Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Ascendion; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascendion is seeking a Senior Software Test Engineer in Irvine, California, to lead the design, development, and execution of testing strategies for complex medical device systems. The ideal candidate will drive verification and validation activities and develop scalable automation solutions in a collaborative engineering environment.

You will design test plans, maintain automated test frameworks, and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure product quality and compliance. The anticipated salary range for this role is $100,000-$130,000 plus bonuses.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software testing, system validation, or medical device development.
• Strong understanding of system-level testing across software, hardware, and integrated systems.
• Experience developing and maintaining automated test frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive test strategies and plans for medical device systems.
• Lead verification and validation activities per regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish testing strategies.

Skills

Software testing

System validation

Quality engineering

Automated testing frameworks

Python

C/C++

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Verification and validation methodologies

Defect tracking systems

Lab equipment

Job description

We are a growing medical technology company is seeking a Senior Software Test Engineer to lead the design, development, and execution of testing strategies for complex medical device systems. This role combines hands‑on system‑level testing with ownership of automated testing frameworks to ensure product quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will have experience driving verification and validation activities while developing scalable automation solutions in a highly collaborative engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive test strategies, test plans, and test cases for medical device systems.
• Perform functional, integration, system‑level, and performance testing.
• Lead verification and validation (V&V) activities in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Investigate defects, conduct root cause analysis, and partner with engineering teams to resolve issues.
• Review product requirements and system architecture to ensure adequate test coverage and testability.
• Generate validation documentation, test reports, and traceability artifacts.

Test Automation & Framework Development

• Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and infrastructure.
• Create automated test scripts using Python, C/C++, or similar programming languages.
• Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines to support continuous validation.
• Improve testing efficiency, reliability, and coverage through automation initiatives.
• Evaluate and implement new testing tools and technologies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with software, hardware, systems, and quality teams to establish testing strategies and quality objectives.
• Support system integration, product bring‑up, and troubleshooting activities.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and field teams on failure analysis and issue resolution.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute technical leadership to testing best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in software testing, system validation, quality engineering, or medical device development.
• Strong understanding of system-level testing across software, hardware, and integrated systems.
• Experience developing and maintaining automated test frameworks.
• Proficiency with Python, C/C++, or similar programming languages.
• Knowledge of verification and validation methodologies and defect tracking systems.
• Hands‑on experience with lab equipment, debugging, and troubleshooting complex systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience in the medical device, healthcare technology, or other regulated industries.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies.
• Experience with CI/CD environments and automated testing pipelines.
• Working knowledge of Linux/Unix environments.
• Background in both hardware and software testing.
• Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading technical initiatives.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is $100,000-$130,000 plus bonuses. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, education, and overall qualifications.