What are the responsibilities and job description for the Systems Test Engineer (Automation) position at Owl Cyber Defense?
| Job Title: | Systems Test Engineer (Automation) |
| Department: | Engineering |
| Reports to: | Manager – Systems Test Engineering |
| Office: | Columbia, MD |
| Work Environment: | Hybrid |
Owl Cyber Defense is a leader and trusted partner in cyber security. We deliver solutions that protect and connect the world’s most critical networks. Owl’s product lines of cross domain, data diode, and portable media solutions provide the strongest available security checkpoints for threat prevention and secure data availability. Our in-depth expertise in security engineering at the operating system level enables us to help government and commercial customers meet ever-evolving cyber security threats.
Job Summary:
The Systems Test Engineer role focuses on Python-based automation for Linux and network/data flow validation (not UI or web application testing). Automation & Performance plays a key role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of cross-domain networking and filtering devices. This role focuses on building automated test solutions, executing performance benchmarks, and supporting the validation of systems that control and secure data flows across security boundaries.
The ideal candidate is a skilled software developer who is passionate about technology, enjoys solving complex problems, and thrives in a small, tightly knit engineering team where collaboration, ownership, and hands-on contribution are essential.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Performance Benchmarking
- Plan and execute performance, throughput, latency, and stress testing
- Establish and maintain performance baselines for cross-domain devices
- Identify performance risks related to data volume, protocol complexity, and system configuration
- Analyze and communicate performance results and trends
- Design, develop, and maintain automated test solutions for cross-domain networking and filtering systems
- Support automated functional, integration, and system-level testing
- Increase automation coverage to reduce reliance on manual testing
- Verify correct enforcement of filtering rules, data handling, and protocol behavior
- Work closely with developers, systems engineers, and test team members in a small, collaborative environment
- Participate in design, requirement, and test reviews
- Share ideas, raise quality concerns early, and contribute to continuous improvement
- Take ownership of assigned work and support team success
Requirements/Qualifications:
- Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Expereince
- 4-7 years of experience in software development test engineering
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Proven track record of innovating with Python, Ansible, Java, or bash (any or all).
- Solid understanding and experience with Network (Routing/Switching) Architecture and troubleshooting
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with performance or load testing concepts (preferred)
- Experience working with Linux-based systems (preferred)
- Understanding of networking protocols and data flow concepts (preferred)
- Experience working in secure, regulated, or controlled environments (preferred)
- Experience Packet Capture and Playback automation (preferred)
- Additional Competencies/Requirements
- Genuine enthusiasm for technology and engineering
- Enjoyment of hands-on work and learning new systems
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively in small, tightly knit teams
- Candidates must be able to obtain/maintain a US Government security clearance
Benefits:
Owl offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and wellbeing of our employees and their families. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, a Safe Harbor 401(k) retirement plan with company match, generous paid time off, company-paid life insurance, and company-paid short- and long-term disability coverage. Employees may also be eligible for additional voluntary benefits and wellness programs.
About Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, LLC
Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, LLC is a fast-growing cybersecurity solutions company, holding a firm leadership position in network security and secure information transfer. It is a privately-owned US company with offices in Columbia, MD, Danbury, CT and Morrisville, NC. For more information, see http://www.owlcyberdefense.com.
Owl Cyber Defense is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.