Freelance Software Test & Quality Assurance Engineer (Defence Sector)

Contract Duration: 6‑month initial engagement
Location: South Bavaria (on‑site), with remote work possible for documentation & reviews
 

Role Overview

Our client in the defence industry is seeking an experienced Freelance Software Test and Quality Assurance Engineer to support validation and verification activities for embedded, automation, and industrial control systems.

The role is highly software‑centric, involving C++ software deployment onto machines, functional and protocol‑level testing, analysis of communication logs, and the creation of formal test documentation consistent with defence‑sector quality standards.

You will work on‑site in South Bavaria for hands‑on testing activities, while documentation, reporting, and review work may be performed remotely.

Key Responsibilities

Software Testing & Verification

• Deploy, configure, and integrate C++ software builds onto hardware systems and automation platforms.
• Execute functional, integration, and system‑level tests for embedded and automation systems within a defence environment.
• Perform V&V activities following structured test methodologies (e.g., ISTQB, military standards, or V‑Model frameworks).
• Conduct regression testing on iterative software releases and validate correct behaviour after updates.

Protocol & Data Analysis

• Analyse CANopen communication for correctness, error states, and timing behaviour.
• Interpret and troubleshoot JSON log files generated by the system.
• Use Wireshark for deep protocol inspection, including tcpdump analysis and network traffic diagnostics.
• Perform basic measurement‑technology tasks to validate system behaviour and hardware responses.

Automation & Scripting

• Develop and maintain Python scripts to automate testing workflows and analyse CSV‑based measurement data, with emphasis on CANopen‑related datasets.
• Support internal automation and continuous‑improvement initiatives within the testing environment.

Documentation & Reporting

• Create high‑quality test plans, procedures, test cases, execution logs, traceability matrices, and test reports.
• Participate in defect triage meetings and collaborate with software, systems, electrical, and automation engineers.
• Review documentation remotely, when appropriate.

Required Skills & Experience

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plant Engineering, Automation Technology, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
• Strong professional experience in software testing, quality assurance, or V&V within embedded, industrial, or defence systems.
• Proficiency in C++ for understanding, deploying, and testing machine‑level software.
• Hands‑on knowledge of CANopen and related industrial communication protocols.
• Ability to analyse JSON and large‑scale log data effectively.
• Confident use of Wireshark for tcpdump and protocol‑level diagnostics.
• Solid Python skills for automated data analysis and test tooling.
• Basic knowledge of C and firmware‑level concepts.
• Competence with measurement technology, instrumentation, and data capture.

Desirable Qualifications

• ISTQB Certification (Foundation or higher) or equivalent structured testing experience.
• Experience with Sinamics S120 drive modules or similar industrial drive/automation systems.
• Previous experience working in defence, aerospace, or other safety‑critical/regulated environments.