Itron DEM (Distributed Energy Management) is the industry's leading provider of integrated cloud-based demand response, energy efficiency and customer engagement solutions that enable electric utilities to ensure grid reliability, lower energy costs, meet regulatory demands and enhance the customer experience. Through its combination of software, hardware, and services, Itron DEM helps utilities optimize every aspect of a demand management program, from participant recruitment and device installation to call center support, control events and measurement and verification.

Itron is seeking a Software Quality Engineer based in Liberty Lake, WA whose primary focus is running our device lab and ensuring DEM software works correctly with the physical devices it controls. You will set up and maintain a wide range of devices - for example, purchasing, installing, and configuring a smart thermostat - and then test how DEM software connects to and operates them. Setup often requires coordinating across teams: working with IT to open network ports, with networking to grant DEM software access, and with security to get access approved. Devices like thermostats are set up standalone in the lab rather than wired into a live HVAC system or furnace, so you may need wiring help from other business units to make the thermostat believe it's properly connected.

Because Itron also manufactures its own distributed energy resources (DERs), such as load control switches, you may be working with early or partially built hardware - receiving an initial part, coordinating assembly support, and standing up the device in the lab before software testing can begin. Some DERs communicate over networks like cellular or GenX, so you'll also install and configure the necessary network equipment, such as a cellular access point. Since the team is distributed across time zones, you're also responsible for making the lab remotely accessible - for example, setting up cameras so teammates can observe devices at any hour, and enabling remote power cycling so the team can test power outage scenarios and troubleshoot devices without being physically present.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Set up, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory devices, including smart thermostats, load control switches, and other distributed energy resources (DERs) used to validate DEM software functionality.
• Install, configure, and maintain supporting network infrastructure, including cellular connectivity solutions and other communication equipment required for device operation.
• Collaborate with IT, networking, security, and cross-functional engineering teams to establish and maintain device connectivity, access permissions, and lab readiness.
• Support the integration and testing of new and prototype hardware, including early-stage DER products, by coordinating assembly, setup, and validation activities.
• Maintain remote access capabilities for a globally distributed team through cameras, remote monitoring solutions, and remote power-cycling capabilities.
• Proactively communicate device availability, testing readiness, maintenance schedules, and outage status to stakeholders, helping ensure lab operations support project timelines and team commitments.
• Develop and execute manual software test plans, test cases, and test procedures to validate product functionality, quality, and reliability.
• Identify, document, prioritize, and track software defects through resolution while partnering with engineering teams to support root cause analysis.
• Report test results, communicate quality risks, and provide actionable feedback that supports continuous product improvement.
• Participate in feature reviews, sprint activities, and quality planning discussions to develop a thorough understanding of product functionality and testing requirements.
• Demonstrate accountability, agility, collaboration, and continuous learning while supporting innovative solutions for utility customers.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 0-2 years of professional experience in software quality assurance, software testing, engineering, or a related technical field, including internships, co-op experience, academic projects, or entry-level roles.
• Experience performing software testing, including test case creation, execution, and defect reporting.
• Basic familiarity with Linux operating systems and Git version control.
• Exposure to at least one programming or scripting language.
• Ability to perform hands-on technical work, including device setup, wiring, hardware configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate across multiple teams and proactively follow up on dependencies.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted productivity tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Claude.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and quickly learn new technologies and processes.
• Ability to work on-site a minimum of three days per week, with additional on-site presence as needed to support laboratory operations.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform frequent bending, squatting, standing, and walking in an office/lab environment.
• Travel: 1-10%.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Exposure to REST API testing tools and methodologies.
• Familiarity with Agile software development practices.
• Exposure to Docker, containerization technologies, or virtualized test environments.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure or AWS.
• Familiarity with IoT, cellular, wireless, or connected-device networking concepts.
• Experience working with hardware/software integrated systems.
• Exposure to distributed energy resources (DERs), smart grid technologies, utility operations, or energy management solutions.

Benefits Info:
This position also includes a competitive benefit package including; financial, social, health and wellbeing programs, paid vacation, 401k matching, employee stock purchase program, hybrid work schedule, and more! Liberty Lake, WA: $60K - $115K annually

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The successful candidate's starting wage will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.