Job Description
Senior Software Test Engineer (Python & Embedded Systems)
/n
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
/n
Are you looking for a better work-life balance without leaving the defence sector behind?
/n
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 you're looking for.
/n
We're 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 you'll shape test strategy while remaining involved in automation, integration testing and fault investigation.
/n
You'll work on challenging non-deterministic systems, designing robust test approaches where software behaviour can vary based on system state, environmental conditions and external inputs. You'll also take ownership of Python-based automation frameworks, driving quality standards and continuous improvement across the engineering team.
/n
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.
/n
What You'll Be Doing
/n
/n
- Lead the testing strategy for complex embedded software and firmware products.
/n
- Design, develop and maintain Python-based automated test frameworks.
/n
- Create robust test approaches for non-deterministic systems, validating behaviour where outputs may vary based on environmental conditions, system state or external inputs.
/n
- Design test cases for complex and uncertain scenarios, ensuring system resilience under real-world operating conditions.
/n
- Perform software, firmware, integration and system-level testing across hardware and software environments.
/n
- Analyse intermittent, non-repeatable and unexpected behaviours to identify root causes.
/n
- Collaborate closely with Embedded Software Engineers throughout the software development lifecycle.
/n
- Support firmware releases, deployments, upgrades and regression testing activities.
/n
- Drive continuous improvement across testing processes, tooling and automation capability.
/n
- Mentor engineers and promote best practice in software quality and test design.
/n
- Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and quality gates for software delivery.
/n
/n
Essential Skills & Experience
/n
/n
- Significant experience testing embedded software systems and firmware.
/n
- Strong understanding of the embedded software development lifecycle.
/n
- Experience working on defence, aerospace, government, national security or other highly regulated engineering programmes.
/n
- Understanding of hardware/software integration challenges and system-level testing.
/n
- Experience testing products that interact with physical devices, sensors, communications equipment or embedded platforms.
/n
- Extensive experience designing and executing test strategies for complex software systems.
/n
- Strong background in test design, exploratory testing and risk-based testing techniques.
/n
- Experience testing non-deterministic systems, artificial intelligence-enabled systems, autonomous platforms or software where outcomes are not always predictable.
/n
- Ability to analyse ambiguous test results and develop meaningful validation approaches.
/n
- Experience of manual, automated, integration, system and regression testing.
/n
- Strong Python development skills with proven experience building and maintaining automated test frameworks.
/n
- Experience integrating automated testing into CI/CD environments.
/n
- Knowledge of modern test automation tools and methodologies.
/n
- Experience creating reusable, scalable and maintainable automation solutions.
/n
- Knowledge of firmware deployment, upgrades and version management.
/n
- Experience working with Linux-based environments.
/n
- Understanding of software quality metrics, defect management and release processes.
/n
- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.
/n
/n
Security Requirements
/n
Due to the nature of the work, applicants must:
/n
/n
- Be a sole UK national.
/n
- Be eligible and willing to obtain Security Check (SC) Clearance.
/n
- Be capable of obtaining Developed Vetting (DV) Clearance in the future if required.
/n
- Have the unrestricted right to work in the UK without needing sponsorship.
/n
/n
Benefits
/n
/n
- Salary up to £75,000 depending on experience.
/n
- Performance-related bonus.
/n
- Private healthcare.
/n
- Enhanced pension contribution.
/n
- Ongoing professional development and training.
/n
- Predominantly remote working.
/n
/n
/n
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. Follow us on Facebook - Circle Recruitment , Twitter - @Circle_Rec and LinkedIn - Circle Recruitment.
/n
/n
Senior Software Test Engineer (Python & Embedded Systems) in Cheltenham employer: Circle Recruitment
As a fully remote employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our Talent Acquisition Lead to thrive. With competitive salaries, unlimited annual leave, and the opportunity to shape a high-calibre technical team in a fast-growing startup environment, we offer unparalleled growth opportunities and a supportive atmosphere for professional development.
