Software QA Automation Engineer I

Worker Type

Job Description

Summary
The Software QA Automation Engineer I is an entry-level position for an individual who is motivated to design and implement automated solutions for software validation. This role regularly collaborates with development teams while also operating with a strong degree of autonomy once trained.

Position Responsibilities

• Participate in the design expansion and maintenance of the automated test suite.
• Assist in defining and planning the scope resource needs and goals of manual and automated testing.
• Help define and implement QA practices procedures standards and reporting.
• Learn to identify and document project risks quantify risk/benefit trade-offs and propose alternative solutions and mitigation strategies.
• Work closely with senior QA automation engineers to design test plans scenarios and test cases to exercise new functionality and identify defects.
• Develop and maintain automated test scripts and tools to support regression and system-level testing.
• Partner with cross-functional resources as needed to validate software against project timelines and requirements.
• Work closely with QA/QC team members to learn concepts methodologies and best practices.
• Work on problems of limited scope under general supervision.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelors degree in a related discipline or an equivalent combination of education training and experience.
• 13 years of relevant QA test engineering or related experience (internships/coops acceptable).
• Exposure to automated test frameworks or CI tools is a plus.
• Experience with C and/or C# is a plus.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and a methodical process-oriented approach to testing.
• Hands-on experience with Linux and Windows environments.
• Familiarity with Docker (e.g. running containers basic troubleshooting).
• Basic scripting experience preferably in Python.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word for test documentation and reporting.
• Ability to work effectively in a lab environment (hardware/software integration equipment handling).
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn from more senior team members.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for work products.
• Committed to learning from mistakes and improving the performance of oneself others and the company.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and R&D/lab environment (constant).
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods; talk hear and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other lab/office equipment (frequent).
• Ability to safely handle and work around lab equipment cabling and test setups.

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizen U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the continental U.S.

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the location the role and associated responsibilities a candidates work experience education/training and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironments determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironments business requirements. A U.S. person according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical dental vision 401K with company matching a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isnt for everyone. We hire the curious the relentless the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We dont just build defense technologywe redefine whats possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S. AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air land sea space and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonianbut were not building history were building whats next.

If youre ready to build technology that matterswith speed scale and purposetheres no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer including disability/veterans. AeroVironment Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race sex color religion national origin age disability protected veteran status genetic datasexual orientation gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR