Test Engineer
Brandes Associates Inc.About the role
Overview
BAI, a defense contractor, is seeking a Test Engineer Journeyman with 3+ years of experience who will directly support research and development projects by developing, coordinating, and executing testing activities for hardware and software systems at Naval Base Point Mugu, Ca. This role includes hands-on testing, system validations, and troubleshooting to ensure software and hardware components meet operational and cybersecurity requirements. The position supports critical program milestones, including system integration, interoperability, and cyber accreditation efforts to meet Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and Full Operational Capability (FOC) requirements.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in requirements decomposition and test plan design, software/hardware testing methodologies, issue resolution, and compliance with technical standards such as NIST RMF, DoD interoperability guidelines, and Naval-specific systems operational mandates. Opportunities for career advancement, excellent benefits and long-term stability are some of the advantages of our growing, employee-focused company.
Salary
The typical annual salary range for this position is $80,000.00 USD to $115,000.00 USD. Salary will be based on current qualifications, directly related experience, geographic location, and possible contractual requirements which could fall outside of this range.
Responsibilities
Test Plan Development
- Develop detailed Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP) and system-level test plans to define scope, approach, resources, schedules, and criteria for validating software and hardware systems
- Create and refine procedures for both formal and informal test events across the product lifecycle, including functional, performance, and cybersecurity testing requirements
- Define test entry, exit, and success criteria tied to program deliverables and customer expectations
- Work with technical writers to build and maintain requirements traceability matrices (RTM) linking developmental specifications to test plans, procedures, and results
- Collaborate with engineers to identify and eliminate test coverage gaps
Hands-On Testing and Execution
- Conduct hands-on testing of integrated software and hardware systems, including functions, interfaces, and end-to-end performance in labs (simulated conditions) and on the range
- Test sensor and communications components for reliability, latency, and interoperability
- Execute manual and automated tests on software systems, ensuring functionality, cybersecurity compliance, and accuracy against requirements
- Specifically validate software readiness to support sensors and systems, hybrid cloud architectures, and secure communication protocols
- Design and execute automated test scripts using tools such as Selenium, LabVIEW, Python, or equivalent
- Create frameworks to improve regression and performance testing capabilities
- Verify seamless integration of hardware and software, ensuring interoperability with existing DoD range systems, emerging digital ecosystems, and cybersecurity accreditations
- Provide hands-on support to address evolving issues during integration phases
Defect Identification, Troubleshooting, and Reporting
- Document and track defects in issue-tracking systems (e.g., JIRA), prioritize findings, and collaborate with development teams to remediate identified issues
- Conduct root-cause analysis and propose corrective actions at both design and execution levels
- Draft and deliver clear, detailed test reports summarizing outcomes, anomalies, and recommendations, tailored for government stakeholders and contractors
- Provide analysis of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and integrate feedback into system improvements
Compliance and Risk Management
- Conduct validation activities necessary to meet Risk Management Framework (RMF) and NIST SP 800-53 control requirem
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