Software Test Engineer

Actalent
Tustin, CA

Job Title: Software Test Engineer

Job Description

The Software Test Engineer will design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and scripts to validate complex software systems. This role creates and executes end-to-end automated test plans to verify that software meets defined functional and performance requirements, with a strong focus on safety-critical, high-reliability applications supporting an innovative space plane program targeting launch in 2026.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and test scripts from scratch to support software verification activities.
  • Create comprehensive end-to-end test plans that cover functional, performance, and integration aspects of the software.
  • Execute automated test cases to validate that software meets all specified functional and performance requirements.
  • Perform software verification for safety-critical systems, ensuring compliance with rigorous quality and reliability standards.
  • Identify, document, and track defects using issue-tracking tools, ensuring clear communication with development and systems teams.
  • Collaborate closely with software developers, systems engineers, and other test engineers to clarify requirements, refine test coverage, and resolve issues.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of test strategies, automation frameworks, and verification processes to increase efficiency and coverage.
  • Generate clear test documentation, including test procedures, test results, and verification reports, to support certification and project milestones.
  • Participate in reviews of requirements, designs, and code to provide testability feedback and ensure adequate verification planning for safety-critical features.

Essential Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or an equivalent technical discipline.
  • 8+ years of software verification experience, preferably in safety-critical or high-reliability domains.
  • Strong proficiency in Python, including the ability to write, debug, and maintain complex automation scripts.
  • Demonstrated ability to design and develop automated test scripts and frameworks from scratch.
  • Hands-on experience with software testing and verification methodologies, including functional, regression, and performance testing.
  • Experience working with test scripts and automation tools in a structured software development environment.
  • Familiarity with using issue-tracking tools such as Jira or similar platforms to log and manage defects.
  • Ability to create and execute end-to-end test plans for complex software systems.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a methodical approach to troubleshooting and defect isolation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to document results and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience in safety-critical software development or verification, such as avionics or aerospace applications.
  • Experience in software verification for avionic or flight-related systems.
  • Understanding of safety-critical standards and best practices in software testing and verification.
  • Experience contributing to test strategies for complex, mission-critical programs.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment supporting an advanced space plane development effort.

Work Environment

You will work as part of a dedicated software test team that is highly focused on safety-critical development and rigorous software verification. The environment emphasizes collaboration, precision, and adherence to strict quality standards to support the development of an advanced space plane approaching launch. Work will involve extensive use of Python-based automation, test frameworks, and issue-tracking tools such as Jira, with a strong emphasis on end-to-end verification of complex systems. The team culture values accountability, clear communication, and continuous improvement in test processes to ensure the reliability and safety of flight-critical software.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tustin, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

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 & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Tustin,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 23, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

  • Hiring diverse talent
  • Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
  • Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
  • Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

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