Senior Software Test Engineer

Griffon Aerospace; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Griffon Aerospace in Madison, Alabama is seeking a Senior Software Test Engineer to lead verification for unmanned aircraft systems. You will translate requirements into rigorous test plans, build automated tests and hardware-in-the-loop capabilities, and ensure defensible evidence for system safety and performance.

The role blends hands-on testing with leadership, mentoring junior engineers, defining test strategies, and driving continuous improvement across test processes, tools, and labs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS, software, EE, aerospace or related field.
• 7+ years in software test, verification, integration, or related engineering.
• Experience leading requirements-based verification for embedded/mission-critical software.
• Proficient in Python, C, or C++ for test automation.
• Ability to obtain U.S. SECRET security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Define software verification strategies, plans, procedures, environments, and acceptance criteria for complex UAS programs.
• Lead functional, integration, regression, performance, robustness, and system-level testing across software and hardware boundaries.
• Design and maintain automated test frameworks, simulators, test harnesses, and hardware-in-the-loop capabilities.
• Review requirements and architectures for testability, ambiguity, completeness, and verification coverage.
• Analyze complex failures, lead defect triage and root-cause investigations, and verify corrective actions.
• Establish bidirectional traceability among requirements, test cases, results, anomalies, and configuration baselines.
• Lead test readiness and results reviews, communicate technical risk, and mentor junior test engineers.
• Continuously improve test processes, metrics, tools, and laboratory practices while supporting program safety and compliance objectives.

Skills

Test automation

Python

C

C++

Embedded systems testing

CI/CD

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Software/EE/Aerospace

Tools

HIL testing tools

Test frameworks

Lab equipment

Job description

Company Overview

Griffon Aerospace is a trusted aerospace solutions provider based in Madison, Alabama, specializing in the design, development, and operation of advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Since 1995, we have delivered over 12,000 unmanned air vehicles to the Department of Defense, allied nations, and commercial customers. We pride ourselves on being a lion-hearted partner, designing, building, and flying the most capable and intelligent aerial systems that give our servicemen an unfair advantage wherever they fly.

Position Overview

The Senior Software Test Engineer will lead the planning, development, execution, and continuous improvement of software verification activities for Griffon Aerospace's unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This role translates system and software requirements into rigorous verification strategies, develops automated and hardware-in-the-loop test capabilities, and ensures test results provide complete and defensible objective evidence. The ideal candidate combines deep technical test expertise with strong leadership in aerospace software integration and verification.

Key Responsibilities

• Define software verification strategies, plans, procedures, environments, and acceptance criteria for complex UAS programs.
• Lead functional, integration, regression, performance, robustness, and system-level testing across software and hardware boundaries.
• Design and maintain automated test frameworks, simulators, test harnesses, and hardware-in-the-loop capabilities.
• Review requirements and architectures for testability, ambiguity, completeness, and verification coverage.
• Analyze complex failures, lead defect triage and root-cause investigations, and verify corrective actions.
• Establish bidirectional traceability among requirements, test cases, results, anomalies, and configuration baselines.
• Lead test readiness and results reviews, communicate technical risk, and mentor junior test engineers.
• Continuously improve test processes, metrics, tools, and laboratory practices while supporting program safety and compliance objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of software test, verification, integration, or related engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading requirements-based verification for embedded or mission-critical software.
• Strong proficiency in test automation and scripting using languages such as Python, C, or C++.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, real-time systems, interfaces, laboratory equipment, and data analysis.
• Working knowledge of configuration management, requirements traceability, defect management, and CI/CD practices.
• Strong technical leadership, problem-solving, review, and communication skills.
• Must have or be able to obtain a U.S. SECRET security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in UAS, aerospace, defense, flight controls, avionics, or other safety-critical software domains.
• Familiarity with verification objectives, structural coverage, tool qualification, and MIL-STD-882 safety processes or similar commercial standards.
• Experience qualifying test environments, developing test infrastructure, or supporting formal customer acceptance events.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity testing, network protocols, simulation, model-based testing, or real-time operating systems.

JOB LOCATION

Madison, Alabama, United States

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time/Regular/Salary

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

Competitive Salary/Comprehensive Benefits Package

US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED

Yes

ABILITY TO OBTAIN SECURITY CLEARANCE

Yes