Software Test Engineer

Actalent; United States; Remote; USD 69,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Remote work option

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Software Test Engineer to verify and validate safety-critical embedded software for aircraft and avionics subsystems. The role involves developing and executing formal test procedures, performing I/O verification, and supporting software/hardware integration in a laboratory setting.

You will collaborate with software, systems, and hardware teams to ensure compliance with aviation, space, and defense requirements and contribute to certification and airworthiness efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• At least 1 year in software testing, integration, verification, or validation.
• At least 1 year performing hardware/software integration testing and I/O verification.
• Experience with embedded software or avionics systems and formal test procedures.
• Experience documenting test results and working in lab environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Execute verification and validation testing for embedded and avionics systems.
• Perform I/O verification to ensure correct data handling and behavior.
• Develop, maintain, and execute formal test procedures from requirements.
• Verify software against requirements and document deviations.
• Support lab integration efforts and resolve interface issues.
• Identify and troubleshoot test anomalies with root-cause analysis and retest.
• Collaborate with software, systems, and hardware teams to improve coverage.
• Document test results, logs, and evidence to support certification.

Skills

Embedded software testing

Verification & validation

I/O verification

Lab testing

DO-178 knowledge

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Job Title: Software Test Engineer

This role focuses on verifying and validating safetycritical embedded software for aircraft and avionics subsystems. You will develop and execute formal test procedures, perform I/O verification, and support software and hardware integration activities in a laboratory environment. The position plays a key role in ensuring software functionality meets stringent aviation, space, and defense industry requirements and supports certification and airworthiness compliance efforts.

Responsibilities

• Execute software verification and validation testing activities for embedded and avionics systems.
• Perform I/O (Input/Output) verification for aircraft and avionics subsystems to ensure correct data handling and system behavior.
• Develop, maintain, and execute formal test procedures based on system and software requirements.
• Verify software functionality against defined requirements and identify any deviations or nonconformances.
• Support software and hardware integration efforts by participating in lab integration sessions and resolving interface issues.
• Identify, document, and troubleshoot test anomalies, including root cause investigation and retest as needed.
• Collaborate closely with software, systems, and hardware engineering teams to clarify requirements, resolve defects, and improve test coverage.
• Document detailed test results, including logs, reports, and evidence, to support program certification and compliance activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test processes, tools, and methodologies within the verification and validation team.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in software testing, integration, verification, or validation.
• At least 1 year of experience performing hardware/software integration testing.
• At least 1 year of experience with I/O verification and troubleshooting.
• At least 1 year of experience supporting embedded software or avionics systems.
• Experience executing formal test procedures and accurately documenting test results.
• Ability to work effectively in laboratory and integration environments.
• Experience with software testing, verification, validation, or integration activities on embedded, avionics, aerospace, or defense systems.
• Experience with I/O (Input/Output) verification for complex systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the aerospace, avionics, or defense industry.
• Experience supporting military aircraft programs.
• Experience with DO-178B or DO-178C software verification activities.
• Familiarity with avionics communication protocols such as ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, and serial interfaces.
• Experience with automated testing tools for embedded or avionics systems.
• Experience using oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, and other laboratory test equipment.
• Active security clearance.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Attention to detail and a structured approach to testing and documentation.

Work Environment

This role supports safetycritical embedded software programs for aviation, space, and defense applications, with a strong focus on avionics certification, system safety, and airworthiness compliance. The work takes place in laboratory and integration environments that use oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, and other electronic test equipment, along with automated testing tools and avionics communication interfaces such as ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, and serial links. A hybrid work option is available, with a rotation of approximately two weeks remote and two weeks onsite in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A fully onsite option is also available in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, five days per week. Remote work expectations and schedules may vary based on project needs, and candidates seeking fully remote arrangements are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The environment emphasizes collaboration with software, systems, and hardware engineers, adherence to formal test processes, and support for rigorous certification and compliance standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Phoenix, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.