Test Engineer

Test Engineer

Cambridge Full-Time 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Validate RF spectrum monitoring systems by performing hands-on testing and documenting user experiences.
  • Company: CRFS develops advanced technology for NATO and global defence teams to secure the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid-friendly work culture with opportunities for immediate impact and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Perfect for those transitioning from support roles into engineering, with a focus on real-world usability.
  • Qualifications: Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience; strong attention to detail and user-first mindset required.
  • Other info: Training provided for RF tools; ideal for tech enthusiasts eager to learn and grow.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.

CRFS is looking for a System Test Engineer to validate the real-world usability and robustness of our advanced RF spectrum monitoring systems. This role is not about writing unit tests or building test frameworks — it’s about thinking like a user, operating at the system level, and stress-testing complex hardware/software systems as they’ll be deployed in the field.

If you’re from a support, lab technician, or field integration background and want to break into engineering — this could be your ideal next step.

What You’ll Do

  • Perform manual testing of CRFS systems, focusing on how they behave in the hands of real users
  • Validate GUI-based control applications and embedded firmware across multiple CRFS product variants
  • Conduct regression testing during firmware/software updates
  • Reproduce, triage, and document bugs using the issue tracking system, working closely with engineering
  • Build and maintain test racks combining CRFS hardware and third-party RF test equipment
  • Support the maintenance and development of the system test lab infrastructure
  • Ensure system test activities align with the Quality Management System (QMS)
  • Contribute to test plans, test campaign documentation, and internal test reports

What We’re Looking For

  • Degree-level qualification in a relevant technical subject OR equivalent hands-on experience
  • Strong attention to detail and a “break it to improve it” mindset
  • Comfort using Linux-based systems and command-line tools
  • Clear, structured communicator — both in writing (bugs, test plans) and verbally (explaining behaviour to engineers)
  • A user-first perspective — you notice UX glitches, system inconsistencies, and edge cases others miss
  • Interest in cross-functional systems (hardware + firmware + software)
  • A desire to learn and grow into deeper technical ownership

Nice to Have

  • Experience in hardware or embedded systems testing
  • Basic Python scripting for test automation or data parsing
  • Experience using bug tracking and test management tools
  • Exposure to RF, networking, or spectrum analysis tools (training provided)

Not What We’re Looking For

  • Pure SDETs or software automation specialists with no interest in physical system testing
  • Candidates expecting to work only on isolated software components
  • Individuals who don’t enjoy digging into real devices, cabling things up, or testing hands-on

Why CRFS?

  • Our systems help NATO and global defense teams detect rogue signals, counter drones, and secure the electromagnetic spectrum
  • We offer a hybrid-friendly, engineering-led culture that values quality over bureaucracy
  • You’ll join a small but deeply skilled team where ideas are heard and impact is immediate
  • Great role for someone wanting to step up from support into system engineering

Apply for this position now

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Test Engineer employer: CRFS Group

CRFS is an exceptional employer that fosters a hybrid-friendly, engineering-led culture where quality is prioritised over bureaucracy. Employees benefit from a collaborative environment within a small, skilled team, offering immediate impact and opportunities for personal and professional growth, particularly for those transitioning from support roles into system engineering. Located in a dynamic sector, CRFS provides unique exposure to advanced RF spectrum monitoring systems, making it an ideal place for individuals eager to make a meaningful contribution.
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Contact Detail:

CRFS Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Test Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific RF spectrum monitoring systems that CRFS uses. Understanding their products and how they operate will give you an edge during interviews, as you'll be able to discuss your insights and ideas on usability and robustness.

✨Tip Number 2

Leverage your background in support or lab technician roles by highlighting relevant experiences where you've interacted with hardware or software systems. Be ready to share examples of how you've identified issues or improved processes in those environments.

✨Tip Number 3

Brush up on your Linux skills, especially command-line tools, as these are crucial for the role. Consider setting up a small project at home where you can practice using these tools in a testing context to demonstrate your hands-on experience.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your approach to user experience (UX) during the interview. Think of specific instances where you've noticed UX glitches or system inconsistencies, and be ready to explain how you would address these issues in a testing environment.

We think you need these skills to ace Test Engineer

Manual Testing
Attention to Detail
Linux-based Systems
Command-line Tools
Clear Communication Skills
User Experience (UX) Awareness
Cross-functional Systems Understanding
Test Planning
Bug Tracking
Embedded Systems Testing
Basic Python Scripting
Test Management Tools
Hardware Testing
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a System Test Engineer at CRFS. Focus on how your background in support, lab technician, or field integration can translate into this role.

Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience that showcases your attention to detail and user-first perspective. Include any hands-on experience with hardware, embedded systems, or Linux-based systems to align with the job requirements.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that emphasises your passion for testing and your desire to learn and grow in engineering. Mention specific examples of how you've approached problem-solving in past roles, especially in relation to user experience.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since clear communication is key in this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to document bugs and test plans effectively. Use structured language and provide examples of how you've communicated technical information in the past.

How to prepare for a job interview at CRFS Group

✨Understand the User Perspective

Since the role focuses on validating usability, it's crucial to think like a user. Prepare examples of how you've approached testing from a user's viewpoint in past experiences, even if they were in support or technician roles.

✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail

Highlight your ability to notice inconsistencies and UX glitches. Bring specific instances where your attention to detail led to identifying critical issues during testing or troubleshooting.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools

Brush up on your knowledge of Linux-based systems and command-line tools, as well as any bug tracking and test management tools you’ve used. Being able to discuss these confidently will demonstrate your readiness for the role.

✨Express Your Desire to Learn

Convey your enthusiasm for growing into deeper technical ownership. Discuss any relevant experiences where you took initiative to learn new skills or technologies, especially in hardware or embedded systems.

Test Engineer
CRFS Group
Location: Cambridge
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