Software Tester - Automation

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues.

With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad.

Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission.

Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA.

Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.

We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense.

Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Space Systems Group, part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, provides timely and objective assessments and recommendations integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis.

We focus on our key clients in the Space community including the US Space Force’s Space Systems Command (USSF / SSC), one of the three designated Field Commands under USSF.

We work tirelessly to provide integrated solutions based on information and communications throughout the chain of command.

We provide clear and consistent analysis and recommendations which are aligned to strategic and leadership goals while balancing the ability to execute on time and on budget within the technical communities.

Come join an organization responsible for being a key enabler of Spacepower!

SPA has a near-term need for a Software Tester - Automation.

Responsibilities

As a Software Tester at SPA, you will be assigned to support the Space Systems Command Program Office developing software solutions to perform cyber operations in defense of the US Space Force’s mission systems.

Using the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) to implement a DevSecOps approach, you will enable the rapid development and shipment of software solutions to protect, defend, and respond to both ground- and space-based cyber adversarial threats.

You will be expected to understand and apply the best practices and standards for secure software development and deployment as set forth by Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), and Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP) Top 10 policies and procedures.

You will be expected to design, develop, test, integrate, and deploy software in accordance with the concepts and techniques defined by the 12 Factor App development practices (, cloud native (, and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF).

As Software Tester, your responsibilities will include :

• Preparing and participating in Agile and / or DevSecOps ceremonies.
• Providing expertise in functional, integration, automated, dynamic, and static security and testing for code development.
• Creating test cases, automated test scripts to support test automation activities, and thoroughly test the code.
• Performing alpha and beta testing.
• Assisting with constructing validation steps (both positive and negative testing) for user acceptance testing.
• Testing changes and remediating all known security issues before committing them into the CI / CD pipeline and documenting all testing scenarios applied against the change.
• Developing test plans, performing integration activities, and developing and maintain security paperwork.

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain the top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Salary pay range : 120k - 140k

Qualifications

About the Must Haves

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience performing software testing
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or relevant STEM from an accredited institution
• Must be a US Citizen and possess a current Secret Clearance
• Your resume must demonstrate experience : Performing software testing, manual or automated, in accordance with DoD StandardsFamiliarity with security testing methodologiesProficiency with automation tools and frameworksDeep familiarity with scripting languages to write automated testsExamples of using automation to improve testing efficiency, reducing test schedules, and increasing software securityProficiency with the following tools / technologies : Java, Angular, GitLab, RHEL, Jira, Confluence, Zephyr, Python

About the Desired

At least one or more of the following certifications : SAFe, ISTQB Test Automation Engineer, Agile Technical Tester, CSTE, or equivalent

SPA is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action. It is, and will continue to be, the policy of the company to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals.

We recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability or genetics or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.