Quality Assurance Automation Engineer (AI-First)

Detailed Description:

• Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks for embedded systems, backend services, and operator interfaces (desktop, web, or mobile).
• Implement automated regression, integration, and system-level tests for real-time and hardware-integrated software.
• Collaborate with developers and hardware engineers to define test strategies for timing-sensitive and safety-critical functionality.
• Develop test harnesses and simulation environments to validate software behavior without requiring physical hardware where possible.
• Utilize AI development tools to assist in generating test cases, building test scripts, analyzing logs, and identifying defect patterns.
• Evaluate AI-generated test artifacts to ensure meaningful coverage, correctness, and reproducibility.
• Perform root cause analysis on defects spanning software, hardware interaction, and deployment environments.
• Participate in requirements reviews and design discussions to identify quality risks early in the development lifecycle.
• Support CI/CD integration by ensuring automated tests are incorporated into build and release pipelines.
• Track, document, and communicate defects clearly, including reproduction steps and impact assessment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of quality standards, automation coverage, and testing methodologies.
• Support field validation efforts and assist in troubleshooting production issues as required.
• Perform other related duties and special projects, as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience designing and maintaining automated test frameworks.
• Strong understanding of software testing methodologies including unit, integration, system, regression, and performance testing.
• Experience with scripting or programming languages used for test automation (e.g., C#, Python, or similar).
• Working knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and integration of automated testing into build systems.
• Ability to analyze logs, telemetry, and system behavior to diagnose defects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including clear defect documentation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, matrixed organization including software, hardware, controls, and operations teams.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced development environment while maintaining quality standards.
• Experience using AI-assisted tools to accelerate test creation, defect analysis, and documentation.
• Represent the Company and its values with integrity while maintaining high professional and ethical standards in all interactions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 3–6 years of experience in QA, test automation, or software quality engineering.
• Experience building or maintaining automated test frameworks.
• Experience working within Agile development teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience testing real-time or hardware-integrated systems.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as CAN bus or Modbus.
• Experience building simulation or hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing environments.
• Exposure to embedded systems or RTOS concepts.
• Experience implementing performance or stress testing in distributed systems.
• Experience using AI tools for test case generation, log analysis, or anomaly detection.
• Prior experience in industrial, automation, or Oil & Gas environments.

Additional Details:

The QA Automation Engineer must work with an emphasis on individual safety and safety for others, including coworkers and third parties. Software tested may directly control physical equipment; therefore, thorough validation and risk awareness are essential. Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office or remote environment, with occasional interaction with hardware systems for integration testing. The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, or use computer equipment for extended periods.

The Evolving Oil Field Demands Evolving Service Providers

NexTier is a leading provider of integrated completions that employs sustainable practices and equipment to support our customers’ ESG goals while accelerating production in the most demanding US land basins.

Patterson-UTI is committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, offering equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of personal characteristics protected by law. Employees are encouraged to report any concerns through multiple channels.