WCS Test Engineer (Bench Testing)

WCS Test Engineer to join a growing software delivery team focused on warehouse automation and intralogistics solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced testing professional with strong bench testing experience who enjoys working at the intersection of software, controls, and warehouse automation. You will play a critical role in validating Warehouse Control System (WCS) software before deployment into live operational environments, ensuring systems are reliable, robust, and capable of supporting high-throughput automated operations. Working closely with Software Developers, Control Systems Engineers, Product Owners, and Project Delivery teams, you will be responsible for executing comprehensive testing activities across the software development lifecycle. The successful candidate will help identify defects early, validate complex integrations, and reduce risks associated with commissioning and go-live activities. This role is ideally suited to someone who enjoys hands-on testing, problem-solving, and understanding how software interacts with real-world automation systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Bench Testing
  • Execute comprehensive bench testing activities within a controlled test environment.
  • Validate WCS functionality against system specifications and business requirements.
  • Test software releases prior to deployment into customer environments.
  • Simulate warehouse processes and equipment behaviours to verify operational performance.
  • Verify routing logic, order processing workflows, inventory movements, task generation, and exception handling.
  • Create repeatable and reusable test scenarios to support regression and release testing.
  • Identify defects, unexpected behaviours, and integration issues during testing activities.
  • Document findings and work collaboratively with development teams to support timely resolution.
• System Integration Testing
  • Perform integration testing between Warehouse Control Systems and Warehouse Management Systems.
  • Validate communications between software applications, PLCs, databases, and automation equipment.
  • Verify transaction flows and messaging between connected systems.
  • Test interfaces, APIs, middleware platforms, and data exchanges.
  • Confirm the integrity and accuracy of inventory, order, and operational data throughout the system.
  • Ensure software operates effectively across multiple integrated technologies.
• Functional Testing
  • Develop, execute, and maintain detailed test cases and test scripts.
  • Validate new functionality, enhancements, and software updates.
  • Ensure delivered solutions meet business, operational, and technical requirements.
  • Execute manual and automated testing activities where applicable.
  • Support end-to-end business process validation.
  • Verify software behaviour under both normal and exception-based operating conditions.
• Performance & Reliability Testing
  • Assess system performance under varying operational loads.
  • Execute stress and volume testing scenarios.
  • Identify performance bottlenecks and system limitations.
  • Validate recovery processes and fault-handling mechanisms.
  • Support efforts to improve software reliability and operational resilience.
• Defect Management
  • Identify, log, categorise, and track software defects.
  • Provide detailed diagnostic information to support issue resolution.
  • Work closely with software and controls teams to investigate root causes.
  • Retest fixes and verify successful defect resolution.
  • Maintain clear visibility of testing progress and defect status.
  • Ensure issues are documented accurately and consistently.
• Validation of Warehouse Automation Systems
  • Validate software interactions with automated material handling equipment.
  • Test conveyor control logic and system routing behaviour.
  • Verify functionality involving sortation equipment.
  • Support testing of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS).
  • Validate integrations with robotic handling systems and advanced warehouse technologies.
  • Confirm system responses to operational exceptions and equipment faults.
• Commissioning Support
  • Support system testing and validation during commissioning activities.
  • Assist with deployment readiness and go-live preparation.
  • Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and System Integration Testing (SIT).
  • Provide support during operational cutovers and launch periods.
  • Assist with troubleshooting during implementation phases.
  • Support hypercare activities following deployment.
• Documentation & Reporting
  • Produce clear and comprehensive test documentation.
  • Maintain test plans, scripts, test evidence, and defect records.
  • Provide regular updates on testing progress and quality metrics.
  • Ensure full traceability between requirements, test cases, defects, and outcomes.
  • Contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement activities.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience within a Software Testing, Systems Testing, or Integration Testing role.
• Strong hands-on experience performing bench testing in a controlled environment.
• Experience testing Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), or industrial automation software.
• Knowledge of software development and software testing lifecycles.
• Experience creating and executing structured test plans and test cases.
• Strong defect identification, investigation, and resolution skills.
• Experience validating software integrations across multiple platforms.
• Knowledge of system interfaces, APIs, messaging, and database interactions.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within project-driven environments.