Software Test Engineer
Natera
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (with flexibility to meet operational needs), on-site or hybrid (minimum 2d per week onsite)
Location: On-Site in Boulder, CO (Foresight Dx business unit, a Natera company)
Foresight Diagnostics is a molecular diagnostics company pioneering non-invasive cancer detection through highly sensitive, cell-free DNA-based liquid biopsy technologies. Our proprietary methods - originally developed at Stanford University - are designed to detect smaller tumors earlier and enable more personalized treatment strategies for patients with cancer.
We sit at the intersection of molecular biology, bioinformatics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS), and we translate rigorous science into clinically meaningful solutions. Following our acquisition by Natera, we now combine the agility of a mission-driven startup with the scale and resources of a global leader in cell-free DNA testing. It’s an exciting moment to join us.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, our team operates in a high accountability, collaborative environment where quality and continuous improvement aren’t just values - they’re how we work every day.
What You Will Do:
Design, develop, and execute test cases based on software requirements, functional specifications, and user needs for laboratory systems
Perform manual and/or automated testing to validate software functionality, data integrity, and workflow performance in a CLIA-regulated environment
Partner closely with laboratory operations teams to understand end-to-end workflows and translate them into effective test scenarios
Identify, document, and track software defects; collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues
Support validation and verification activities for new software releases, system upgrades, and process changes in accordance with CLIA, CAP, NYSDOH, and internal quality standards
Ensure traceability between requirements, test cases, and validation documentation
Participate in risk assessments and impact analyses related to software changes affecting laboratory operations
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of software testing strategies, SOPs, and documentation practices
Support audits and inspections by maintaining clear, thorough, and compliant testing documentation
Act as a quality advocate, ensuring software supports accurate, reliable, and timely patient testing results
Partner with Operational Excellence to align test strategies with process design, workflow optimization, and scalability initiatives.
Provide input into system requirements and user stories based on laboratory workflow expertise and testing insights.
Support critical feedback loops to ensure continuous improvements to software systems.
Support change management efforts by assessing downstream operational impact of software releases and enhancements.
What You Will Bring:
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics) or related field, or equivalent experience
2+ years of experience in software testing, quality assurance, or validation, preferably in a regulated environment
Familiarity with NGS workflows and/or clinical laboratory operations (CLIA, CAP, or equivalent)
Experience writing and executing test cases based on requirements and specifications
Strong attention to detail and ability to identify edge cases and failure modes
Excellent documentation skills with a focus on clarity, completeness, and compliance
Demonstrated ability to translate complex operational workflows into structured test scenarios and validation strategies.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience testing LIMS, LIS, or other laboratory software systems
Knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and validation frameworks (e.g., CSV, GxP)
Experience working in high-complexity molecular diagnostics or MRD testing environments
Familiarity with data validation, NGS file formats (e.g., FASTQ, BAM, VCF), and/or bioinformatics pipelines
Exposure to test automation tools or scripting (e.g., Python, SQL)
Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, bioinformatics, and quality teams
Exposure to regulated change control processes and software impact assessments in regulated environments.
Key Competencies
Quality Mindset: Operates with a strong understanding of regulated environments and the importance of compliance, accuracy, and reproducibility
Attention to Detail: Able to rigorously evaluate software behavior and identify subtle defects or inconsistencies
Problem Solving: Approaches issues methodically, with a focus on root cause analysis and practical solutions
Systems Thinking: Understands how software, workflows, and laboratory operations interconnect and impact one another across the full testing lifecycle.
Operational Acumen: Demonstrates awareness of real-world laboratory constraints, throughput considerations, and process dependencies.
Collaboration: Works effectively across technical and non-technical teams to drive outcomes
Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting priorities
Compensation & Total Rewards
This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.
This position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera’s robust Total Rewards program, including:
- Annual performance incentive bonus
- Long-term equity awards
- Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous paid time off and company holidays
- Additional wellness and work-life benefits
Compensation Range
$111,600.00 - $125,000.00
OUR OPPORTUNITY
Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.
The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!
For more information, visit www.natera.com.
Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.
If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents.
Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/
Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.
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