Senior Software QA Engineer

PDW; Huntsville (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Parental leave

EAP

Job summary

PDW in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Senior Software Quality Assurance Engineer to drive validation and quality for UAV systems and supporting tool development. You will be a senior technical contributor ensuring software quality, system reliability, and customer readiness as products move from concept to production.

The role collaborates with firmware, embedded, flight-test teams; develops test strategies, creates documentation, and mentors peers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on software QA, systems QA, or embedded/robotic validation.
• Experience developing Python-based test scripts, automation tools, and QA utilities.
• Proficiency with modern test automation tools and CI/CD integration.
• Experience reviewing logs and telemetry to diagnose failures.
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Drive design, implementation, and refinement of QA processes for high-quality software and systems.
• Develop and execute test strategies across bench, SITL, and flight-test environments, incl. manual and automated testing.
• Define quality checkpoints across development, integration, and release phases.
• Analyze defects and root causes; support corrective actions.
• Collaborate with firmware, ground control, embedded, production, and flight-test teams.
• Create and maintain QA documentation and best practices.
• Mentor junior QA engineers and share testing methods.

Skills

QA principles

Software QA

Embedded QA

Python scripting

PyTest

Playwright

CI/CD

TestRail

Linux

US clearance

Tools

PyTest

Playwright

CI/CD tooling

TestRail

Linux

Job description

Now,we’reentering a new phase of growth and are looking fora Senior Software Quality Assurance Engineer todrive validation and quality for the next wave of UAV systems and supporting tool development for our upcoming product lines. The ideal candidate will thrive in an innovative and fast-paced environment, bring strong critical thinking skills, and serve as a senior technical contributor ensuring software quality, system reliability, and customer readiness as PDW transitions products from concept into production. This position reports to the Software Quality Assurance Engineering Manager.

What You’ll Do

• Drive and contribute to the design, implementation, and refinement of QA processes to support high-quality software and system delivery.

• Develop and execute test strategies across bench, simulation (SITL), and flight test environments, including manual and automated testing, tovalidateproduct functionality, performance, and system behavior.

• Define and execute quality checkpoints across development, integration, and release phases to ensure reliable validation of software and integrated system behavior.

• Analyze defects, test escapes, and process inefficiencies; perform root cause analysis; and support corrective and preventive actions.

• Collaborate with firmware, ground control, embedded, production, and flight test teams to align on quality goals and resolve issues efficiently.

• Create andmaintainQA documentation, including test plans, test cases, validation procedures, bug reports, and best practices.

• Mentor junior QA engineers and share best practices for testing tools, workflows, and methodologies.

• Provide technical input on quality initiatives, release readiness, and validation planning for new features and product updates.

• Acquireandmaintaindeep system and productexpertise,leveragingthat knowledge to develop efficient test strategies and provide authoritative input on software release readiness.

• Identifyopportunities to improve QA practices, test coverage, and product reliability by applying current industry practices, test methodologies, and relevant standards.

Requirements

• Strong command of QA principles and methodologies for software and integrated systems, with the ability to apply consistent and scalable quality standards.

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in software QA, systems QA, or embedded/robotic system validation roles, with strong individual technical contribution in complex environments.

• Experience developing andmaintainingPython-based test scripts, automation tools, and QA utilities.

• Proficient in modern test automation tools such asPyTest, Playwright, or similar, and comfortable building automation for validation, regression, and CI/CD integration.

• Experience using and improving quality tools, test infrastructure, and automated testing frameworks in system-level or embedded environments.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis, defect investigation, and validation of complex system behavior.

• Experience reviewing logs, telemetry, and system parameters (e.g.,ULog) to diagnose failures and verify expected behavior.

• Experience working in Linux-based environments and contributing to CI/CD workflows and automated test execution.

• Experience with TestRail or similar test management platforms, including test case management and results tracking.

• Must have the ability to obtain andmaintaina U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with UAV systems, including PX4/QGroundControl-based platforms.

• Familiarity withMAVLink, SITL, or hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing environments.

• Experience with RF communications, video/FPV systems, or other distributed/real-time systems.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity tooperatestandard office equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.

Work Environment

This position typicallyoperatesin a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-differential collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.

• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.

• Paid Parental Leave.

• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.

• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location.

• Employerprovided life insurance.

• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).

• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.