Scientific Systems is seeking an experienced QA & Test Engineer to design, execute, and maintain comprehensive test programs for our autonomy software and integrated hardware/software systems. This role is instrumental as Scientific Systems deploys it’s software onto multiple third‑party drone platforms and transitions into a scaled, licensed‑software product line.
The QA & Test Engineer ensures reliability, performance, and mission‑readiness through rigorous lab testing, hardware‑in‑the‑loop validation, field demonstrations, and data‑driven defect analysis.
You will help shape the quality foundation for a new generation of autonomy products deployed across multiple aircraft manufacturers. As part of the Solutions Division, your work directly impacts real‑world missions, integrates leading-edge research, and strengthens SSCI’s growing commercial and defense footprint.
Essential Functions:
- Design, maintain, and execute comprehensive test plans covering functional, regression, performance, integration, and safety testing for software and hardware systems.
- Conduct hands‑on testing of autonomy modules, sensors, onboard systems, ground-control interfaces, and mission execution workflows.
- Perform data analysis on test outputs; produce clear test reports, defect logs, and actionable recommendations.
- Identify testing risks and propose mitigation strategies
- Support flight test activities in coordination with Field Service Engineers and engineering teams.
- Manage test equipment, simulation tools, hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) setups, and bench-test environments.
- Work cross‑functionally with software engineers, autonomy specialists, and integration teams to ensure consistent product quality across multiple OEM platforms.
- Contribute to staffing, test-schedule planning, and future test strategy development.
- Prepare documentation, artifacts, and validation materials for internal reviews and external stakeholders.
- Able to obtain and maintain a US DOD Security Clearance.
Requirements
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
- 5+ years’ experience designing and running test programs for complex software or integrated SW/HW systems.
- Strong experience with test planning, executing regression testing, and analyzing test results.
- Experience working with hardware systems, sensors, or embedded platforms.
- Excellent analytical skills, including log analysis and data‑driven diagnostics.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience testing autonomy, robotics, or aerospace systems.
- Familiarity with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence)
- Experience supporting field test/demonstration events.
- Experience with simulation tools (AFSIM, AirSim, etc.).
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
- FAA Part 107 license a plus
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Benefits
- Salary: $111,000 - $145,000 (Depends on Experience)
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Hybrid Work Schedule
- Free Food & Snacks
- Wellness Resources
- Summer 9/80 work schedule
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience designing and running test programs for complex software or integrated software and hardware systems
- Strong experience with test planning, regression testing, and test-result analysis
- Experience working with hardware systems, sensors, or embedded platforms
- Excellent analytical skills, including log analysis and data-driven diagnostics
- Prior experience testing autonomy, robotics, or aerospace systems
- Familiarity with Atlassian tools, including Jira and Confluence
- Experience supporting field test or demonstration events
- Experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM or AirSim
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance
- FAA Part 107 license
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
What We Do
Architects of Autonomy Noted technologies such as autonomy, artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision are rightfully touted for their enabling potential for national defense and scientific exploration. At Scientific Systems, we develop and holistically connect these technologies together to provide disruptive, offsetting capabilities for unmanned systems, enabling them to make intelligent decisions and collaborate across the domains of space, air, land, and sea. We’ve spent the past 40 years pioneering innovations, including advancements in mission autonomy, for all branches of the U.S. military, DARPA, NASA and more.
