Software QA Automation Engineer, II

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Software QA Automation Engineer II designs automated solutions to systematically verify mission systems software and helps maintain robust test infrastructure. In this role, one regularly collaborates with the development team and the system test team while operating with a good degree of autonomy. Position Responsibilities: Participates in the design, expansion and maintenance of the automated test suite and frameworks (e.g., Xray) Contributes to isolated component , sub-system, and automated system tests; reviews system requirements and supports system test plans, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) regressions, and engineering flight tests Defines and plan scope, resource needs, benchmarks and goals of manual & automation work Applies QA practices, procedures, standards and reporting Supports the bug reporting and review process; helps identify and track software risks Identifies project risks, quantify risk/benefit relationships and provide alternative solutions as well as risk mitigation Designs test plans, scenarios and cases to exercise new functionality & identify breaking issues Analyzes, designs, programs, debugs, and modifies test software and automation for embedded, networked, and mission systems software Partners with resources as needed to validate software with project time line Mentors entry level team members on QA/QC concepts, methodologies and best practices Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience): Bachelor's degree in related discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Minimum 2 - 5 years of relevant experience Familiarity with one or more of C/C++, Python, C# .NET, or Java; object-oriented design experience is a plus Experienced in Software QA automation Experience building or contributing to automation frameworks (e.g., Xray or similar), with scripting in Python or similar Comfortable working in Linux and with source control / CI pipelines (e.g., GitLab) Experienced performing code reviews and mentoring team members on automation concepts and best practices Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S. (20%) Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies: Developing professional expertise , applies company policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues Champions quality by forging influential relationships across QA, development, product, DevOps, and system test teams Exposure to embedded, robotics, UAS, or other safety- or mission-critical software is a plus Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments and lab hardware is a plus Embraces AI-assisted development and test tools to accelerate automation and related engineering work Demonstrates strong debugging / problem resolution skills, and competency in multitasking and handling multiple time critical issues / projects simultaneously Demonstrates passion to continuously improve and execute tests for a faster and higher quality result Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company Has effective interpersonal and communication skills Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests Physical Demands: Ability to work in an office and R&D environment (Constant) Required to sit and stand for long periods ; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) Special Requirements: U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder ) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required . Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S. Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $79,037 - $120,531 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: . We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.