Senior Software Quality Engineer - QGC & Tool Automation

The posting, as Pdwcareers wrote it

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a/an Senior Software Quality Engineer – QGC & Tool Automation to establish and expand test automation for QGroundControl (QGC), controller software, and supporting ground-side tools across Linux and Android environments. You will develop maintainable frameworks, automate repeatable validation, and reduce dependence on manual testing as automated coverage becomes reliable and sufficient. You will own the automation architecture and technical roadmap for this workstream, with priorities established in partnership with SQA leadership and the responsible engineering teams.

What You’ll Do

• Establish and execute the automation roadmap for QGC, controller software, and supporting ground-side tools, prioritizing work with SQA leadership based on product risk, release needs, manual effort, and opportunities for reuse.
• Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and regression suites for Qt/QML applications and associated workflows across Linux and Android environments.
• Automate validation of platform utilities, radio configuration, and controller setup workflows, including error handling, recovery, and verification of the resulting system state
• Validate complete ground-side workflows across application interfaces, command-line tools, APIs, vehicle communications, and connected hardware as applicable.
• Integrate automated tests into CI/CD workflows, including environment setup, configuration control, results reporting, and collection of logs and other diagnostic artifacts.
• Partner with developers to define acceptance criteria, identify quality risks, and improve application testability and diagnostic capabilities.
• Investigate failures using application logs, telemetry, system parameters, and communication traces; reproduce defects and support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Maintain test plans, test cases, vali

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UAS and payloads.

Work Environment
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may require occasional travel to other PDW offices, customer sites, and field locations. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

Benefits
PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO locations.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement
PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position will have an annual salary and benefits. The salary range provided is a guideline rather than a fixed limit. Individual pay is determined by factors including geography, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.