SQA Engineer II

Cohu•San Diego, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for planning, designing, documenting, executing, and reporting system-level testing for each release cycle, adhering to software requirements, design documentation, and Cohu’s software development process. The engineer will review customer and system requirements, software designs, and test plans, providing feedback to identify defects and testability risks early. They will select appropriate testing approaches (manual, automated, simulated, or equipment-based) and create/maintain C#-based test scripts for internal automation tools. Responsibilities include executing automated tests, performing various types of testing on actual equipment and simulators, identifying and documenting defects in Jira, and collaborating with software development engineers on defect triage and resolution. The role also involves extracting and analyzing release data using SQL or scripting tools, generating quality metrics, estimating testing effort, and investigating incidents with engineering disciplines. A key aspect is the responsible use of AI tools to enhance testing efficiency and accuracy, and evaluating/improving development and testing practices. The position also includes training and guiding other SQA Engineers and Technicians.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in software, electrical, mechanical, computer, or a related engineering discipline.
2-4 years of experience with software quality assurance and testing experience in a commercial, Windows-based product-development environment.
2+ years of experience testing electro-mechanical equipment and associated software applications.
Working knowledge of C# or C/C++, Visual Studio, Git or comparable version control, object-oriented design, SQL/database concepts, and communication protocols (e.g., serial, TCP/IP) in a Windows environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Working familiarity with project-planning and diagramming tools such as Microsoft Project and Visio.
Demonstrates creativity, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and disciplined problem-solving.
Communicates clearly in writing and verbally, including preparation of formal technical reports and concise quality summaries.
Works effectively both independently and within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced engineering environment.
Adapts to changing priorities, risks, requirements, and schedules while adjusting the testing strategy as needed.
Optimizes test activities, identifies practical alternatives, and recommends solutions that support committed schedules without compromising quality.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, and related ceremonies.
Familiarity with Python or similar scripting languages for data analysis, reporting automation, or AI-assisted testing workflows.
Knowledge of UML, XML, TCP/IP, SECS/GEM, serial communication, and GPIB protocols.
Experience in one or more areas of machine automation, motion control, input/output systems, pneumatics, thermal systems, vision systems, or communication interfaces.

Responsibilities

Plan, design, document, execute, and report system-level testing each release cycle.
Review customer and system requirements, software designs, and unit and integration test plans; provide actionable feedback.
Select an effective manual, automated, simulated, or equipment-based test approach.
Create, maintain, and debug C#-based test scripts for internal automation tools, and execute automated tests.
Perform end-user-focused functional, new-feature, defect-fix, and regression testing in an engineering lab.
Identify, reproduce, troubleshoot, analyze, and clearly document software defects in Jira.
Collaborate with software development engineers to triage defects, track corrective actions, retest fixes, and drive issues to verified closure.
Extract and analyze release data using SQL or scripting tools, generate clear charts and quality metrics, and communicate software quality status and risk.
Estimate testing effort and duration.
Partner with engineering disciplines to investigate incidents and determine root causes.
Use company-approved AI tools responsibly to improve test plans, scripts, defect analysis, and documentation.
Evaluate software development and testing practices, and propose measurable improvements.
Train and guide SQA Engineers and Technicians in reviewing, updating, executing, and reporting test procedures.