At a Glance
- Tasks: Validate and improve machining algorithms through exploratory testing and analysis.
- Company: Join CloudNC, a pioneering tech company transforming global manufacturing with AI.
- Benefits: Enjoy stock options, generous leave, and a leading medical plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in manufacturing by ensuring quality in cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, familiarity with programming, and a background in CNC machining are preferred.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to innovation and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the QA Engineer - Machining Strategy role at CloudNC. CloudNC is transforming global manufacturing with AI that accelerates CAM programming, maximises factory output, and empowers machinists to deliver more. Our core product, CAM Assist, speeds up CNC machining by tackling the most timeāconsuming and repetitive parts of the process, from machining strategy to toolpath generation. It enables machinists to create effective programs in minutes, unlocking their full potential and helping shops increase throughput and improve consistency. Today, CAM Assist is trusted by over 1,000 machine shops worldwide to enhance their teams' productivity, resolve skills shortages and help them deliver efficiently for their customers.
Founded in 2015, CloudNC consists of a worldāclass team combining expertise in computer science and physical manufacturing, based at our headquarters in London and our factory in Chelmsford. The technology company is backed by leading venture capital firms Atomico and Episode 1 Ventures, alongside Autodesk and Lockheed Martin as strategic partners.
The role
We are looking for a QA Engineer to join our Machining Strategy Team, focusing on validating and improving our core machining algorithms. This is a highly exploratory and analytical role, ideal for someone who is curious, methodical, and eager to understand how algorithms behave across a diverse range of parts and scenarios. You'll play a key part in ensuring our toolpath generation is correct, efficient, and robust by designing, executing, and analysing tests on the algorithms that power CloudNC's machining intelligence. This is not a typical software QA role. It sits at the intersection of quality engineering, machining expertise, and dataādriven exploration.
Job Requirements
- Strong analytical and exploratory testing mindset; a desire to dig deep, experiment, and understand system behaviour.
- Proactive and comfortable working in a team or sometimes alone to pursue lines of investigation.
- Excellent attention to detail, curiosity, and persistence in identifying subtle quality issues.
- Ability to interpret and communicate complex technical results clearly to engineers and nonātechnical stakeholders.
- Some familiarity with programming concepts or scripting (Python or similar), to support test automation or data analysis.
- Background in CNC machining, CAM/CAD systems, or mechanical engineering; this is a major advantage as you'll be testing algorithms that generate machining toolpaths.
- Previous experience in QA Engineering, particularly in complex algorithmic or simulationāheavy environments.
- Understanding of QA methodologies (types of tests, coverage strategies, defect management).
- Knowledge of agile software development practices.
- Experience with test frameworks, CI/CD systems, version control (e.g. Git), logging frameworks (e.g. Kibana, Sentry).
Job Responsibilities
- Execute and design exploratory tests to evaluate the performance and quality of CloudNC's roughing and finishing algorithms.
- Analyse results, identify unexpected algorithm behaviour, and collaborate closely with engineers and researchers to diagnose issues.
- Develop and maintain manual and automated test suites, ensuring coverage across new features and fixes.
- Leverage existing automation frameworks.
- Contribute to QA process improvements, helping define standards and best practices for algorithmic testing.
- Work with crossāfunctional teams to ensure releases meet functional and performance quality expectations.
Benefits
- Stock Options
- Annual Performance Equity Award
- 28 days of annual leave
- Leading medical plan
- Life Insurance
- Sabbatical leave
- Enhanced primary, secondary and adoption parental pay & leave (maternity/paternity)
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, valuing individuality and embracing all people. The success of CloudNC is a result of diversity of thought. We recognise this comes from people truly belonging. We encourage different perspectives and skills to collaborate towards our mission ā disrupting the manufacturing industry. We celebrate diversity and continually improve our inclusivity efforts.
QA Engineer - Machining Strategy in London employer: CloudNC
Contact Detail:
CloudNC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land QA Engineer - Machining Strategy in London
āØTip Number 1
Get to know CloudNC and their products inside out. Understanding CAM Assist and how it transforms CNC machining will help you stand out in interviews. Show us your curiosity about the technology and how it impacts the industry!
āØTip Number 2
Brush up on your analytical skills! Since this role is all about validating algorithms, be ready to discuss your approach to exploratory testing. We want to see how you tackle complex problems and your thought process behind it.
āØTip Number 3
Donāt shy away from showcasing your programming knowledge. Even if itās just a bit of Python or scripting, let us know how you can leverage that for test automation. Itāll give you an edge in demonstrating your technical prowess.
āØTip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! Itās the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace QA Engineer - Machining Strategy in London
Some tips for your application š«”
Show Your Curiosity: We want to see your analytical side shine! When writing your application, highlight your curiosity and eagerness to explore complex algorithms. Share examples of how you've dug deep into problems in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Communication is key! Make sure to explain your technical skills and experiences clearly, especially if they relate to CNC machining or QA methodologies. We love a good story, but keep it relevant and to the point.
Tailor Your Application: Donāt just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the QA Engineer role. Mention any relevant experience with programming or testing frameworks that aligns with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itās the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youāre considered for the role. Plus, it shows youāre keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CloudNC
āØUnderstand the Algorithms
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the core machining algorithms that CloudNC uses. Being able to discuss how these algorithms work and their impact on CNC machining will show your analytical mindset and genuine interest in the role.
āØShowcase Your Curiosity
During the interview, demonstrate your curiosity by asking insightful questions about the testing processes and challenges faced by the team. This not only highlights your proactive nature but also shows that you're eager to dig deep into the complexities of the role.
āØHighlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to bring up any previous experience you have in QA Engineering, especially in algorithmic or simulation-heavy environments. Discuss specific projects where you applied your analytical skills and attention to detail, as this aligns perfectly with what CloudNC is looking for.
āØCommunicate Clearly
Since you'll be interpreting complex technical results, practice explaining these concepts in simple terms. Being able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders is crucial, so prepare examples of how you've done this in the past.