Summary
✨ AI‑Generated
Take ownership of software quality and release operations for industrial production systems. You will test release candidates, prepare and version releases, deploy updates remotely, verify production environments, and automate repeatable workflows. The role involves hands-on work with Windows Server and SQL Server and is fully remote for candidates already legally authorized to work in the required country.
Highlights
Fully remote home-office role for candidates legally authorized to work in Malta. The position offers ownership of the complete path from testing and release preparation through deployment and production verification, with opportunities to automate repeatable processes.
Description
Important: This is a remote home-office position for candidates currently living in Malta.
Applicants must be legally authorised to work in Malta.
Applications from outside Malta will not progress.
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 an experienced Software QA & Release Engineer to take ownership of testing, release preparation and production deployment.
You will manage 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 automating repeatable parts of the process.
This is not a standard manual web-testing role.
You will work directly with Windows Server, SQL Server, .NET applications, PowerShell, Git, 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 simulatorBuild, package and version .NET software releasesMaintain release branches, tags and deployment records in GitConnect to customer servers through VPN and RDPDeploy Windows services and IIS web applicationsApply and verify SQL Server schema and data updatesTake backups and prepare rollback plans before production changesVerify services, logs, database writes, operator screens and PLC communication after deploymentMaintain accurate records of software versions and customer-site configurationsInvestigate whether issues are caused by software, configuration, databases or connected equipmentAutomate testing and deployment tasks using PowerShellHelp improve our automated build, test and release pipeline
What we need:
At least five years of professional IT or software engineering experienceAt least four years of hands-on Windows Server experienceAt least three years of practical SQL Server and T-SQL experienceAt least three years of production software deployment or support experienceExperience with Windows services, IIS, Event Viewer, permissions and RDPExperience 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 applicationsA careful approach to production changes, documentation, backups and rollback planningStrong troubleshooting and communication skillsGood written and spoken EnglishAvailability for occasional customer maintenance windows outside normal office hours
Useful additional experience:
Supporting on-premises software 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 tools
Why join Optalex?
Competitive salary package based on experience and responsibilitiesFull-time home-office position based in MaltaReal ownership of the testing and release processDirect collaboration with the lead developer and a small technical teamFreedom to improve and automate how software is tested and deliveredOpportunity to develop further into release automation and DevOpsWork with international customers and real industrial production systemsBuild on an existing automated test suite and extrusion press simulatorA practical working environment with short communication lines and visible results
Working arrangement:
This is a full-time home-office position based in Malta, with occasional in-person collaboration in Malta.
Some installations take place during planned customer maintenance windows outside normal office hours.
Application process:
Applicants will answer practical screening questions.
Selected candidates will complete a short live technical discussion covering Windows Server, SQL Server, PowerShell and production deployment.
No recruitment agencies, please.
