At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead QA processes for cutting-edge AI and robotics software in a fast-paced start-up.
- Company: Join a dynamic start-up pioneering safety-tech for AI and autonomous systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, EV car scheme, and more as we grow.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for rapid personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of safe and trustworthy AI technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science or related field with embedded systems QA experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Oxford 2-3 days / week (on-site at HQ)
Employment Type: Permanent – Full Time
About the company
The company is a fast‑growing start‑up building the Trust Layer for physical AI and autonomous systems – next‑generation safety‑tech designed to unlock the true benefits of AI for humanity. Its software enables assured, trustworthy deployment of both traditional deterministic autonomy and AI‑driven control methods in safety‑critical environments, initially focused on aerospace and land domains. The organisation’s products are future‑focused, compliance‑ready and built from the ground up for safety‑critical applications. It aims to be a global leader in novel control assurance, pioneering trusted and ethical autonomy for humanity.
Working culture
The company is a fast‑growing start‑up with ambitious goals, and its culture reflects that. The team is motivated by building meaningful technology, solving hard problems and moving quickly together, embracing collaboration and change as part of start‑up life. Individuals thrive here if they enjoy taking ownership, wearing multiple hats and learning quickly, and are comfortable going beyond core hours when work demands it – not because it is expected every day, but because seeing progress matters. The organisation looks for people who want to be part of something being built from the ground up and who bring commitment, curiosity and teamwork to everything they do.
The role
The business is seeking an exceptional QA & Test Engineer to join the engineering team building cutting‑edge runtime assurance systems for AI and robotics applications. The role holder will play a vital part in developing and assuring safety‑critical embedded software components that underpin the safe and reliable operation of the company’s solutions. Reporting to the CTO, the QA & Test Engineer will lead the design, development and execution of test and verification activities for the runtime assurance platform across multiple hardware architectures and real‑time operating systems. The position combines hands‑on technical work with significant influence over QA processes, tooling and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the design, development and implementation of embedded software for the runtime assurance platform across various hardware architectures and real‑time operating systems.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations and best practices for safety‑critical software development, such as DO‑178C, ISO 26262 and IEC 61508.
- Manage build configuration and CI/CD pipelines, using services such as Jenkins, CloudBuild or AWS CodePipeline.
- Integrate performance testing techniques across multiple types of simulation (e.g. Gazebo, rosbag‑based workflows).
- Collaborate with hardware engineers, systems architects and AI/ML specialists to integrate embedded software and test frameworks into the overall system.
- Participate in code reviews, performance optimisation and comprehensive testing (unit, integration and system level) to maintain high quality standards.
- Develop, implement and execute test strategies and verification activities for safety‑critical software, including static and dynamic code analysis using tools such as Rapita RVS, LDRA, VectorCAST or Polyspace.
- Define and maintain test cases, procedures and automation frameworks to ensure consistency and repeatability.
- Support compliance with safety standards (e.g. DO‑178C, ISO 26262, IEC 61508, DEF STAN 00‑55) through rigorous testing and documentation.
- Lead defect reporting, tracking and resolution through structured QA processes, and prepare and present test results, coverage metrics and assurance evidence for internal and external reviews.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of verification and validation processes, tools and best practices.
Candidate profile
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience, with a strong focus on embedded systems QA and software development and/or testing.
- Hands‑on experience in embedded software testing and QA, with a proven track record in delivering safety‑critical systems.
- Solid understanding of software development methodologies such as Agile, Continuous Integration and Test‑Driven Development.
- Experience with one or more CI/CD pipeline services (e.g. Jenkins, CloudBuild, AWS CodePipeline).
- Experience with infrastructure and automation techniques (e.g. bash, Python) and source control tools such as Git.
- Experience with at least one automated test framework (e.g. pytest, GoogleTest/gtest).
- Experience developing and executing test strategies and verification activities for safety‑critical software, including static and dynamic analysis.
- Strong problem‑solving, analytical and debugging skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
Rewards and benefits
- Competitive compensation package, dependent on experience.
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme with a 5% matched company contribution.
- EV car scheme and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
- Additional benefits to be introduced as the company grows.
Candidates will have the opportunity to join a team that is enabling a future in which AI is not only intelligent but also assured, safe and trustworthy.
Quality Assurance Test Engineer in Oxford employer: DCS Engineering
Contact Detail:
DCS Engineering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Test Engineer in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups or webinars, and connect with current employees at the company. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common QA scenarios and technical questions. We recommend setting up mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with the process.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for safety-critical systems! During interviews, share examples of projects where you’ve ensured quality and compliance. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the company's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Test Engineer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the QA & Test Engineer role. Highlight your hands-on experience with embedded systems and safety-critical software, as this is what we’re really looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about building trustworthy AI systems. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in QA processes or testing, and show us your commitment to safety and quality.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks, and any relevant programming languages. We want to see how you can contribute to our cutting-edge runtime assurance systems!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at DCS Engineering
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safety-critical software development standards like DO-178C and ISO 26262. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, as this will show your understanding of the industry and its requirements.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your hands-on experience with embedded software testing and QA. Bring examples of CI/CD pipelines you've managed or automated test frameworks you've used, like pytest or GoogleTest. This will highlight your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with hardware engineers and AI/ML specialists, be prepared to talk about your experience in cross-functional teams. Share specific examples of how you've collaborated to solve complex problems, as teamwork is key in a fast-paced start-up environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your approach to testing and quality assurance. Think about how you would handle defect reporting or implement test strategies for safety-critical software. This will help the interviewers see your thought process and decision-making skills in action.