**Worker Type** Regular **Job Description** **Summary** The Software QA Automation Engineer III designs automated solutions to systematically verify mission systems software and maintain robust test infrastructure. In this role, one regularly collaborates with the development team and the system test team, while operating with a large degree of autonomy. **Position Responsibilities:** + Participates in the design, expansion and maintenance of the automated test suite and frameworks (e.g., Xray) + Owns isolatedcomponent, sub-system, and automated system tests; reviews system requirements and co-authors system test plans, and supports hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) regressions and engineering flight tests + Defines and plan scope, resource needs,benchmarksand goals of manual & automation work + Defines and implement QA practices, procedures,standardsand reporting + Supports the bug reporting and review process; contributes to software risk identification, tracking, and mitigation + Identifiesproject risks, quantify risk/benefit relationships and provide alternative solutions as well as risk mitigation + Designs test plans,scenariosand cases to exercise new functionality & identify breaking issues + Analyzes, designs, programs, debugs, andmodifiestest software and automation for embedded, networked, and mission systems software + Partners with resources as needed tovalidatesoftware with projecttime line + Mentors less experienced team members on QA/QC concepts,methodologiesand best practices + Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors + Other duties as assigned **Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):** + Bachelor's degree in related discipline isrequiredor equivalent combination of education, training, and experience + Minimum 5 - 8 years of relevant experience + Proficiencyin one or more of C/C++, Python, C# .NET, or Java; object-oriented design experience is a plus + Experienced in Software QA automation + Experienced in building andoptimizingautomation frameworks (e.g., Xray or similar), with scripting in Python or similar + Comfortable working in Linux and with source control / CI pipelines (e.g., GitLab) + Experienced performing code reviews and mentoring team members on automation concepts and best practices + Occasionally may berequiredto travel within the Continental U.S. (20%) **Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:** + Champions quality by forging influential relationships across QA, development, product, DevOps, and system test teams + Experience testing embedded, robotics, UAS, or other safety- or mission-critical software is a strong plus + Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments and lab hardware is a plus + Embraces AI-assisted development and test tools to accelerate automation and related engineering work + Demonstrates strong debugging / problem resolution skills, and competency in multitasking and handling multiple time critical issues / projects simultaneously + Demonstrates passion to continuously improve and execute tests for a faster and higher quality result + Is an experienced professional with a full understanding of area of specialization; resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways + Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions + Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties + Displays strong initiative and drive toaccomplishgoals and meet company objectives + Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products + Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company + Has effective interpersonal and communication skills + Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests **Physical Demands:** + Ability to work in an office and R&D environment (Constant) + Required to sit and stand forlong periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers tooperatea computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) **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 berequiredto travel within the Continental U.S. **Clearance Level** Secret The salary range for this role is: $100,500 - $153,250 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