Software QA Engineer (Release & Deployment)

About the role

We are seeking a Software QA Engineer focused on release management and deployment for Optalex’s MES and process‑control solutions for the aluminium extrusion industry. The position is fully remote within Malta and involves taking software from a completed development state to a verified, running installation at customer plants.

Key responsibilities

• Test new features, release candidates and bug fixes on Windows Server environments.
• Run system‑level regression tests using the automated extrusion press simulator.
• Prepare, package and version software releases; maintain release branches, tags and deployment records in Git.
• Connect remotely to customer servers via VPN/RDP to deploy .NET Windows services and IIS web applications.
• Apply and verify SQL Server schema and data updates, perform backups and create rollback plans.
• Validate services, logs, database writes, operator screens and PLC communication after deployment.
• Document installed software versions and configurations for each customer site.
• Automate repeatable testing and deployment tasks with PowerShell and contribute to CI/CD pipelines.

Required profile

• Hands‑on experience administering Windows Server and working with Windows services, IIS, Event Viewer and RDP.
• Solid knowledge of SQL Server, T‑SQL and database backup/restore procedures.
• Proficiency in PowerShell (or equivalent scripting) and Git release workflows.
• Experience deploying or supporting .NET applications in production environments.
• Strong, structured approach to testing, documentation, backups and rollback planning.
• Excellent written and spoken English and availability for occasional off‑hour installations.
• Legal right to work in Malta and currently residing in Malta.

Required skills

• Windows Server administration
• Windows services & IIS
• SQL Server & T‑SQL
• PowerShell scripting
• Git (branches, tags, release workflows)
• .NET application deployment
• VPN and RDP remote access
• CI/CD tools (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Jenkins)
• C# code reading
• Automated testing frameworks (xUnit)
• Industrial automation concepts (MES, SCADA, PLCs – Siemens, Allen‑Bradley)
• OPC UA / OPC DA / Modbus protocols
• Software installer and packaging tools