Lead Automation Software Developer
About Lynk
Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to device or D2D technology, and has the world’s only commercial license from the FCC to operate a commercial D2D system. Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and from space via standard unmodified, mobile devices. Lynk’s service has been tested and proven on all seven continents, has regulatory approvals in more than 30 countries and is currently being deployed commercially based on more than 40 MNO commercial service contracts covering approximately 50 countries.
Our technology will enable all 8 billion people on the planet to stay connected with the existing standard phone in their pocket. Everywhere. No matter what.
By joining Lynk, you will have the opportunity to directly touch the lives of billions. Your mission will be to bring mobile broadband to billions, pull hundreds of millions out of poverty, and save countless lives.
Job Summary
As the Lead Automation Software Developer at Lynk, you will have one of the most important and visible roles in the company! You will be part of the Lynk technical team designing, building, integrating, and testing hardware and software for our satellite-based cellular towers in a rapid and agile manner. The exposure you gain across the entire Lynk Network will result in you becoming one of our resident SMEs on the operation and performance of the Lynk Network.
We are seeking a highly motivated, organized, and accountable Lead Automation Software Developer to build test automation frameworks from scratch and then help lead the testing of the Lynk Network, running manual tests, then automating those tests. You will work closely with the development team and the product manager to understand the product requirements and provide feedback. You will then be responsible for designing end-to-end test plans, procedures, and scripts for verifying system requirements are met and identifying bugs.
To be successful as the Lead Automation Software Developer, you should have a strong background in software development, testing, and quality assurance, with a focus on cellular network technologies and standards. You should also have excellent communication, problem solving, and analytical skills. You should be able to work independently and as part of a team, and be able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
We are looking for people who
Enjoy working as part of a development team in a lab environment to verify functionality and debug potential issues.
Are passionate about providing highly reliable connectivity to the entire world.
Enjoy designing, setting up, and executing software in the loop, hardware in the loop, and in the field tests and simulations to verify technology functions or concepts and characterize the performance.
Enjoy a challenge and have a track record of creative thinking to solve unconventional or unexpected problems.
Proactively run manual tests as needed to validate functionality, while also working to automate all test cases.
Lynk plans to do field testing in both the local Northern VA area and various remote test sites, travel permitting.
Core Responsibilities
Because Lynk is a small company, the Lead Automation Software Developer will lead the testing of the entire telecommunication system, rather than just part of the system. Specific responsibilities include
Work as part of the telecom development team, in close coordination with product management, to become a resident expert on system requirements and system design.
Leveraging your expertise of the Lynk Network, design end to end test plans, procedures, and scripts for verifying system requirements are met and bugs are identified.
Support the testing of the Lynk Network in the lab environment as well as out in the field.
Ownership of testing new releases, including new features and regressions.
Ownership of system performance characterization and metrics.
Communicate test progress, results, and issues to stakeholders by maintaining up-to-date bug reports and performance metrics.
Conduct and organize testing efforts and plans.
Perform manual testing when automation doesn’t yet exist, such as new features, and automated testing using our automated testing frameworks.
Design and implement automated test cases using languages such as Python, ROBOT, etc.
Contribute to test automation frameworks and data analysis tools.
Leverage various tools and methods, such as network analyzers, traffic generators, simulators, emulators, etc.
Selection or development of software tools to support system verification.
Identify, document, and report bugs and defects related to cellular network performance, functionality, and compatibility.
Analyze test results and provide recommendations for improvement.
Collaborate with the development team and the product manager to ensure quality standards and customer expectations are met.
Debug and troubleshoot issues that arise during testing, including functional and performance testing.
Documentation of testing plans, operational procedures, and results.
Stay updated with the latest cellular network trends and technologies, such as 5G, LTE, and IoT.
Design, development, and optimization of Lynk’s testing procedures and policies for our ongoing test campaign for our telecommunications technology.
Implement continuous improvements and best practices within the team, and larger organization.
Operation, maintenance, and calibration of test equipment.
Required Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field.
At least four years of experience integrating and testing cellular communications systems including GSM, 2G, LTE and 4G.
In-depth understanding of the GSM or LTE architecture, protocols, and standards.
Experience using network testing tools and frameworks, such as QXDM, Wireshark, Spirent, IXIA, iPerf, Traceroute, and others. However, UI testing, Selenium, and Cucumber are not relevant.
Experience building test automation frameworks in Python or other language.
Two years of experience developing automated test cases.
Proficiency with Linux Operating Systems.
Proficiency with scripting in Python and Bash.
Proven experience leading product testing.
Understanding of networking concepts, such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, etc.
Proficiency desired in Object Oriented Programming - OOP - e.g. Python, C, C++, or Java.
Experience with programming languages, databases, and web technologies, such as Python, Java, C, SQL, and HTML.
Familiarity with concepts such as DevOps, IaC, CICD, and SCM.
Experience with infrastructure automation tools such as Gitlab, Jenkins, AWS Cloud, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, and Kubernetes.
Ability to write clear and concise test documentation and reports.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Exceptional organizational skills and highly accountable.
Attention to detail and quality orientation.
Critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Job Location
Washington, DC area