Senior Systems Test & Validation Engineer (12 month FTC)

An Amazing Career Opportunity for a Senior Systems Test & Validation Engineer !! 12-month Fixed Term Contract Location : Durban, South Africa Job ID: 48932 As a Senior Systems QA Engineer within HID’s Physical Access Control Solutions (PACS) business area, you will play a key role in validating the integration and performance of end-to-end physical access systems. These systems span authentication credentials and services (including mobile), authentication devices, access control hardware, and system management platforms. Do you enjoy working at the intersection of hardware, software, App, and real-world user experience? Are you passionate about uncovering how complex systems behave in the hands of actual users—not just in theory, but through hands-on validation and data-driven insight? If so, we want to hear from you! Who are we? HID powers the trusted identities of the world’s people, places, and things, allowing people to transact safely, work productively and travel freely. We are a high-tech software company headquartered in Austin, TX, with over 4,500 worldwide employees. Check us out here: and Physical Access Control Solutions (PACS): HID Physical Access Control Solutions (PACS) is at the forefront of securing spaces with advanced, reliable access control solutions. From cutting-edge readers, credentials and controllers, to mobile and biometric technologies, HID PACS empowers organizations worldwide to protect their people, property and assets with scalable, high-quality solutions. This is more than just a job – it’s your chance to join an industry leader to drive innovation in access control and make a real impact on global security solutions. Are you ready to make a difference? Join us and help shape the future of security. As our Senior Systems QA Engineer , you’ll support HID’s success by: Integrating all aspects of HID’s PACS portfolio and reporting on overall system performance, stability, and user experience. Maintaining and evolving the Systems/Solution lab to support 24/7 operation, including integration of new products and upgrades into the solution test bench. Operating within a lab-first Systems QA team, supporting hands-on UX validation, shared test environments, and automation setups. Researching, planning, and executing system-level test plans and test runs to validate performance and key non-functional requirements. Designing and implementing test solutions with an understanding of how individual components integrate into the full system. Defining test entry criteria and identifying real-world use cases for effective UX validation. Actively considering overall system behavior and user experience during test planning. Collaborating with stakeholders to define objectives and develop viable validation strategies. Reviewing program plans, product specifications, defect reports, and requirements to continuously improve the system test environment. Running baseline exercises to collect performance and reliability data. Analyzing customer issues and supporting defect triage activities. Analyzing test data to verify that solutions meet functional and performance requirements and producing clear test reports for stakeholders. Ensuring availability of test samples and equipment to support execution of planned test activities. Applying a range of testing techniques to identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement. Investigating gaps in current test processes and contributing to improvements. Supporting test-driven development (TDD) practices and validating test plans with stakeholders. Promoting a shift-left approach by identifying UX and system issues early in the development lifecycle. Contributing to system-level, interoperability, stress, and reliability testing activities. Performing both manual and automated testing, including development of automation tools and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) setups. Participating in regular program updates, reporting on test planning, scope, and status. Partnering with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and clarify requirements. Supporting PACS development roadmap initiatives and associated value streams. Participating in Agile/SAFe ceremonies and contributing to planning, execution, and reporting activities across value streams. Working primarily in a hands-on lab and office environment, supporting system integration, testing, and validation activities. Occasional travel and fieldwork, including potential international travel. Your Experience and Background include: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an equivalent qualification. Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in software testing, with a focus on UX/UAT validation. ISTQB CTFL certification or equivalent UX/UAT testing certification (highly desirable). SAFe for Teams (SP) certification and/or other Agile certifications (e.g., Scrum, Kanban), with experience working in Agile/SAFe delivery environments (highly desirable). Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to clearly gather, analyze, and report on system performance and test outcomes. Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, standards, and documentation. Communicates well and capable of delivering feedback to peers and their manager. Demonstrates that all assumptions are vetted before work starts to reduce the need for re-work, when given a task with unclear requirements. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams including engineering scrum teams & embedded QA, product management, and other stakeholders. Core Systems & UX Testing Experience: Experience in User Experience (UX) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT), particularly for mobile applications integrated with physical products in real-world environments. System-level testing experience across hardware, firmware, mobile applications, and cloud platforms. Technology Stack & Tools Experience: Hands-on experience with automation frameworks, embedded development, and programming languages such as C#, Python, C, C++, XAML, NodeJS or similar Experience using test automation tools such as Appium, Selenium, Python or similar. Experience with application development environments (e.g., .NET, Visual Studio, Arduino IDE, VS Code) Experience with code repository and artifact management tools (e.g., Git, Bitbucket, Nexus, SonarQube or similar) Experience with defect tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence or similar) Experience with test management tools (e.g., TestRail or similar) Experience with visual collaboration tools (e.g., Miro or similar) Experience with data analytics and visualization tools (e.g., Oracle Analytics, Grafana, Mixpanel or similar) Experience with API testing and scripting using tools such as Postman (desirable) Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). AI & Modern Engineering Practices: Hands-on experience with AI tools and agentic AI workflows (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Microsoft Copilot, Cursor, Claude or similar) to support software development, coding, analysis, reporting, documentation, and spec-driven development practices. Systems, Platforms & Protocols: Experience working with operating systems such as macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Knowledge of databases such as SQL, Firebase, or similar. Experience with wired and wireless technologies and protocols such as BLE, NFC, UWB, TCP/IP, HTTP, MQTT, OSDP, RS-485. Hardware-related experience: Comfortable working with physical hardware, test environments, and system setup including wiring, configuration, and troubleshooting. Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams and installation manuals. Hands-on experience with lab equipment (power supplies, multimeters) and embedded/automation hardware (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, sensors, motors, or similar). What we can offer you: Competitive salary and rewards package. Competitive benefits and annual leave offering, allowing for work-life balance. A vibrant, welcoming & inclusive culture. Extensive career development opportunities and resources to maximize your potential. To be a part of a global organization that is pioneering the hardware, software and services that allow people to confidently navigate the physical and digital worlds. Why apply? Empowerment: You’ll work as part of a global team in a flexible work environment, learning and enhancing your expertise. We welcome an opportunity to meet you and learn about your unique unique talents, skills, and experiences. You don’t need to check all the boxes. If you have most of the skills and experience, we want you to apply. Innovation: You embrace challenges and want to drive change. You'll have opportunities to share insights and contribute forward-thinking ideas that shape future outcomes. Integrity: You are results-orientated, reliable, and straightforward and value being treated accordingly. We want all our employees to be themselves, to feel appreciated and accepted. HID does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. We are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. HID is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce that reflects the global communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a workplace that empowers everyone to thrive and be their authentic selves, fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity. If you have a disability and require assistance or accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact . Immigration Sponsorship Not Available Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to reside and work in the hiring country. HID Global will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position. International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the hiring country will not be considered. EE candidates will be given preference We are committed to Employment Equity and diversity. In line with our Employment Equity Plan, preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups. At times, HID may use AI-assisted technology to help our Talent Acquisition team review applications by identifying job-related qualifications, skills, and experience in résumés and comparing them with the requirements of the role. The technology supports recruiter review but does not make hiring decisions. A member of our Talent Acquisition team reviews each application before any selection decision is made. Information processed by the tool is deleted once the recruiter's review is complete. We make it easier for people to get where they want to go! On an average day, think of how many times you tap, twist, tag, push or swipe to get access, find information, connect with others or track something. HID technology is behind billions of interactions, in more than 100 countries. We help you create a verified, trusted identity that can get you where you need to go – without having to think about it. When you join our HID team, you’ll also be part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, the global leader in access solutions. You’ll have 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions – supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally. As we welcome new people on board, it’s important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences. #LI-HIDGlobal