Software Engineer in Test in Cambridge

Darktrace is a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats every day. Darktrace was built on a genuinely differentiated idea: that Adaptive AI could detect and respond to novel, real-time cyber threats. That approach matters more than ever in the era of AI. Today, our customers depend on us to stay ahead.

At Darktrace, we are energized by that responsibility. We work across teams and rally around a shared goal. We own outcomes end to end - step in, step up and see things through without waiting to be asked. We make decisions with urgency, say the hard thing, and hold each other to high standards with care and directness. We move first and learn fast anticipating where our customers are going next, continuously challenging ourselves. We invest in the skills, learning and opportunities that help people deliver at the level their roles demand, and reward the aptitude and curiosity to grow beyond them.

About the Role

We’re looking for talented Software Engineers in Test (SETs) who are passionate about quality, developer experience, and building scalable test solutions. In this role, you will sit at the heart of engineering—partnering with developers and product teams to ensure quality is embedded from the very start. This isn’t traditional QA. You’ll design systems, build frameworks, and influence how software is built, tested, and released. If you enjoy building tools, breaking systems in smart ways, and raising the engineering bar, this role is for you. Please note this role is hybrid and requires 2 days per week in the Cambridge office.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design, build, and maintain automated test frameworks across API, UI, integration, and regression layers.
• Develop scalable, reliable automated test suites integrated into CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate with engineers to implement shift-left testing practices and improve overall code quality.
• Identify, document, and track defects with clear, reproducible steps and technical insight.
• Analyse test results and failures, providing meaningful, actionable feedback to engineering teams.
• Contribute to test strategy including test data management and environment optimisation.
• Participate in code reviews, architecture discussions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support performance, load, and security testing where required.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong hands-on experience with automation tools such as Cypress, Playwright, pytest, or similar.
• Proficiency in at least one language: Python, JavaScript / TypeScript, or Rust.
• Experience working with CI/CD pipelines and modern DevOps practices.
• Solid understanding of testing methodologies, test levels, and best practices.
• Experience testing APIs using tools like Postman, REST Assured, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, or other containerised environments (desirable).
• Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
• A collaborative, team-first mindset with a passion for improving engineering quality.

What You’ll Get

• The opportunity to shape testing strategy and tooling across a growing engineering organisation.
• A collaborative environment focused on engineering excellence and continuous improvement.
• Exposure to modern technologies, tooling, and scalable systems.
• A culture that values innovation, ownership, and quality.

As a growing business strengthening its governance and controls, this role plays a part in supporting high standards of integrity and accountability.

Darktrace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Darktrace is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact your Talent Partner.