Embedded Software Test Architect

Telesat; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global satellite operator based in Ottawa is seeking a Test Architect to optimize software testing strategies for their innovative LightSpeed satellite system. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in software testing for embedded platforms and collaborate with diverse teams. This role offers a dynamic working environment with opportunities for international travel.

Benefits

Potential for international travel

Flexible working conditions

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of hands-on testing experience, including 4 years in software test development for embedded platforms.
• Experience developing large system test strategies across extensive development organizations.

Responsibilities

• Optimize the software test strategy for the LightSpeed system.
• Develop overall testing strategies based on project requirements.
• Help manage test framework development for simulated and hardware resources.
• Ensure proper documentation of all testing activities.
• Collaborate with various teams for hands-on testing.
• Align teams with different interests into a cohesive approach.
• Architect software solutions with Test-Driven Development principles.

Skills

Python and automation frameworks

C++

Networking and routing protocols

Problem-solving skills

Effective communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Pytest or Slash

Zephyr Scale

Job description

Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT) is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecommunications, corporate, and government customers for over 50 years. Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability, and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the largest and most successful global satellite operators.

Telesat Lightspeed, our revolutionary Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, scheduled to begin service in 2027, will revolutionize global broadband connectivity for enterprise users by delivering high capacity, security, resiliency, affordability, ultra-low latency, and fiber-like speeds. Telesat is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world.

The company’s state-of-the-art fleet includes 14 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1, and one LEO 3 demonstration satellite. For more information, follow Telesat on X and LinkedIn or visit www.telesat.com.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Member of a Telesat LEO SW Development team to optimize the software test strategy, test process, and test cases supporting features of the LightSpeed system. Focus on testing advanced satellite OBP segment software to ensure high performance, scalability, reliability, and interworking with other segments.
2. Defining Test Strategies: Develop overall testing strategies considering project requirements, software criticality, and available resources.
3. Managing Test Resources: Help manage the organic development of the test framework to support test campaigns, whether on simulated resources or hardware.
4. Ensuring Test Documentation: Ensure all testing activities, including test cases, results, steps, and analysis reports, are properly documented across teams.
5. Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with developers, requirements engineers, management, DevOps, scrum masters, and product owners. Conduct hands-on testing in the LEO Lab and simulation environments for data path and routing features.
6. Demonstrated ability to align teams with different interests into a cohesive approach.
7. Ensure test cases maximize code coverage and that software meets technical and functional requirements at the system level.
8. Architect software solutions adhering to Test-Driven Development (TDD) principles, utilizing simulated software for rigorous testing.
9. Stay current with satellite technology advancements and industry trends to drive innovation and maintain technical excellence.
10. Guide the team in troubleshooting and resolving complex issues, ensuring OBP segment software stability.
11. Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
12. Utilize cloud technology, virtualization, and containerization to optimize test deployment and management.
13. Leverage software modeling tools for robust testing architectures.
14. Foster continuous improvement in development processes, tools, and methodologies.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of hands-on testing experience with various technologies, including a minimum of 4 years in software test development for embedded platforms as an architect.
• Experience developing large system test strategies across extensive development organizations.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals (networking, storage, operating systems). Passion for simulated software testing frameworks and CI/CD.
• Familiar with formal software testing approaches (requirements analysis, test case development, test scripts, test data review).
• Strong experience with Python and automation frameworks like Pytest or Slash; knowledge of C++ (preferred for embedded development), Git, cloud tech, virtualization, and containerization. Experience with test management platforms like Zephyr Scale.
• Understanding of satellite technology, ground segment operations, and related challenges.
• Excellent understanding of networking and routing protocols.
• Strong problem-solving skills for complex technical challenges across teams.
• Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with TDD and simulated software testing methodologies.
• Ability to design automation systems considering hardware constraints.
• Agile champion.

Decision Making & Supervision:

• This is an individual contributor role, but as a Test Architect, the candidate will make key technical decisions and influence organizational practices.

Working Conditions:

• Presence required in the office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
• Typical office environment, with potential international travel.