Associate/Staff Software Test Engineer

As an Associate/Staff Software Test Engineer at SciTec, you will be responsible for creating detailed test plans and test cases, executing tests across multiple environments, developing automation suites, participating in engineering artifact reviews, and maintaining test documentation as per management procedures. Your role will also involve on-site integration activities and supporting customer interactions—all crucial for delivering high-quality software solutions for National Defense.

To be considered for the Associate/Staff Software Test Engineer role at SciTec, applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, or computer science. Additionally, you should have at least one year of experience in software test engineering, as well as familiarity with software development or test automation, preferably in Python, and the Linux operating system.

For the Associate/Staff Software Test Engineer position at SciTec, essential skills include strong collaboration and teamwork capabilities, effective verbal and written communication, a keen attention to detail, and the capacity to troubleshoot issues quickly in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with Agile software development, cloud deployment, and experience in testing OPIR processing systems are highly valued.

Growing your career as an Associate/Staff Software Test Engineer at SciTec means stepping into a supportive and innovative environment where your skills will be continuously developed. With the company focusing on advanced technologies, there is ample opportunity to expand into more senior engineering roles or explore specialized areas in software engineering and testing, all while contributing to impactful projects.

SciTec offers a highly competitive salary along with a robust benefits package for the Associate/Staff Software Test Engineer role. Benefits include full medical coverage, a generous 401K plan, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible work hours, and paid parental leave. Additionally, employees receive stock ownership opportunities and profit-sharing, ensuring that you’re valued as part of the team.

When approaching a test plan, it's essential to start by clearly defining the objectives of the tests and understanding the requirements of the software. Break down the test plan into sections that cover the scope, resources, timeline, and entry/exit criteria. Collaborate with your team to ensure all angles are covered and detail the specific types of testing that will be employed, such as functional, regression, and performance testing.

Certainly! In my previous role, I discovered a critical bug that affected the software's performance under high loads. To resolve it, I first reproduced the issue consistently in a controlled environment. Then, I conducted a root cause analysis to identify the underlying issue and worked collaboratively with the development team to implement a fix, followed by comprehensive testing to confirm the issue was resolved.

I have over a year of experience in developing automation scripts using Python, focusing on streamlining repetitive testing tasks. I utilized frameworks like Pytest to create reliable, maintainable code and integrated automated tests into the CI/CD pipeline. My goal is always to ensure that automation enhances quality and efficiency in the testing process, allowing for more thorough coverage.

In a fast-paced environment, prioritization is crucial. I typically start by assessing the project's deadlines and risk factors associated with the features being tested. High-risk areas or critical functionalities are prioritized first. Additionally, I maintain open communication with stakeholders and my team to ensure alignment on priorities and adapt as needed based on evolving project requirements.

I have actively participated in Agile environments, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. I find the daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives to be invaluable for ensuring transparency and adaptability. My testing approach within Agile emphasizes continuous feedback, where I integrate testing early in the development cycle and utilize tools that support rapid iteration.

Handling tight deadlines requires effective time management and strategic planning. I prioritize critical tests and focus on high-impact areas first. I also communicate regularly with my team to identify any blockers and collaborate on solutions. Implementing risk-based testing helps to ensure that we maintain quality standards without compromising on delivery timelines.

I prefer using tools that enhance efficiency and collaboration in testing. For test automation, I favor Selenium and Pytest due to their flexibility and strong community support. Additionally, I leverage tools like JIRA for tracking bugs and test cases, which provides clear visibility into project status. These technologies facilitate better communication and management within Agile frameworks.

In my previous role, I focused on performance testing by employing tools like JMeter to simulate load and stress conditions. I analyzed response times and resource consumption to identify potential bottlenecks in the application. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about ensuring a robust system capable of scaling under pressure, which is crucial for supporting mission-critical applications.

Attention to detail is vital in software testing because even the smallest oversight can lead to critical failures in production. Precise attention allows testers to identify edge cases, ensure thorough coverage, and understand intricacies within requirements. By maintaining high accuracy and diligence, we help deliver quality software that meets users' expectations and performs reliably under various conditions.

I see software testing evolving towards increased automation and AI-driven testing solutions. With the rapid pace of development, leveraging automated testing will become even more critical to ensure timely release cycles without sacrificing quality. Additionally, continuous testing aligned with DevOps practices will facilitate earlier detection of issues and foster stronger collaboration among teams.