Test Automation Software Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Healthy work/life balance

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Job summary

Join the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab as a Test Automation Software Engineer in Laurel, Maryland. You will be involved in developing and automating testing solutions for real-time aerospace software projects, impacting NASA and national security.

Ideal candidates have a B.S. in Software Engineering or a related field, proficiency in C++, C, and Python, as well as experience in embedded systems and CI/CD environments. This dynamic role also offers excellent growth opportunities and a supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience developing software for embedded systems, test development, and devops.
• Experience with automated test systems and monitoring.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and automate test infrastructure solutions for aerospace software efforts.
• Design, develop, and test emulations of aerospace systems.
• Collaborate and mentor teams at APL.

Skills

Proficiency in C++

Proficiency in C

Proficiency in Python

Experience in embedded systems

Experience with CI/CD systems

Experience with Git

Interpersonal skills

Education

B.S. in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

GitLab

Bamboo

Containerization tools

Virtualization environments

Job description

Description

Are you a problem solver ready to contribute to the development of aerospace projects? Does solving embedded software problems for aerospace systems sound fun and fulfilling to you?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a software developer to help us craft test and test automation software for NASA, National Security Space/Department of War and other organizations. As a member of our team, you will develop novel solutions and new technologies across numerous projects and embedded real‑time systems. You will work with teams of engineers and scientists passionate about innovation and driven to make a real difference. We strive to cultivate an environment that promotes professional growth and a balanced life, and encourages a wide range of ideas.

As a Test Automation Software Engineer you will…

• Develop and automate test infrastructure solutions for real‑time aerospace software efforts
• Apply software engineering principles to design, develop, and test emulations of aerospace systems.
• Assess, extend, refactor, and detail existing continuous integration and testbed systems.
• Share knowledge by collaborating with and mentoring other APL staff, engaging with spacecraft engineers and participating in working groups.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• A B.S. in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or other engineering field.
• Proficiency in C++, C and Python.
• 3 years of experience developing software for embedded systems, test development, and devops.
• Experience with Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery systems and (CI/CD), such as GitLab or Bamboo.
• Experience with containerization and virtualization environments.
• Experience with design and development of test automation systems including infrastructure, monitoring, analysis, and standard processes.
• Experience mapping technical requirements to reusable, executable test cases.
• Experience with Source Code Management (SCM) systems, specifically Git.
• Demonstrated breadth and depth of problem‑solving abilities.
• Great interpersonal skills – capable of working independently or collaboratively on a team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to work in classified spaces.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• An M.S. or Ph.D. in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team of (3+) software engineers.
• Experience with software development on real‑time operating systems (RTOS) such as VXWorks and embedded Linux.
• Experience with modern testing methodologies, such as Test Driven Development (TDD).
• Experience in spacecraft flight or ground software development.
• Experience developing real‑time simulators and emulators.
• Have experience with safety‑critical avionics systems development.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually