Software Test Engineer

• 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.

• 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

Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management., Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.