Manual QA Engineer (Embedded Systems) in Leicester

We are looking for an experienced Manual QA Engineer to join our hardware and firmware team. This role is focused exclusively on the manual verification of embedded monitoring and tracking products. You will take ownership of validating device behaviour, reproducing complex issues, and supporting the release of critical, high-reliability hardware and firmware builds.

This is a 100% manual testing role. We are specifically seeking candidates with substantial experience testing physical hardware and firmware. If you are focused on test automation, scripting-led QA, or software framework development then this role is not the right fit for you.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working directly with physical devices, investigating complex edge cases, and collaborating closely with engineers to help ensure public safety technology is dependable, secure, and fit for purpose. You will be working for the Head of Test and QA as part of the team based at our site in Leicester.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Own manual testing across hardware and firmware builds throughout development and release cycles.
• Design and execute detailed test plans, structured test cases, and exploratory testing on physical embedded monitoring devices.
• Reproduce, analyse, and clearly document defects, capturing logs, device states, and severity.
• Verify security fixes and carry out rigorous regression checks on critical safety scenarios.
• Assess device behaviour across power-up, wireless connectivity, multi-sensor tampering, and state-transition workflows.
• Work closely with engineering teams to support root-cause analysis and validation of fixes.
• Maintain accurate, auditable QA documentation and test evidence to a high standard.

Key Competencies

• Proven experience in manual QA testing within hardware, firmware, embedded systems, or connected devices.
• Strong understanding of working in a physical lab environment, managing test benches, and manually configuring device setups.
• Demonstrable attention to detail and a structured, methodical approach to identifying faults and security vulnerabilities.
• Strong capability in writing clear, detailed defect reports and summarising test outcomes for technical stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence working directly with firmware and hardware engineers.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and operate with a high degree of ownership.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in manual testing.
• ISEB Foundation Cert.
• Minimum of 4 years working in an Engineering /IT environment.
• Communicate effectively at all levels – both internal and external.
• Ability to write Detailed Test Plans and Test Completion Reports.

Desirable Skills

• Degree or equivalent knowledge acquired through work experience.
• Programming Skills.
• Technical experience in a relevant field.
• Security Testing.
• Performance Testing.
• Experience testing RF, GPS and LBS devices.
• Experience with wireless communication protocols such as cellular, Bluetooth, or Wi‑Fi, or sensor-based products.

About Us

Allied Universal Electronic Monitoring is the industry leading technology and service company offering law enforcement and government agencies the widest variety of cutting-edge monitoring solutions. Operating in over 35 countries, we leverage an international network of expertise and resources in order to deliver a unique solution.

With nearly 30 years of industry experience in providing innovative technology solutions and first-class service, our latest electronic monitoring technologies provide solutions that aim to ensure the safety of our communities, provide an alternative to incarceration, reduce prison overcrowding, lower recidivism and improve reintegration. We enable our customers to effectively monitor approximately 140,000 participants every day. This includes many of the world's largest electronic monitoring programs.

If you enjoy a varied workload in a fast-paced environment and want to be part of a fantastic team then this role could be for you. Working as part of the Test Team you will play a critical role in ensuring the success of our product and delivering excellent customer service.

What we offer

• Salary: Competitive.
• Working Model: Whilst the role is considered site based we do enjoy the benefit of some hybrid working but the successful candidate should be prepared to work from our site in Leicester.
• Time Off: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with option to buy 5 additional days based on eligibility.
• Pension Scheme: Company Pension Scheme.
• Health & Security: Life insurance (Death in Service) scheme and company sick pay (based on length of employment).
• Everyday perks: Access to our company benefits portal through Perks at Work, which includes offerings like eye care vouchers, discounted gift cards, and much more.
• Development & Training: You will have access to internal learning and development programmes and access to Udemy for dedicated training to support you in your role. You will be joining a growing business which offers opportunities for career development.

Next Steps

If you are excited by this role and feel that you have the skills we are looking for then please submit your CV including details of your salary expectations to us for our consideration. Our process includes an initial online discussion and then a second onsite interview with a short technical assessment.

Based on the nature of our business successful candidates are required to undertake a screening and vetting process. You will be required to have the right to work in the UK and have been resident in the UK for 5 years. We do not hold a sponsorship licence so are unable to sponsor candidates.