Independent Contractor Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Alabama

DESE Research, Inc. is seeking an experienced QA Automation Engineer to support mission-critical software development efforts in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment. This role requires experience with software quality assurance, automated testing, and software verification, along with a passion for improving software quality through repeatable testing methodologies. If you meet these qualifications, we encourage you to apply!

The candidate will support the sustainment and enhancement of an existing software baseline for a complex defense system, with primary responsibility for developing and maintaining automated testing solutions that improve software quality and reliability. The successful candidate will work closely with software engineers, systems engineers, and DevOps personnel to develop repeatable testing processes that integrate into daily build and regression testing activities.

This role includes reviewing existing unit tests, identifying gaps in software test coverage, developing automated test cases, supporting regression testing, and helping establish repeatable software verification practices. The candidate will contribute to the development of automated testing frameworks and processes that improve software confidence while supporting ongoing software development and modernization efforts.

A successful candidate will possess strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, demonstrate attention to detail, communicate effectively with technical teams and customers, and thrive in a collaborative engineering environment.

• Develop, maintain, and execute automated software test suites
• Review existing unit tests and evaluate software test coverage
• Develop new automated unit tests to improve software quality and reliability
• Support regression testing during daily software build and integration activities
• Analyze test failures, identify root causes, and work with software engineers to resolve defects
• Develop and maintain repeatable software verification processes and testing documentation
• Collaborate with Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, and DevOps teams to improve software quality and test automation
• Support continuous integration and automated testing activities
• Generate quality metrics, testing evidence, and defect trend reportingContribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on software reliability, automation, and long-term sustainment

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Experience developing or maintaining automated software tests or test frameworks
• Experience with software verification, validation, and regression testing
• Experience troubleshooting software defects and analyzing test results
• Understanding of software development lifecycle processes and software quality assurance principles
• Experience working within collaborative software development teams
• Ability to work independently while supporting a customer-facing engineering environment
• Active Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one

• Experience developing unit tests for C++ applications
• Familiarity with Ada software environments
• Experience integrating automated testing into CI/CD or daily build environments
• Experience with test automation frameworks and scripting languages
• Experience with code coverage tools, static analysis, or software quality metrics
• Experience supporting complex real-time, embedded, or defense software systems
• Familiarity with Agile software development methodologies

• Competitive health, dental and vision insurance with affordable premiums
• Flexible work schedules
• Two different flexible spending account options
• Company paid life insurance with options for employee-paid additional coverage
• Performance bonus program
• Education reimbursement program
• Company paid personal leave for approved philanthropic activities
• Vacation, Sick & Holiday leave
• Robust 401(k) profit-sharing plan
• Opportunities for internal promotions
• Employee referral incentive program
• Rewards and gifts for service anniversaries

DESE Research, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and need an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hrandsecurity@dese.com or 256‑837‑8004 x123.