches, and other DERs used to validate DEM software functionality.
Install, configure, and maintain supporting network infrastructure, including cellular connectivity solutions and other communication equipment.
Collaborate with IT, networking, security, and engineering teams to establish and maintain device connectivity, access permissions, and lab readiness.
Support integration and testing of new and prototype hardware, including coordinating assembly, setup, and validation activities.
Maintain remote lab access for a globally distributed team using cameras, remote monitoring, and remote power-cycling capabilities.
Communicate device availability, testing readiness, maintenance schedules, and outage status to stakeholders.
Develop and execute manual software test plans, test cases, and test procedures to validate functionality, quality, and reliability.
Identify, document, prioritize, and track software defects through resolution, partnering with engineering teams on root cause analysis.
Report test results, communicate quality risks, and provide actionable feedback for product improvement.
Participate in feature reviews, sprint activities, and quality planning discussions to understand product functionality and testing requirements.
Support innovative solutions for utility customers through accountability, agility, collaboration, and continuous learning.