Staff Software Systems Engineer

At Arete, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

We are seeking a Staff Software Systems Engineer with a strong focus on test automation to join our team. This role involves designing, developing, and executing automated test scripts, managing test plans, and ensuring software quality across multiple releases. The ideal candidate will have experience in Python scripting, test frameworks, and integration with CI/CD pipelines, as well as excellent documentation and troubleshooting skills. This is an exempt, non-supervisory, full-time position based in our Falls Church, VA office.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Health & Wellness:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan Contributions
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Continuing Education Assistance

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (required skills):

• Holds Top Secret clearance with SCI.
• Create and maintain detailed software documentation, including release notes, user guides, training materials, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Develop comprehensive test plans and procedures that can be executed by novice users.
• Ensure all necessary data and resources are available for testing; manage data keys and training datasets.
• Execute all phases and types of testing, including manual and automated: o User story testing
  • End-to-end testing
  • Regression testing
  • Performance testing
• Design and implement automated test scripts in Python and integrate automated test suites into pull requests using Squish (training provided).
• Document findings, generate test reports, and present results to stakeholders.
• Track and manage all internal and external bugs and defect reports.
• Troubleshoot software failures in collaboration with a diverse team of engineers and technicians.
• Partner with software developers and internal stakeholders to plan, coordinate, and execute testing and release efforts.
• Degree background Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields.
  • 5+ yrs. experience with BS/BA
  • 3+ yrs. experience with MS/MA
  • 0+ yrs. experience with PhD

Nice to Have (preferred skills):

• Experience with Squish or similar GUI test automation tools.
• Knowledge of test frameworks.
• Familiarity with Agile development and DevSecOps practices.
• Experience with performance testing tools and metrics-driven QA processes.

The salary range for this role is $120,000 to $135,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

Arete is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.

Arete is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Arete will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Arete Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.