Software QA Engineer - Release and Deployment

Location: Malta Working arrangement: Home office / remote within Malta About Optalex Optalex develops MES and process-control software specifically for the aluminium extrusion industry. Our software connects production systems, SQL Server databases and industrial equipment in customer plants around the world. The role We are looking for a Software QA Engineer with a strong focus on release management and production deployment. You will own the path from “development is complete” to “the software is running correctly at the customer plant.” This includes testing release candidates, preparing and versioning releases, installing updates remotely, verifying production systems and improving the process through automation. This is not a standard manual web-testing position. You will work directly with Windows Server, SQL Server, .NET applications, PowerShell, logs, VPN connections and live customer environments. What you will do Test new features, release candidates and bug fixesRun system-level regression tests using our automated extrusion press simulatorPrepare, package and version software releasesMaintain release branches, tags and deployment records in GitConnect to customer servers remotely through VPN and RDPDeploy .NET Windows services and IIS web applicationsApply and verify SQL Server schema and data updatesTake database backups and prepare rollback plans before making changesVerify services, logs, database writes, operator screens and PLC communication after deploymentMaintain records of the software versions and configurations installed at each customer siteInvestigate whether production issues are related to software, configuration, databases or connected equipmentAutomate repeatable testing and deployment tasks using PowerShellHelp develop our automated build, test and release pipelineWhat we are looking for Practical Windows Server administration experienceExperience with Windows services, IIS, Event Viewer, permissions and RDPWorking SQL Server and T-SQL knowledgeExperience running database scripts and taking or restoring backupsPowerShell or equivalent scripting experienceWorking knowledge of Git branches, tags and release workflowsFamiliarity with building, testing or publishing .NET applicationsExperience deploying or supporting software in a production environmentA careful and structured approach to testing, documentation, backups and rollback planningStrong troubleshooting skillsGood written and spoken EnglishAvailability for occasional installations during customer maintenance windows outside normal office hoursCurrently living in Malta and legally permitted to work in MaltaUseful additional experience Supporting on-premises software installed at customer sitesCI/CD systems such as Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions or JenkinsReading and troubleshooting C# codeAutomated testing frameworks such as xUnitIndustrial automation, MES or SCADA systemsSiemens or Allen-Bradley PLCsOPC UA, OPC DA or ModbusSoftware installer or packaging toolsWhat makes the role interesting Take ownership of the complete testing and release processWork directly with the lead developer and a small technical teamImprove and automate how software is tested and deliveredWork on software connected to real industrial production machineryGain experience with customer plants and extrusion systems around the worldBuild on an existing automated test suite and press simulator Working arrangement This is a home-office position, but applicants must currently be based in Malta. The normal working arrangement is remote, with occasional in-person collaboration in Malta. Some customer installations are scheduled during planned maintenance windows and may take place outside normal office hours. Application process Applicants will answer several short, practical technical questions. Candidates who pass the initial review will have a short live technical discussion covering Windows Server, SQL Server and PowerShell. Please apply through LinkedIn. Applications without relevant hands-on production deployment experience will not progress. No recruitment agencies, please.