Software Development Engineer In Test

Job Title: Software Development Engineer in Test (Python) Job Description This role focuses on Python-based test automation for an over-the-air (OTA) software updates component within a modern automotive software environment. You will join a roughly 15-person software testing team that performs level-two testing and works closely with the development organization whose code you validate. Around 6070% of your time will be dedicated to Python development, building and maintaining automated tests, converting manual test cases into Python scripts, and improving the overall automation suite. You will collaborate directly with developers to test code in pre-mainline branches, influence code quality early in the lifecycle, and take meaningful ownership of test quality for a complex, dependency-heavy system. Responsibilities

- Develop, maintain, and enhance Python-based test automation for the OTA software updates component.
- Convert existing manual test cases into robust, reusable Python automation scripts using object-oriented programming principles.
- Design and implement new automated test cases based on incoming developer submissions and evolving system requirements.
- Investigate automation failures, triage issues, and contribute fixes to test code, test harnesses, and related automation infrastructure.
- Analyze complex requirements, decompose them into clear implementation and testing activities, and ensure comprehensive test coverage.
- Execute hands-on testing and provide laboratory support when automated tests or associated hardware enter an undesired state.
- Collaborate closely with developers, testers, and adjacent teams to validate software in pre-mainline branches and influence code quality early.
- Work within CI/CD pipelines to integrate automated tests, manage test traceability, and support continuous integration and delivery processes.
- Participate in defect management activities, including identifying, documenting, and tracking issues related to test automation and software behavior.
- Use Windows host machines and laboratory hardware to run, monitor, and recover automated test executions as needed.
- Contribute to the improvement of the overall automation suite, including optimizing test coverage, reliability, and execution efficiency.
- Communicate clearly and effectively about test results, defects, risks, and proposed solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Essential Skills

- 3+ years of total professional experience in software development and/or software testing at a junior-to-intermediate level.
- 23+ years of Python development experience, with strong object-oriented programming skills.
- Hands-on experience with software testing, including manual testing combined with strong test automation experience or dedicated test automation development.
- Proven ability to develop automated test cases, convert manual tests into Python automation, and correct defects in automation scripts.
- Experience working with CI/CD pipelines and test traceability within a modern software delivery environment.
- Strong defect investigation skills, including the ability to triage automated test failures and contribute fixes to test code and test harnesses.
- Demonstrated capability to interpret complex requirements and translate them into implementable testing activities.
- Familiarity with Windows operating systems and use of Windows host machines in a testing or development context.
- Exposure to automotive software environments and related technologies such as CAN communications.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills for working closely with developers, testers, and cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Experience with automotive software and familiarity with automotive communications such as CAN.
- Ability to comprehend automotive-related C++ or embedded code to support testing activities.
- Experience using Windows host machines in a laboratory or test environment.
- Exposure to AI-assisted software development tools and practices, including Copilot and Visual Studio Code.
- Experience or familiarity with embedded systems, which is helpful but not mandatory.
- Comfort working in a complex, dependency-heavy software environment and contributing to test strategy and quality improvements.

Work Environment This position is fully on-site in Ottawa or Waterloo, operating five days per week during normal business hours. The on-site setting supports close collaboration with developers and adjacent test teams, effective onboarding, and hands-on access to laboratory hardware. The organization maintains a substantial hardware lab presence in Ottawa, where you may need to interact directly with test equipment and recover hardware when automated execution leaves it in an undesired state. You will work with Windows host machines, CI/CD pipelines, and modern development tools, including AI-assisted development technologies. The broader testing organization consists of approximately 15 testers with development-oriented backgrounds, distributed across Ottawa, Waterloo, and Oakville, fostering a collaborative and technically focused culture.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Ottawa, ON.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Ottawa, ON.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Ottawa,ON.

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Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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