Brandes Associates Inc.→
Test Engineer at Brandes Associates Inc. in Point Mugu, CA
Skills
Job Description
Overview
BAI, a defense contractor, is seeking a Test Engineer 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 requirements
- Support the generation and testing of system security artifacts, validating maturity levels needed for Authority to Operate (ATO)
- Ensure all test activities align with program SOW requirements, technical reviews, and technical data deliverables (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR)
Qualifications
- 3–10 years of experience in hardware and software testing, including hands-on execution and test documentation
- Hands-on testing experience with embedded systems, communications systems, radar infrastructure, and telemetry systems
- Strong familiarity with test management tools (e.g., JIRA, TestRail) and version control systems (e.g., Git)
- Experience in designing and conducting complex test scenarios, including validation against Navy-specific requirements for systems interoperability
- Working knowledge of applicable DoD standards, such as RMF, system STIGs, and Zero Trust security principles
- Proficient with manual and automated testing methods for hardware and software integration environments
Desired Qualifications
Certifications:
- (Desired) ISTQB Certified Tester, Security+, CEH, or CISSP certifications
- Familiarity with Agile methodologies and DevSecOps pipelines
- Experience in DoD Programs
- Contributions to Navy testing programs or DoD systems engineering – a strong advantage
- Understanding of range architecture (Desiredc), instrumentation design, and data flow systems
EDUCATION
Degree: BS or Ba in in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a relevant technical discipline
ALLOWABLE SUBSTITUTION: An additional 6 years of relevant work experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree, or 4 additional years of work experience with a relevant associate degree.
CLEARANCE – SECRET
Condition of Employment: Applicant must be able to be found eligible and sustain an active DoD SECRET Clearance. The applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to controlled and classified information.
CITIZENSHIP
The applicant must have US citizenship at the time of application.
BAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other non-merit based factors made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.