Software QA Automation Engineer I

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary
The Software QA Automation Engineer I is an entry-level position for an individual who is motivated to design and implement automated solutions for software validation. This role regularly collaborates with development teams while also operating with a strong degree of autonomy once trained.

Position Responsibilities

• Participate in the design, expansion, and maintenance of the automated test suite.
• Assist in defining and planning the scope, resource needs, and goals of manual and automated testing.
• Help define and implement QA practices, procedures, standards, and reporting.
• Learn to identify and document project risks, quantify risk/benefit trade-offs, and propose alternative solutions and mitigation strategies.
• Work closely with senior QA automation engineers to design test plans, scenarios, and test cases to exercise new functionality and identify defects.
• Develop and maintain automated test scripts and tools to support regression and system-level testing.
• Partner with cross-functional resources as needed to validate software against project timelines and requirements.
• Work closely with QA/QC team members to learn concepts, methodologies, and best practices.
• Work on problems of limited scope under general supervision.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 1–3 years of relevant QA, test engineering, or related experience (internships/co‑ops acceptable).
• Exposure to automated test frameworks or CI tools is a plus.
• Experience with C++ and/or C# is a plus.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and a methodical, process-oriented approach to testing.
• Hands-on experience with Linux and Windows environments.
• Familiarity with Docker (e.g., running containers, basic troubleshooting).
• Basic scripting experience, preferably in Python.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word for test documentation and reporting.
• Ability to work effectively in a lab environment (hardware/software integration, equipment handling).
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn from more senior team members.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for work products.
• Committed to learning from mistakes and improving the performance of oneself, others, and the company.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and R&D/lab environment (constant).
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other lab/office equipment (frequent).
• Ability to safely handle and work around lab equipment, cabling, and test setups.

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:
$82,000 - $116,025

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: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com 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. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.