Junior Software Quality Assurance Analyst & Tester

Saalex Open · verified Oct 24, 2026

On-site Ridgecrest Full-time Junior QA & Test

At a glance

Junior QA & Test role at Saalex. Ridgecrest · full-time · $78,000–$90,000 base.

SalaryStated by Saalex

$78,000 – $90,000

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

RoleQA & Test

SeniorityJunior

LocationRidgecrest

WorkplaceOn-site

EmploymentFull-time

Base pay$78,000–$90,000

PostedSep 14, 2026 · 5w ago

Role brief

techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Create and run tests to find software faults and investigate what caused them
Put software updates through thorough checks before field use, including their links to hardware and networks
Help set test schedules, draft release plans and cases, and check colleagues’ cases for adequate coverage
Record defects, maintain prior-fault and test records, then retest fixes for side effects
Share test results with developers and project leads, verifying cybersecurity and functional-safety standards before release

What you bring

You have fewer than three years in software testing or a related IT role
You hold a bachelor’s degree or an applicable entry-level certification
You hold an active Secret clearance and can obtain and keep Top Secret eligibility; U.S. citizenship is required

Who this fits

This junior position suits you if you want to build testing skills while working under senior staff on methods, design reviews, and system integration. You’ll work full-time onsite at China Lake, California, and may travel to support field installations.

From the employer

Saalex is seeking a Junior Software Quality Assurance Analyst & Tester in Ridgecrest, CA. Saalex is an Engineering and Information Technology Services company with a focus on Test Range Operations and Management, Engineering and Logistics Services, Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Services and Information Technology Services.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $78k-$90k annually (depending upon experience)

Work Location: Full-time onsite at China Lake, CA. Potential travel may be required to support field installations.

Job Overview:

The Tactical Air Range Integration Facility (TARIF) Program, under the Saalex TSS contract, is seeking a motivated Software Quality Assurance Analyst & Tester to help support the warfighter and fleet with their training tools and systems. We want someone who wants more than just a job—we are looking for someone who wants to build a long-term career in software quality assurance and testing.

This position performs in a collaborative work group that provides engineering and lifecycle assistance for the aircraft tracking and aircrew training software utilized by the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Air National Guard Tactical Training Ranges. The ultimate expectation for this role is to become an SME in testing software to ensure it is safe, secure, and meets all functional requirements prior to being deployed to the fleet.

Essential Functions:

Test Execution & System Validation

Test Execution: Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their root causes.
System Modifications: Test system modifications rigorously to prepare for real-world implementation and fleet deployment.
Hardware/Software Integration: Understand how the software suite interacts with the complementary hardware and network systems that make up the overall capability being fielded, providing integrated hardware/software solutions to the customer.

Test Planning & Design Reviews

Strategic Planning: Identify the most appropriate implementation approaches to planning software testing, utilizing specific test methodologies and techniques. Participate in the planning of test schedules.
Documentation & Test Cases: Participate in test plan preparation, explicitly creating comprehensive test plans for each software release. Prepare, write, and refine test cases. Analyze and review the test cases of other software testers to ensure maximum coverage and accuracy.
Design Reviews: Participate actively in software design reviews to provide critical input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and project schedules.

Defect Tracking & Reporting

Bug Tracking: Document software and application defects using formal bug tracking systems. Report defects clearly and directly to software developers.
Database Management: Create and maintain comprehensive databases of known defects and historical test data.
Regression Testing: Perform necessary retesting and regression testing to verify that defects have been successfully resolved without impacting other system functionalities.
Reporting: Prepare detailed test reports and formally present findings to developers, project managers, and stakeholders. Ensure that all products meet required cybersecurity standards and functional safety requirements before they reach the fleet.

Requirements

Required:

Less than 3 years of software testing or related IT experience.
Performs testing duties under the oversight of senior staff with a high drive to learn advanced testing methodologies, design review processes, and systems integration.

Education:

Must possess a BA/BS degree OR an applicable basic certification.

Security Clearance:

Must possess an active Secret clearance with the ability to gain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.

Benefits