Testing & QA Engineer (Leawood, KS or Arlington, VA)

Become Part Of A Meaningful Mission

Torch.AI is a defense-focused AI-software company on a mission to become the leading provider of critical data infrastructure for U.S. Defense and National Security. We deliver advanced AI and data software capabilities directly to customer mission owners to meet flexible, user-defined specifications and enable a decision advantage for the warfighter. We’re passionate about solving complex problems that improve national security, support our warfighters, and protect our nation. Join us in our mission to help organizations Unlock Human Potential.

The U.S. defense and national security industry offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the safety and well-being of the nation while engaging with cutting-edge technologies. As a vital sector that shapes global stability, it offers a dynamic environment to tackle complex challenges across multidisciplinary domains. With substantial investment in innovation, the industry is at the forefront of developing AI, autonomous systems, and advanced national security solutions, each founded on the premise that information is the new battlefield. If this type of work is of interest, we’d love to hear from you.

The Environment: Unlock Your Potential

As a Testing / QA Engineer at Torch.AI, you will ensure that our advanced AI and data software solutions meet the highest quality standards before deployment to critical U.S. defense and national security programs. You will play a key role in validating system functionality, performance, and reliability—helping to deliver mission-ready technology that provides an asymmetric advantage on the battlefield.

Each of our customers requires unique technical solutions to enable an asymmetric advantage on the battlefield. Torch.AI’s patented software helps remove common obstacles such as manual-intensive data processing, parsing, and analysis, thereby reducing cognitive burden for the warfighter. Our end-to-end data processing, orchestration, and fusion platform supports a wide variety of military use cases, domains, operations, and echelons. Customers enjoy enterprise-grade capabilities that meet specialized needs.

Torch.AI encourages company-wide collaboration to share context, skills, and expertise across a variety of tools, technologies, and development practices. You’ll work autonomously while driving coordinated, collaborative decisions across cross-functional teams comprised of defense and national security experts, veterans, business leaders, and experienced software engineers. Your work will directly enhance platform stability, usability, and security. You will have the opportunity to harden and scale existing platform capabilities, tools, and technologies, while also working to innovate and introduce new iterative capabilities and features which benefit our company and customers.

Successful candidates thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven environment. We hire brilliant patriots. You’ll be encouraged to think creatively, challenge conventional thinking, and identify alternative approaches for delivering value to customers across complex problem sets. Your day-to-day will vary, adapting to the requirements of our customers and the technical needs of respective use cases. One day, you may be supporting automated testing of a new proof-of-capability concept; another day you may focus on performance testing for a production deployment; the next you may be working directly with developers to investigate and resolve defects.

• Our flat operating model puts every employee at the forefront of our customers’ missions.
• We value customer intimacy, unique perspectives, and dedication to delivering lasting impact and results. You’ll have the opportunity to work on the frontlines of major customer programs and influence lasting success for Torch.AI and your teammates.
• You’ll have the opportunity to gain experience across a wide range of projects and tasks, from designing and executing test plans to deploying automated QA pipelines for large-scale mission systems.
• You’ll contribute directly to Torch.AI’s continued position as a market leader for data infrastructure AI and compete against multi-billion-dollar incumbents and high-tech AI companies.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute comprehensive test plans and test cases for complex AI-enabled data platforms and applications.
• Implement automated testing frameworks and maintain continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines for robust regression testing.
• Perform functional, integration, system, performance, and security testing to ensure mission-critical reliability.
• Identify, document, and track defects; collaborate with developers and product teams to ensure timely resolution.t
• Participate in the code review process by validating and testing new features and bug fixes.
• Create new tests during the code review process for new features and tweaks to ensure tests stay up-to-date with the codebase.
• Validate data integrity and accuracy in large-scale data fusion environments.
• Provide clear, actionable feedback to engineering and product teams to improve software quality and user experience.
• Develop metrics and reporting dashboards to track quality trends, defect rates, and test coverage.
• Ensure all QA processes meet or exceed standards required for defense and national security environments, including compliance with security policies and data handling protocols.
• Mentor team members on QA best practices and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the engineering organization.

What We Value

• Proven experience (4+ years) in software quality assurance, testing automation, or related roles within complex, data-driven systems.
• Strong knowledge of automated testing tools and frameworks (e.g., Selenium, Cypress, or equivalent).
• Hands-on experience with CI/CD environments (GitHub Actions), version control (Git), and cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS.
• Familiarity with data-intensive applications, distributed systems, or AI/ML testing methodologies.
• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly to engineers, product managers, and non-technical stakeholders.
• Industry experience in defense, intelligence, or other high-security domains preferred but not required.
• Understanding of secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) practices and handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
• Commitment to collaborative teamwork and continuous learning in a mission-focused environment.

Security Clearance

We are hiring for multiple positions for each role. Some roles require a Secret, Top Secret, or Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance on Day 1. If you do not currently hold a clearance but are interested in this role and believe you are eligible for a clearance, we still encourage you to submit an application. 

Work Location

We are hiring for roles at our headquarters in Leawood, KS and remotely in the Arlington, VA / (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) region. Candidates in the DMV region may work remotely while not on customer site.

Incentives

• Equity: All employees are eligible to participate in the company equity incentive program within their first 12 months of employment. We are proud that 100% of our employees are equity-owning partners at Torch.AI.
• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus opportunities.
• Unlimited PTO.
• 11 paid holidays each year.
• Incredible professional development and learning opportunities in a fast-paced high-tech environment and exciting industry.
• Weekly in-office catering in our Leawood HQ.

Benefits

Torch.AI values employee well-being and, in turn, offers exceptional benefits options which greatly exceed regional and national averages for similar companies. 

401k Plan

• Torch.AI offers a 401k plan through John Hancock.

Medical

• Three medical options: PPO, HSA, and TRICARE.
• Torch.AI’s HSA contribution is 250%–350% higher than average employer contributions in Kansas City and Arlington regions.
• Only ~18% of employers offer TRICARE Supplement plans. 

Spending Accounts

• Above-market employer funding and flexibility.
• HSA: Triple-tax advantage
• FSA: $50-$3,300 annual contribution, $660 rollover
• Dependent Care FSA: $100-$5,000, pre-tax savings on child/dependent care.

Dental

• High Plan annual maximum is ~2.6x higher than the national average. 
• High Renaissance Plan: $5,000 annual max, 50% ortho up to $1,000.
• Low Renaissance Plan: $1,000 annual max, no ortho.

Vision

• Frame allowance is 25-35% higher than typical employer-sponsored plans.
• Vision through Renaissance with VSP Choice network: $0 exams, lenses covered in full, and $180 frame allowance

Life Insurance

• Employer-paid 1x base salary and additional voluntary options for employees and spouses, compared to most employers who only cover $50k basic life on average.

Disability & Illness

• Torch.AI ranks in the top 10% of regional employers for disability benefits 
• Short-Term Disability (employer paid): 60% income, up to $2,000/week
• Long-Term Disability (employer paid): 60% income, up to $5,000/month

Voluntary Benefits

• Robust Voluntary plans offer direct pash payout flexibility and wellness incentives.
• Accidental Insurance
• Critical Illness
• Hospital Indemnity
• Commuter Benefits: up to $300/month tax-free for transit/parking

Torch.AI is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.