Natera

Software Test Engineer

Natera$80K — $110K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent experience
  • 2+ years of experience in software testing or quality assurance in regulated environments
  • Familiarity with NGS workflows and clinical laboratory operations
  • Experience writing and executing test cases based on specifications
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to identify edge cases
  • Excellent documentation skills with compliance focus
  • Ability to translate complex workflows into structured test scenarios

Responsibilities

  • Design and execute test cases for laboratory systems based on software requirements
  • Perform manual and automated testing to validate software functionality
  • Partner with lab operations to understand workflows and create test scenarios
  • Identify, document, and track software defects; collaborate with engineering on resolutions
  • Support software validation for releases and system upgrades according to standards
  • Ensure traceability between requirements and validation documentation
  • Participate in risk assessments and impact analyses related to software changes

Benefits

  • Flexible work schedule with on-site and hybrid options
  • Collaborative and fast-paced work environment
  • Opportunity for professional growth and cross-functional collaboration
  • Involvement in improving software testing strategies and documentation
  • Actively contribute to quality assurance in patient testing
Full Job Description
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (with flexibility to meet operational needs), on-site or hybrid (minimum 2d per week onsite) Boulder, Colorado

What You Will Do:
  • Design, develop, and execute test cases based on software requirements, functional specifications, and user needs for laboratory systems
  • Perform manual and/or automated testing to validate software functionality, data integrity, and workflow performance in a CLIA-regulated environment
  • Partner closely with laboratory operations teams to understand end-to-end workflows and translate them into effective test scenarios
  • Identify, document, and track software defects; collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues
  • Support validation and verification activities for new software releases, system upgrades, and process changes in accordance with CLIA, CAP, NYSDOH, and internal quality standards
  • Ensure traceability between requirements, test cases, and validation documentation
  • Participate in risk assessments and impact analyses related to software changes affecting laboratory operations
  • Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of software testing strategies, SOPs, and documentation practices
  • Support audits and inspections by maintaining clear, thorough, and compliant testing documentation
  • Act as a quality advocate, ensuring software supports accurate, reliable, and timely patient testing results
  • Partner with Operational Excellence to align test strategies with process design, workflow optimization, and scalability initiatives.
  • Provide input into system requirements and user stories based on laboratory workflow expertise and testing insights.
  • Support critical feedback loops to ensure continuous improvements to software systems.
  • Support change management efforts by assessing downstream operational impact of software releases and enhancements.

What You Will Bring:

Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics) or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 2+ years of experience in software testing, quality assurance, or validation, preferably in a regulated environment
  • Familiarity with NGS workflows and/or clinical laboratory operations (CLIA, CAP, or equivalent)
  • Experience writing and executing test cases based on requirements and specifications
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to identify edge cases and failure modes
  • Excellent documentation skills with a focus on clarity, completeness, and compliance
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex operational workflows into structured test scenarios and validation strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience testing LIMS, LIS, or other laboratory software systems
  • Knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and validation frameworks (e.g., CSV, GxP)
  • Experience working in high-complexity molecular diagnostics or MRD testing environments
  • Familiarity with data validation, NGS file formats (e.g., FASTQ, BAM, VCF), and/or bioinformatics pipelines
  • Exposure to test automation tools or scripting (e.g., Python, SQL)
  • Experience working cross-functionally with engineering, bioinformatics, and quality teams
  • Exposure to regulated change control processes and software impact assessments in regulated environments.

Key Competencies
  • Quality Mindset: Operates with a strong understanding of regulated environments and the importance of compliance, accuracy, and reproducibility
  • Attention to Detail: Able to rigorously evaluate software behavior and identify subtle defects or inconsistencies
  • Problem Solving: Approaches issues methodically, with a focus on root cause analysis and practical solutions
  • Systems Thinking: Understands how software, workflows, and laboratory operations interconnect and impact one another across the full testing lifecycle.
  • Operational Acumen: Demonstrates awareness of real-world laboratory constraints, throughput considerations, and process dependencies.
  • Collaboration: Works effectively across technical and non-technical teams to drive outcomes
  • Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting priorities


About Natera

Natera is a biotechnology company that focuses on genetic testing and diagnostics. The company's products are designed to help diagnose and treat genetic diseases, cancer, and other conditions. Natera's pipeline includes products for reproductive health, oncology, and organ transplantation. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in San Carlos, California.
Learn more about Natera
Size
2,670 employees
Market Cap
$4.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$229.7 million
Founded
2004
5 Year Trend
+24.1%
Revenue
$391 million
NASDAQ

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