Senior Software Test Engineer Tustin, CA

Aversan Inc; Tustin (CA); Hybrid; USD 136,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

Aversan Inc. in California is seeking a Senior Software Test Engineer to lead verification of safety-critical embedded flight software, focusing on regression testing and automation for avionics systems. The role requires hands-on testing, test script development, and strong DO-178C compliance.

You will develop Python-based test tools, support SITL/HITL environments, and mentor other engineers while partnering with hardware and software teams to ensure robust verification and traceability.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Engineering or related, from an accredited university.
• 12+ years of integration and testing experience in aerospace or safety-critical environments.
• Extensive experience with embedded software and hardware testing, preferably in avionics or flight-control systems.
• Strong Python development and test automation experience, including automated regression scripts and tools.
• 6+ years of DO-178/DO-178C experience or equivalent safety-critical verification.
• Experience with SITL/HITL environments and test benches, including hardware integration.
• Experience with unit, component, integration, and system-level testing using testing tools.
• Knowledge of DO-254 and safety-critical/redundant systems, with Ethernet, CAN, RS-232/422/485, MIL-STD-1553 protocols.
• Strong communication and leadership skills to mentor engineers and guide testing teams.

Responsibilities

• Verify and validate safety-critical embedded flight software with emphasis on regression testing and automation.
• Translate requirements into test cases and automated Python scripts (functional, edge-case, tolerance tests).
• Develop and maintain Python-based test automation, regression tools, and coverage tools.
• Execute and troubleshoot tests in SITL/HITL environments and transition tests from virtual to hardware benches.
• Review test cases, procedures, and scripts ensuring traceability and DO-178C compliance.
• Troubleshoot complex software/hardware/test failures and identify root causes with engineering teams.
• Support development and validation of HITL test benches and avionics interfaces.
• Mentor test engineers and uphold rigorous testing practices and documentation.

Skills

Python development

SITL/HITL testing

DO-178C testing

Regression testing

Embedded software testing

Test automation

VectorCAST

Hardware integration

Technical leadership

Education

B.Sc. in Engineering

Tools

VectorCAST

Job description

Senior Software Test Engineer

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.

Compensation: US base salary: $136,063–$207,596 USD (annual salary)

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