{"id":459456,"url":"https://alion.io/job/performance-drone-works-senior-software-qa-engineer","title":"Senior Software QA Engineer","company":{"id":176596,"name":"Performance Drone Works","domain":"pdw.ai","url":"https://alion.io/company/performance-drone-works","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Rippling","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":95,"open_postings":18,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":84,"computed_at":"2026-10-30T05:48:23Z"}},"role":"QA","role_family":"QA","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Huntsville, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":92000,"max_usd":182000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":648},"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"CAPA","optional":false},{"name":"CI/CD","optional":false},{"name":"Human-in-the-Loop","optional":false},{"name":"Linux","optional":false},{"name":"MAVLink","optional":false},{"name":"Playwright","optional":false},{"name":"Pytest","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"QGroundControl","optional":false},{"name":"TestRail","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-07-14T19:41:16Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-07-14","last_verified_at":"2026-10-30T06:54:57Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":107,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":[],"days_open":106},"description":"Company Overview\nPerformance 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.\nYou 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. Weoperateby 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.\nNow,we’reentering a new phase of growth and are looking fora Senior Software QA Engineer to drive validation and quality for the next wave of UAV systems and supporting tool development for our upcoming product lines.\nWhatYou’llDo\nDrive and contribute to the design, implementation, and refinement of QA processes to support high-quality software and system delivery.\nDevelop and execute test strategies across bench, simulation (SITL), and flight test environments, including manual and automated testing, to validate product functionality, performance, and system behavior.\nDefine and execute quality checkpoints across development, integration, and release phases to ensure reliable validation of software and integrated system behavior.\nAnalyze defects, test escapes, and process inefficiencies; perform root cause analysis; and support corrective and preventive actions.\nCollaborate with firmware, ground control, embedded, production, and flight test teams to align on quality goals and resolve issues efficiently.\nCreate and maintain QA documentation, including test plans, test cases, validation procedures, bug reports, and best practices.\nMentor junior QA engineers and share best practices for testing tools, workflows, and methodologies.\nProvide technical input on quality initiatives, release readiness, and validation planning for new features and product updates.\nAcquire and maintain deep system and product expertise, leveraging that knowledge to develop efficient test strategies and provide authoritative input on software release readiness.\nIdentify opportunities to improve QA practices, test coverage, and product reliability by applying current industry practices, test methodologies, and relevant standards.\nRequirements\nStrong command of QA principles and methodologies for software and integrated systems, with the ability to apply consistent and scalable quality standards. \n5+ years of hands-on experience in software QA, systems QA, or embedded/robotic system validation roles, with strong individual technical contribution in complex environments. \nExperience developing and maintaining Python-based test scripts, automation tools, and QA utilities. \nProficient in modern test automation tools such as PyTest, Playwright, or similar, and comfortable building automation for validation, regression, and CI/CD integration. \nExperience using and improving quality tools, test infrastructure, and automated testing frameworks in system-level or embedded environments. \nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis, defect investigation, and validation of complex system behavior. \nExperience reviewing logs, telemetry, and system parameters (e.g., ULog) to diagnose failures and verify expected behavior. \nExperience working in Linux-based environments and contributing to CI/CD workflows and automated test execution. \nExperience with TestRail or similar test management platforms, including test case management and results tracking.\nMust have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.\nPreferred\nHands-on experience with UAV systems, including PX4/QGroundControl-based platforms. \nFamiliarity with MAVLink, SITL, or hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing environments. \nExperience with RF communications, video/FPV systems, or other distributed/real-time systems.\nPhysical Requirements\nThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.\nWork Environment\nThis position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. 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-differential collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.\nBenefits\nPDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:\nComprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.\nSafe Harbor 401(K) with company match.\nPaid Parental Leave.\nOn-site gym at Huntsville, AL & Denver, CO locations. \nEmployer provided life insurance.\nRobust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).\nA work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.\nCompetitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.\nEEO Statement\nPDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. 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