Software Developer (Automation & Distributed Integration Systems)

Our MissionAt Dobbs Defense, we deliver mission‐centric IT, Cyber, and data analytics solutions for our government and commercial clients through the convergence of automation, innovation, training, and education. Delivering high‐quality IT, cybersecurity, and data analytics solutions through proven and innovative methods is our vision.Job DescriptionDobbs Defense Solutions is seeking an experienced Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to design and implement automated test solutions for a distributed integration service that supports license plate capture from video streams, RFID card reads, and entry/exit sensor simulation.This role will focus on validating a .NET Core‐based integration service that uses TCP and HTTP listeners to receive data from hardware components and exchange requests with downstream services. The ideal candidate will build an automation framework capable of simulating hardware inputs, validating message flows, testing service interactions, and ensuring reliability, accuracy, and performance across end‐to‐end workflows.DutiesDesign, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks for a distributed integration system built on .NET CoreCreate automated test solutions to validate:License plate capture and processing from video streamsRFID card read eventsEntry and exit sensor trigger simulationEnd‐to‐end message flow between hardware‐facing listeners and downstream servicesDevelop test harnesses, simulators, and mock services to emulate hardware devices and external service dependenciesBuild automated tests for TCP and HTTP listener interfaces, including positive, negative, edge case, and fault‐injection scenariosValidate data ingestion, parsing, routing, transformation, and handoff across multiple services in a distributed environmentAutomate integration, system, regression, and interface testingDevelop test scenarios for sequencing and timing‐sensitive events, such as vehicle entry, sensor trigger order, RFID reads, and plate capture correlationVerify system behavior under abnormal conditions such as delayed messages, malformed payloads, dropped connections, duplicate events, and out‐of‐order eventsCreate automated validation for logs, service responses, queues/messages, and database or persisted outputs where applicablePartner with software engineers, architects, and integration teams to understand interface control documents, service behavior, and operational workflowsSupport CI/CD integration so automated tests can run in build and deployment pipelinesProduce clear test documentation including test plans, test cases, traceability, defect reports, and automation run resultsHelp define test data strategy for video clips, RFID event payloads, and simulated sensor event sequencesContribute to performance and reliability testing for distributed service communication and event processingQualificationsRequired Education and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience5+ years of experience in software testing and test automation, with strong hands‐on SDET experienceStrong programming experience in C# and .NET / .NET CoreExperience building automation frameworks for backend services, APIs, and distributed systemsExperience testing HTTP APIs and TCP socket‐based interfacesExperience developing mock services, simulators, or test harnesses for external systems or hardware interfacesStrong understanding of integration testing, system testing, regression testing, and end‐to‐end automationExperience validating asynchronous and event‐driven workflowsFamiliarity with log analysis, troubleshooting distributed systems, and root cause investigationExperience using test tools and frameworks such as xUnit, NUnit, MSTest, Postman/Newman, RestAssured‐like API tools, or custom test harnessesExperience with source control and DevOps tools such as Git, Azure DevOps, GitLab, or JenkinsStrong analytical and problem‐solving skills with attention to detailPreferred QualificationsExperience testing systems that integrate with physical hardware devices, sensors, cameras, RFID readers, or other field equipmentExperience with video‐based testing or validating image/video processing workflowsExperience with message‐oriented or distributed architectures, including queues, brokers, or service‐to‐service communication patternsFamiliarity with network protocols, socket communication, and troubleshooting connectivity issuesExperience with performance, load, or soak testing for integration servicesExperience working from ICDs, interface specifications, sequence diagrams, and system requirementsFamiliarity with containerized environments and service deployment patternsExperience in regulated, operational, or mission‐critical environmentsTechnical SkillsLanguages/Frameworks: C#, .NET Core, scripting in PowerShell or Python preferredInterfaces/Protocols: HTTP/REST, TCP/IP, socketsTesting: API automation, integration testing, system testing, regression testing, negative testing, fault injectionTools: xUnit/NUnit/MSTest, Git, CI/CD pipelines, log analysis and monitoring toolsNice to Have: Docker, mock servers, network packet analysis tools, test data generation toolsWorking EnvironmentHybrid; 2 days per week on‐site in Ashburn, VA required.Required ClearanceAbility to obtain and maintain CBP clearance.Equal Employment Opportunity PolicyDobbs Defense Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), sexual orientation, gender or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), gender expression and transgender status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, military or veteran status, marital or domestic partner status, genetic information, citizenship, low‐income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.Salary RangePay range information will be disclosed consistent with applicable state and local pay transparency laws once available. For this position, the anticipated salary range is $114,700.00-$117,475.00 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.#J-18808-Ljbffr