Senior Software Test Engineer (Python & Embedded Systems)
Senior Software Test Engineer (Python & Embedded Systems)
Salary:
Up to £75,000 per annum, depending on experience
Location:
Predominantly remote, with occasional visits to Farnborough
Security Requirements:
Sole UK National | Eligible for SC Clearance, with the ability to progress to DV Clearance
Are you looking for a better work-life balance without leaving the defence sector behind?
If you have experience on defence or national security programmes and want greater flexibility with less time spent on-site, this could be the opportunity youre looking for.
Were seeking a
Senior Software Test Engineer
with a strong background in
embedded software and firmware testing
to help ensure the quality, reliability and performance of complex device-based systems. This is a senior, hands-on position where youll shape test strategy while remaining involved in automation, integration testing and fault investigation.
Youll work on challenging
non-deterministic systems , designing robust test approaches where software behaviour can vary based on system state, environmental conditions and external inputs. Youll also take ownership of
Python-based automation frameworks , driving quality standards and continuous improvement across the engineering team.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly skilled team, solve complex technical challenges and influence the testing approach for cutting-edge embedded systems within a secure defence environment.
What Youll Be Doing
Lead the testing strategy for complex
embedded
software and firmware products.
Design, develop and maintain
Python-based automated test frameworks .
Create robust test approaches for
non-deterministic systems , validating behaviour where outputs may vary based on environmental conditions, system state or external inputs.
Design test cases for complex and uncertain scenarios, ensuring system resilience under real-world operating conditions.
Perform software, firmware, integration and system-level testing across hardware and software environments.
Analyse intermittent, non-repeatable and unexpected behaviours to identify root causes.
Collaborate closely with Embedded Software Engineers throughout the software development lifecycle.
Support firmware releases, deployments, upgrades and regression testing activities.
Drive continuous improvement across testing processes, tooling and automation capability.
Mentor engineers and promote best practice in software quality and test design.
Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and quality gates for software delivery.
Essential Skills & Experience
Significant experience testing
embedded software systems
and firmware.
Strong understanding of the
embedded software development lifecycle .
Experience working on defence, aerospace, government, national security or other highly regulated engineering programmes.
Understanding of
hardware/software integration challenges
and system-level testing.
Experience testing products that interact with physical devices, sensors, communications equipment or embedded platforms.
Extensive experience designing and executing test strategies for complex software systems.
Strong background in
test design , exploratory testing and risk-based testing techniques.
Experience testing
non-deterministic systems , artificial intelligence-enabled systems, autonomous platforms or software where outcomes are not always predictable.
Ability to analyse ambiguous test results and develop meaningful validation approaches.
Experience of manual, automated, integration, system and regression testing.
Strong
Python
development skills with proven experience building and maintaining
automated test frameworks .
Experience integrating automated testing into CI/CD environments.
Knowledge of modern test automation tools and methodologies.
Experience creating reusable, scalable and maintainable automation solutions.
Knowledge of firmware deployment, upgrades and version management.
Experience working with
Linux -based environments.
Understanding of software quality metrics, defect management and release processes.
Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
Security Requirements
Due to the nature of the work, applicants must:
Be a
sole UK national .
Be eligible and willing to obtain
Security Check (SC) Clearance .
Be capable of obtaining
Developed Vetting (DV) Clearance
in the future if required.
Have the unrestricted right to work in the UK without needing sponsorship.
Benefits
Salary up to £75,000 depending on experience.
Performance-related bonus.
Private healthcare.
Enhanced pension contribution.
Ongoing professional development and training.
Predominantly remote working.
Circle Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Earn yourself a referral bonus if you refer somebody else who fills the role! We also offer an iPad if you refer a new client to us and we recruit for them.
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TPBN1 UKTJ
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