Entry Level Qa Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Worker Type

Job Description

Position Overview
AV's Titan Division is seeking a T1 Software Quality Assurance Engineer to join the Software QA team. This entry-level position will play a critical role in ensuring the quality and reliability of Titan's Counter-UAS (C-UAS) drone detection capabilities through comprehensive testing, validation, and continuous improvement processes.
The ideal candidate will work closely with other members of the QA team as well as software development, AI/ML, and field operations teams to design and execute test plans, perform regression testing, conduct field testing activities, and ensure mission-critical systems meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
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Key Responsibilities
Testing & Validation
Design, develop, and execute detailed test plans and test cases for Titan C-UAS software features and releases
Define test cases, write acceptance criteria, and benchmark performance metrics for software features
Conduct manual and automated testing activities including functional, regression, integration, and user acceptance testing (UAT)
Perform end-of-cycle release testing to validate software quality before deployment
Execute white-box and black-box testing methodologies to ensure comprehensive coverage
Defect & Project Management
Use Jira to report, track, and update bugs, defects, and features throughout the development lifecycle
Document and manage test cases, acceptance criteria, and performance benchmarks in Jira
Write clear, concise technical documentation and standard operating procedures
Ensure thorough regression testing when bugs are resolved
Field Testing & Operations
Conduct field testing activities on a rotating schedule at outdoor locations, working closely with the field operation team to validate system performance in real-world conditions
Swap field testing duties with another QA team member to maintain consistent coverage
Operate and troubleshoot hardware during field tests to ensure end-to-end quality control
Prepare detailed field test reports with data, observations, and actionable insights for stakeholders
Agile Collaboration & Communication
Participate actively in Agile workflow meetings, including sprint kick-off meetigns, backlog grooming sessions, daily check-ins, and sprint retrospectives
Present QA findings, test results, and sprint goals during team meetings to stakeholders
Collaborate with software developers, AI/ML engineers, and the field operations team to identify system requirements, troubleshoot issues, and align testing priorities
Work with AI/ML team to validate and test detection classifiers
Work with business development teams to ensure customer satisfaction and gather real-world use-case understanding
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Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
Technical Skills
Strong knowledge of software QA methodologies, tools, and testing processes
Proficiency with Jira for bug tracking, defect management, and project workflow
Proficiency with command-line interface, particularly Linux/Ubuntu
Experience writing clear and comprehensive test plans, test cases, and acceptance criteria
Solid understanding of both software and hardware systems
Knowledge of scripting languages (Python preferred)
Familiarity with bug tracking tools and version control systems (Git/GitHub)
Professional Experience
Experience with manual and/or automated testing
Understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Agile workflows
Hands-on experience with test validation, verification, and bug tracking
Experience participating in Agile methodologies
Soft Skills & Attributes
Strong problem-solving and debugging capabilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in cross-functional teams
Willingness to conduct outdoor field testing in various weather conditions
Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and accuracy
Comfortable working with diverse teams at a fast-paced rate
Adaptable in uncertain and dynamic environments
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Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience with defense industry software QA testing
Hands-on experience with automated testing tools (e.g., Playwright, Python scripts, etc.)
Familiarity with API testing tools (e.g., Postman)
Knowledge of UI/UX testing and Chrome DevTools
Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments on mission-critical or defense systems
Exposure to AI/ML model testing or validation
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Security Clearance
U.S. Citizenship required

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

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