Software Quality Assurance Engineer
The Software Quality Assurance Engineer at Confidential Client is responsible for managing and maintaining a device lab to ensure seamless integration and functionality of DEM software with physical distributed energy devices. This role involves hands-on setup, configuration, and troubleshooting of hardware and network infrastructure, executing manual software tests, and collaborating across teams to support product quality and innovation in energy management solutions. The position requires on-site presence in Liberty Lake, WA, with a focus on enabling remote access for a distributed team and supporting early-stage hardware testing.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring a hands-on Software Quality Assurance Engineer to run and maintain a device lab that validates distributed energy management (DEM) software against physical hardware. This is an on-site/hybrid, full-time role based in Liberty Lake, WA. The position focuses on device setup, network configuration, manual test execution, defect reporting, and enabling remote lab access for a distributed engineering team.
What You’ll Do
- Set up, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory devices (smart thermostats, load control switches, and other distributed energy resources) used to validate DEM software.
- Install and manage supporting network infrastructure (cellular access points, network configuration) to ensure device connectivity.
- Coordinate with IT, networking, security, and cross-functional engineering teams to obtain access and maintain lab readiness.
- Support integration and testing of prototype hardware, including staging early or partially built DER products.
- Enable and maintain remote access (video monitoring, remote power-cycling, remote consoles) so distributed team members can run tests and triage issues.
- Develop and execute manual software test plans, cases, and procedures to validate product functionality and reliability.
- Identify, document, prioritize, and track defects; assist engineering teams with root cause analysis.
- Communicate device availability, testing readiness, maintenance windows, and outage status to stakeholders.
- Participate in sprint planning, feature reviews, and quality discussions to inform testing scope and timelines.
Required Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field — or equivalent experience.
- 0–2 years of professional experience in software quality assurance, testing, or related technical work (includes internships, co-ops, academic projects).
- Experience creating and executing test cases and documenting defects.
- Basic familiarity with Linux and Git.
- Exposure to at least one programming or scripting language.
- Hands-on ability to set up devices, perform wiring/configuration, and troubleshoot hardware/software integration.
- Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
- Effective written and verbal communication; able to coordinate across teams and follow up on dependencies.
- Familiarity with AI-assisted productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, Claude).
- Ability to work on-site a minimum of three days per week; additional on-site presence as needed to support lab operations.
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform frequent bending, squatting, standing, and walking in a lab environment.
- Travel: 1–10%.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Exposure to REST API testing tools and methodologies.
- Familiarity with Agile development practices.
- Experience with Docker, containerization, or virtualized test environments.
- Knowledge of cloud platforms (Microsoft Azure or AWS).
- Familiarity with IoT, cellular/wireless networking, or connected-device networking concepts.
- Experience with integrated hardware/software systems.
- Exposure to distributed energy resources (DERs), smart grid technologies, or energy management solutions.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range (Liberty Lake, WA): $60,000 – $115,000 per year.
Confidential Client offers a competitive benefits package including health and wellbeing programs, paid time off, 401(k) matching, employee stock purchase program, and a hybrid work schedule.
Location & Logistics
- Work location: Liberty Lake, WA (on-site minimum three days/week; hybrid flexibility as needed).
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Physical requirements: ability to lift up to 40 lbs and perform routine physical tasks in a lab environment.
- Travel: Minimal (1–10%).
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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