Lead Software Test Infrastructure Engineer

Altentechnologyusa; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Altentechnologyusa in Palo Alto, CA is seeking a Lead Software Test Infrastructure Engineer to enhance the validation of automotive firmware. You will design and develop automated test frameworks, mentor junior engineers, and shape the strategic direction for test infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in software testing, particularly with embedded systems, and demonstrate expertise in Python and CI/CD automation.

A competitive salary from $135,000 to $155,000 is offered based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in software testing, preferably with embedded systems.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Rust, or other relevant languages used in embedded software development.
• Deep understanding of test automation principles and enterprise technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and evolution of V&V test infrastructure frameworks.
• Architect and develop scalable test frameworks in Python and CI/CD integrations.
• Mentor junior and senior engineers, providing technical direction and guidance.

Skills

Software testing

Embedded systems

Python programming

CI/CD

Debugging

Education

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Mechatronics/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

Pytest

C/C++

Job description

We’re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life—from advancing space exploration and life‑saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.

As part of the global ALTEN Group—57,000+ engineers in 30 countries—we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you’ll collaborate on some of the world’s toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

Location: Palo Alto, CA

We are seeking a Lead Software Test Infrastructure Engineer to join our team, to facilitate the validation of automotive firmware and applications. As a Lead Software Test Infrastructure Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, and scaling automated test frameworks and tools that enable efficient software testing. You will also be responsible for providing technical guidance, mentoring junior engineers, and driving strategic direction for test infrastructure, CI/CD integration, and simulations. Your expertise in embedded systems and automotive industry knowledge will help ensure the quality and reliability of our software solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and evolution of V&V test infrastructure frameworks, focusing on scalability, reliability, and self‑service capabilities.
• Architect and develop scalable test frameworks in Python, CI/CD integrations, and simulation environments for hardware (HIL) and software (SIL) test assets.
• Develop self‑service automated tools and utilities that are extensible, configurable, and well‑documented to enable engineers to test their own features and enhance test coverage and efficiency.
• Mentor junior and senior engineers, provide technical direction, and guide complex engineering initiatives.
• Work closely with software developers, V&V/QA engineers, TPMS, and product teams to understand needs, define requirements, and integrate solutions.
• Build, review, and expand infrastructure needed to simulate automative behaviors and automate tests
• Evangelize coding best practices and mentor engineers on requirements‑driven‑test‑development (RDTD), test‑driven development (TDD), unit testing, and automation best practices.
• Participate in code reviews and provide feedback on testability and maintainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD degree in Mechatronics/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in software testing, preferably with embedded systems.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Rust, or other relevant languages used in embedded software development and verification, with advanced experience with Pytest; familiarity with custom hooks, stages, and advanced configurations.
• A strong strategic vision for software test infrastructure with the ability to lead a team and build it out and providing the support to bridge technical gaps.
• Deep understanding of test automation principles, CI/CD, and enterprise technologies.
• Demonstrated experience building test frameworks or utilities, with the ability to answer these questions: what did you build, how does it work, what are the design tradeoffs, how widely is it used, etc.
• Strong experience debugging embedded systems at a module and/or system level, and the ability to triage nightly regression failures.
• Experience with software testing tools, frameworks, and methodologies (e.g., requirements‑driven test development, unit testing, integration testing, system testing, automated testing).

Bonus Experience

• Familiarity with hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) and software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL) testing on Linux‑based and Windows‑based environments.
• Proficiency in C/C++, or other relevant embedded software development languages.
• Knowledge of automotive communication protocols (e.g., CAN/CAN‑FD, LIN)
• Knowledge of Ethernet and/or IPC communication protocols (e.g. MQTT, GRPC, DDS, etc.)
• Working knowledge of IDLs such as DBC, LDF, ARXML, and working with internal IDLs and frameworks.
• Experience with automotive standards and regulations such as ISO 26262.

Salary

• $135,000-155,000
• The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job‑related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.

Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug‑free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre‑employment drug screening as a condition of hire.