Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Itron, Inc.; Liberty Lake (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

401k matching

Employee stock purchase program

Paid vacation

Job summary

Itron, Inc. in Liberty Lake, WA is seeking a Software Quality Engineer to run our device lab and validate DEM software against DERs, smart thermostats, and other lab hardware.

You will set up devices, configure networks, coordinate with IT, security, and engineering, and create test plans, execute tests, document defects, and drive root-cause analysis while ensuring remote lab access for a globally distributed team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field, or equivalent.
• 0-2 years of professional experience in software quality assurance or related technical field.
• Experience performing software testing including test case creation, execution, and defect reporting.
• Basic familiarity with Linux and Git.

Responsibilities

• Set up, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory devices (smart thermostats, DERs) used to validate DEM software functionality.
• Install, configure, and maintain supporting network infrastructure, including cellular connectivity and other comms equipment.
• Collaborate with IT, networking, security, and engineering teams to establish device connectivity and lab readiness.
• Develop and execute manual test plans, test cases, and procedures to validate product functionality, quality, and reliability.
• Identify, document, prioritize, and track software defects through resolution with engineering.
• Report results and risks to support continuous product improvement.
• Participate in sprint activities and quality planning to understand testing requirements.

Skills

Linux basics

Git version control

Test planning

Troubleshooting

Communication

Lab setup

Remote access

Scripting basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field

Tools

Git

Linux

REST API testing tools

Docker

Azure/AWS

Job description

Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us. Itron DEM (Distributed Energy Management) is the industry's leading provider of integrated cloud-based demand response, energy efficiency and customer engagement solutions that enable electric utilities to ensure grid reliability, lower energy costs, meet regulatory demands and enhance the customer experience. Through its combination of software, hardware, and services, Itron DEM helps utilities optimize every aspect of a demand management program, from participant recruitment and device installation to call center support, control events and measurement and verification. Itron is seeking a Software Quality Engineer based in Liberty Lake, WA whose primary focus is running our device lab and ensuring DEM software works correctly with the physical devices it controls. You will set up and maintain a wide range of devices — for example, purchasing, installing, and configuring a smart thermostat — and then test how DEM software connects to and operates them. Setup often requires coordinating across teams: working with IT to open network ports, with networking to grant DEM software access, and with security to get access approved. Devices like thermostats are set up standalone in the lab rather than wired into a live HVAC system or furnace, so you may need wiring help from other business units to make the thermostat believe it's properly connected. Because Itron also manufactures its own distributed energy resources (DERs), such as load control switches, you may be working with early or partially built hardware — receiving an initial part, coordinating assembly support, and standing up the device in the lab before software testing can begin. Some DERs communicate over networks like cellular or GenX, so you'll also install and configure the necessary network equipment, such as a cellular access point. Since the team is distributed across time zones, you're also responsible for making the lab remotely accessible — for example, setting up cameras, remote monitoring solutions, and remote power-cycling capabilities, enabling the team to test power outage scenarios and troubleshoot devices without being physically present.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Set up, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory devices, including smart thermostats, load control switches, and other distributed energy resources (DERs) used to validate DEM software functionality.
• Install, configure, and maintain supporting network infrastructure, including cellular connectivity solutions and other communication equipment required for device operation.
• Collaborate with IT, networking, security, and cross-functional engineering teams to establish and maintain device connectivity, access permissions, and lab readiness.
• Support the integration and testing of new and prototype hardware, including early-stage DER products, by coordinating assembly, setup, and validation activities.
• Maintain remote access capabilities for a globally distributed team through cameras, remote monitoring solutions, and remote power-cycling capabilities.
• Proactively communicate device availability, testing readiness, maintenance schedules, and outage status to stakeholders, helping ensure lab operations support project timelines and team commitments.
• Develop and execute manual software test plans, test cases, and test procedures to validate product functionality, quality, and reliability.
• Identify, document, prioritize, and track software defects through resolution while partnering with engineering teams to support root cause analysis.
• Report test results, communicate quality risks, and provide actionable feedback that supports continuous product improvement.
• Participate in feature reviews, sprint activities, and quality planning discussions to develop a thorough understanding of product functionality and testing requirements.
• Demonstrate accountability, agility, collaboration, and continuous learning while supporting innovative solutions for utility customers.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 0-2 years of professional experience in software quality assurance, software testing, engineering, or a related technical field, including internships, co-op experience, academic projects, or entry-level roles.
• Experience performing software testing, including test case creation, execution, and defect reporting.
• Basic familiarity with Linux operating systems and Git version control.
• Exposure to at least one programming or scripting language.
• Ability to perform hands-on technical work, including device setup, wiring, hardware configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate across multiple teams and proactively follow up on dependencies.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted productivity tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Claude.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and quickly learn new technologies and processes.
• Ability to work on-site a minimum of three days per week, with additional on-site presence as needed to support laboratory operations.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform frequent bending, squatting, standing, and walking in an office/lab environment.
• Travel: 1-10%.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Exposure to REST API testing tools and methodologies.
• Familiarity with Agile software development practices.
• Exposure to Docker, containerization technologies, or virtualized test environments.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure or AWS.
• Familiarity with IoT, cellular, wireless, or connected-device networking concepts.
• Experience working with hardware/software integrated systems.
• Exposure to distributed energy resources (DERs), smart grid technologies, utility operations, or energy management solutions.

Benefits Info:

• competitive benefit package including;
• financial,
• social,
• health and wellbeing programs,
• paid vacation,
• 401k matching,
• employee stock purchase program,
• hybrid work schedule,
• and more!

Liberty Lake, WA: $60K - $115K annually #LI-JC1

Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees.

Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity, Aff…?

If you require an accommodation to apply, please contact a recruiting representative at 1-800-635-5461 or email [e-mail].

Itron is transforming how the world manages energy, water and city services.

Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency, build resilience and deliver safe, reliable and affordable service.

With edge intelligence, we connect people, data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live.

Join us as we create a more resourceful world: www.itron.com

We aren’t creating kitschy tech-gadgets that will end up in a landfill or junk drawer after a few years.

At Itron you’ll contribute to building sustainable, next-generation utility and smart-city solutions that help grow resilient communities through thoughtful energy and water management.

You can begin your career here and do work that truly matters.

Read more about Itron and our Environmental, Social and Governance goals and achievements.

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