Software Test Lead

Stafford, VA

Full Time

C4ISR Systems

Experienced

Job ID: 9746
Date Posted: October 14, 2026

Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking innovations! We are seeking a Mid-Level Software Test Engineer that has demonstrated experience in designing, developing, and executing software test plans and procedures. This position is embedded with our government sponsor. The selected candidate will work closely with Government Test and Evaluation staff and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Provides technical leadership and oversight for the verification and validation of integrated hardware and software systems
Reviews and evaluates test strategies, test plans, test procedures, test cases, and test results to ensure testing adequately verifies system requirements and acceptance criteria
Assess test evidence and provides technical recommendations regarding whether systems and software meet established requirements and are ready for customer acceptance and operational use
Reviews systems, software, interface, and operational requirements for clarity, completeness, testability, and traceability
Maintains traceability between requirements, test procedures, test results, defects, and acceptance criteria to ensure comprehensive verification of delivered capabilities
Develops and continually improves system, integration, regression, and acceptance testing approaches, including automated testing where appropriate
Evaluates testing from an end-user perspective to ensure hardware and software capabilities support operational workflows and intended mission use
Identifies, investigates, documents, and manages defects and discrepancies; assess their technical and operational impact; and verifies appropriate corrective actions and regression testing
Develops risk-based test strategies that balance technical rigor, program priorities, system maturity, and release schedules across multiple capabilities and software releases
Coordinates test activities among Government stakeholders, development teams, system integrators, third-party test organizations, and operational users
Identifies gaps in test coverage, environments, procedures, data, requirements and recommend actions necessary to adequately verify system performance
Provides program leadership with clear assessments of test status, unresolved deficiencies, technical risks, and system readiness
Develops and implements new test methodologies and tools for emerging technologies and evolving hardware/software architectures
Mentors and provides technical directions to engineers, technicians, student employees, and other personnel supporting test and independent verification and validation activities

Required Qualifications:

Bachelors in a STEM field or equivalent (5) years of related experience
5 or more years of professional experience as a software test engineer, software test automation engineer, or other engineering role
- 10 years of relevant experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree + 5 years of experience
Working knowledge of Linux, Windows
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and with team members
DoW security clearance
U.S. citizenship

Preferred Qualifications:

Masters in a STEM field
Experience in an Agile software development environment
Experience implementing software test in a CI/CD software development environment
Leadership experience in testing software, software test automation, and software test documentation
Experience with Digital Engineering tools
Experience leading small teams
TS security clearance

Salary Range

$95,000 - $140,000
- Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 7 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

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