Software Test Engineer

Job Title: Software Test Engineer

Job Description

As a Software Test Engineer, you will design, build, and expand automated test infrastructure for an OTDR development team working on advanced fiber and optical technologies. You will enhance an existing foundation that includes Python/pytest functional tests with Qt Remote Objects bindings, a mature CI/CD pipeline, Docker-based build environments, and both PC Linux and embedded hardware test targets. Your primary focus will be expanding test coverage, improving test reliability, and strengthening pipeline integration while partnering closely with developers to make test automation a first-class deliverable for every epic. In this role, you will lead the automation strategy and practices while collaborating with the broader team, which shares responsibility for overall test coverage.

Responsibilities

• Design, write, maintain, and extend automated functional and integration tests in Python using pytest and the team's Qt Remote Objects test bindings.
• Improve and maintain CI/CD pipeline jobs, including nightly builds, automated test runs, coverage reporting, and embedded hardware test execution.
• Manage and maintain Docker-based test environments to ensure reproducible and consistent PC-side test execution.
• Execute and validate automated tests on both PC Linux and embedded instrument hardware targets.
• Collaborate closely with developers and the Product Owner to define acceptance criteria that are specific, measurable, and automatable.
• Monitor SonarQube coverage metrics, identify gaps in unit test coverage, and clearly communicate improvement needs to the team.
• Maintain clear and up-to-date test documentation in Confluence and keep Jira test plans and test executions current.
• Participate actively in Scrum ceremonies and represent the testing and automation perspective in Sprint Planning and Sprint Review.
• Contribute to refining and enforcing the team's Definition of Done with respect to test coverage and automation requirements.
• Promote best practices in test automation and help embed a quality-first mindset across the development team.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of software test automation experience.
• Strong Python skills, including pytest fixtures, parameterization, conftest organization, and test reporting.
• Hands-on CI/CD experience using tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, or equivalent platforms.
• Proficiency with Linux, including shell scripting, process management, and log analysis.
• Proficiency with Git, including branching strategies, rebasing, and pull request workflows.
• Ability to read and understand C++ code sufficiently to comprehend the system under test, even if not fully fluent.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal, to collaborate effectively with cross-functional team members.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Docker, including image creation, container management, volumes, and networking.
• Familiarity with Qt5, Qt Remote Objects, or QML in a testing or development context.
• Hands-on hardware-in-the-loop testing experience with physical instruments or embedded targets.
• Experience using SonarQube or other code quality and coverage analysis tools.
• Exposure to Google Test or other C++ unit testing frameworks.
• Experience in optical networking, OTDR, or test and measurement equipment.
• Experience working in Scrum or agile software development teams.
• Interest in cutting-edge network, 5G, fiber, and optical technologies and their real-world applications.
• Motivation to grow within an engineer-led, problem-solving culture that supports career mobility and work-life balance.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role within an engineer-led product development environment focused on network, 5G, fiber, and optical technologies used across telecom, aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. You will work closely with a cross-functional Scrum team that values collaboration, clear communication, and shared ownership of quality. The team uses Linux-based systems, Python/pytest, Qt Remote Objects, Docker, CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, or GitHub Actions, Git for version control, and tools like SonarQube, Confluence, and Jira for code quality, documentation, and work tracking. The culture emphasizes practical problem solving, continuous improvement, and a people-first approach that supports long-term growth and work-life balance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Indianapolis,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.