Senior Software Test Engineer

Aversan Inc; Tustin (CA); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 152,000; Part time

Job summary

Aversan Inc. in Tustin, CA is seeking a Senior Software Test Engineer for a contract role with hybrid work arrangement. You will verify safety-critical flight software, develop Python-based automated tests, and build regression tools for avionics systems.

The ideal candidate has extensive DO-178C experience, strong embedded software/hardware testing background, and leadership skills to mentor teammates. Responsibilities include creating test cases from requirements, executing SITL/HITL tests,

Qualifications

• Minimum 12+ years in aerospace or safety-critical integration/testing.
• Extensive embedded software/hardware testing in avionics/flight-control domains.
• Strong Python development and automated regression testing experience.
• Expertise translating requirements into test cases, procedures, and scripts.
• 6+ years DO-178/DO-178C experience in practice.

Responsibilities

• Verify safety-critical embedded flight software with focus on regression testing and automation.
• Translate requirements into test cases and automated Python scripts for functional/edge-case testing.
• Develop and maintain Python-based test automation, regression tools, and coverage tools.
• Design and execute SITL/HITL tests, transitioning tests from virtual to hardware benches.
• Review test cases and automation scripts ensuring traceability and DO-178C compliance.
• Troubleshoot complex software/hardware/test failures with engineering teams.
• Support HITL test benches and safety-critical avionics hardware interfaces.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other test engineers.

Skills

Python development

Test automation

Requirements-based testing

Leadership/mentoring

SITL/HITL testing

Embedded systems testing

VectorCAST

DO-178C

Education

BSc in Engineering

Tools

VectorCAST

Job description

Aversan Inc. (www.aversan.com) is a trusted multi-service engineering and electronics manufacturing company. Aversan delivers leading-edge and reliable safety-critical electronics and software systems to the aerospace, defence, and space industries.

We are currently seeking a qualified Senior Software Test Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in mission-critical/safety-critical systems, strong avionics/flight-controls software background, and proven expertise in developing and maintaining robust testing tools and strategies.

Location: Tustin, California

Job Type: Contract

Working Arrangement: Hybrid

Responsibilities

• Support the verification and validation of safety-critical embedded flight software, with a focus on software regression testing and automation for avionics systems.
• Translate software and system requirements into requirements-based test cases and automated Python test scripts, including functional, edge-case, and tolerance-limit testing.
• Develop and maintain Python-based test automation, regression tools, and code-coverage tools to improve the efficiency and reliability of the verification process.
• Develop, execute, and troubleshoot tests within SITL and HITL environments, including transitioning automated tests from virtual environments to physical hardware test benches.
• Review and approve test cases, procedures, and automated scripts, ensuring proper requirements traceability and compliance with established DO-178C verification processes.
• Troubleshoot complex software, hardware, and integration test failures, identify root causes, and work with engineering teams to resolve technical issues.
• Support the development and validation of HITL test benches and safety-critical systems, including embedded avionics hardware, flight-control systems, and related interfaces.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other test engineers while maintaining strong testing practices, documentation, and verification processes.

Basic Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Engineering or a related discipline from an accredited university, with 12+ years of relevant integration and testing experience in aerospace or a comparable safety-critical environment.
• Extensive experience with embedded software and hardware testing, preferably within avionics, flight-control, or other complex mission-critical systems.
• Strong hands-on Python development and test automation experience, including developing and maintaining automated regression test scripts and tools.
• Significant experience with requirements-based software testing and verification, including translating requirements into test cases, procedures, and automated scripts.
• 6+ years of DO-178/DO-178C experience or equivalent safety-critical software verification experience, with the ability to apply established verification processes in practice.
• Strong experience with SITL/HITL environments and test benches, including integration, execution, and troubleshooting of automated tests with embedded hardware.
• Experience with unit, component, integration, and system-level testing, with VectorCAST or similar unit-testing tools.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across software, embedded hardware, and electro-mechanical systems, with the ability to diagnose complex test failures.
• Working knowledge of DO-254 and safety-critical/redundant systems, with experience in communication protocols such as Ethernet, CAN, RS-232/422/485, or MIL-STD-1553.
• Strong communication and technical leadership skills, with the ability to review testing work, mentor engineers, and provide technical direction in a fast-paced environment.

The base salary or rate offered to an applicant within this range is determined by considering several factors, including the individual's geographic location, skills, competencies, and unique qualifications. This ensures compensation is fair and aligned with the specific requirements and attributes of each candidate.

Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

AI in Hiring: We use AI tools to assist with application management (e.g., organizing submissions and surfacing potentially relevant qualifications). AI is not used to make hiring decisions. All decisions are made by our hiring managers and recruitment team. Our use of AI is governed by security and privacy risk assessments aligned with our cybersecurity framework