Software QA & Release Engineer

About the role

Optalex is looking for an experienced Software QA & Release Engineer to own testing, release preparation and production deployment for its MES and process‑control software used in aluminium extrusion plants. The role is fully remote for candidates residing in Malta and involves working directly with Windows Server, SQL Server.NET applications and live customer environments.

Key responsibilities

• Test new features, release candidates and bug fixes, including system‑level regression using an automated extrusion press simulator.
• Build, package and version .NET software releases; maintain release branches, tags and deployment records in Git.
• Connect to customer servers via VPN/RDP, deploy Windows services and IIS web applications, and apply SQL Server schema and data updates.
• Take backups, prepare rollback plans, verify services, logs, database writes, operator screens and PLC communication after deployment.
• Automate testing and deployment tasks with PowerShell and contribute to the CI/CD pipeline.

Required profile

• At least five years of professional IT or software engineering experience.
• Four+ years of hands‑on Windows Server administration.
• Three+ years of practical SQL Server and T‑SQL experience.
• Three+ years of production software deployment or support experience.
• Strong troubleshooting, documentation and communication skills in English.

Required skills

• Windows Server, IIS, Event Viewer, RDP, VPN.
• SQL Server, T‑SQL, database backup/restore.
• .NET development, C# code reading.
• PowerShell scripting.
• Git branching, tagging and release workflows.
• CI/CD tools such as Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions or Jenkins (optional).
• Industrial automation knowledge (MES, SCADA, Siemens or Allen‑Bradley PLCs, OPC UA/DA, Modbus) – optional.

What we offer

• Competitive salary package based on experience.
• Full‑time remote home‑office position based in Malta.
• Ownership of the testing and release process with direct collaboration with the lead developer.
• Opportunity to improve and automate testing and delivery, and to grow into DevOps.
• Work with international customers and real industrial production systems.