Software Test Engineer

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

OUR OPPORTUNITY

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.

WHAT WE…