Senior Analyst, Technical Quality Assurance

The incumbent will support SES in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of systems that support the satellite fleet and ground station network. This role focuses on system validation and quality assurance across platforms, terminals, and satellite communications. While software development skills are minimal, the candidate must demonstrate strong testing expertise, system-level thinking, and a proactive approach to quality engineering.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Review requirements and specifications to define test conditions and acceptance criteria
• Develop and execute detailed test plans, test cases, and test scripts for software, platform, and system-level testing
• Perform functional, integration, regression, and performance testing across terminals, platforms, and satellite systems
• Conduct lab-based testing of SES platform components and satellite gateways, including setup, validation, fault injection, and interoperability checks
• Identify, document, and track software/system defects and inconsistencies through structured testing cycles
• Analyse test results, logs, and telemetry data, and provide detailed quality reports and metrics to stakeholders
• Utilise Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) and Test-Driven Development (TDD) methodologies where applicable
• Implement automated testing using either script or programming language where applicable
• Participate in code and test artifact reviews, offering feedback on design quality, test coverage, and maintainability
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, engineering practices, and internal quality benchmarks
• Continuously improve QA practices, test automation coverage, and system validation processes
• Participate actively in Agile ceremonies: sprint planning, daily stand-ups, retrospectives, and backlog grooming
• Estimate QA efforts and perform risk analysis for quality delivery in cross-functional projects
• Support system integration, validation, and transition into operations, ensuring operational readiness
• Leverage CI/CD pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI, Jenkins) to automate test execution and reporting
• Perform other QA-related tasks as required

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work in an agile, fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to understand and analyse the interactions between subsystems (e.g., payload, ground segment, TT&C, software, RF, etc.) within a satellite ecosystem
• Sense of ownership and accountability for system quality and validation outcomes
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills for complex, multi-system environments
• Detail-oriented, with a methodical approach to testing and documentation
• Team collaboration skills; able to work cross-functionally with engineering, product, and operations
• Self-motivated with a "doer mentality" and willingness to take initiative without supervision
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail, analytical troubleshooting and a commitment to system quality

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field
• Proven experience as a QA Analyst, System Validator, or similar role in telecom, aerospace, satellite, or embedded domains
• Strong knowledge of QA methodologies, end to end testing practices, tools, and industry standards.
• Experience with interface control documents (ICDs), data flows, and integration points between hardware and software components.
• Experience with UI testing tools/frameworks is beneficial but not core.
• Exposure to AI-driven testing tools and AI techniques (e.g., test case generation, defect prediction) is a plus.
• Familiarity with BDD and TDD methodologies.
• Experience working with:
  • Linux-based systems and platforms
  • Databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, NoSQL)
  • Programming language (e.g. Golang, Java, Python or C#) when automating tests using any BDD framework (e.g. godog, Cucumber, JBehave, etc)
  • Communication interfaces: Kafka, REST, gRPC, TCP/IP
  • Containerized environments (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Cloud orchestration tools (e.g. Azure – desirable)
• Knowledge about Chaos Testing is a plus
• Knowledge about Fuzzy Testing is a plus
• Knowledge about Observability is a plus
• Certification in software testing (e.g., ISTQB) is a plus.
• Experience with Agile development processes and CI/CD environments.

US ONLY

The salary range for this full-time position is $120k- $160k + bonus  + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the target salary for new hires in McLean, VA. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. We understand market salaries can evolve and we are conscious that sometimes these will be open to review.