Software Test Engineer 2 in Cambridge

Software Test Engineer 2 in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Illumina

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a team solving real-world health problems with innovative software solutions.
  • Company: Illumina, a leader in genomic technology for health equity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Other info: Dynamic, inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on human health through cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Experience in software testing and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity? At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realise health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world-changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

Are you passionate about solving real-world customer problems with cutting-edge technologies? Do you have a strong technical background and excellent communication skills? Do you want to work on products that have a meaningful impact on human health? If so, you might be the perfect fit for our Software Test Engineer 2 role within the End-To-End Solutions Software team in Cambridge (UK).

We develop a range of software products in areas such as Oncology and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), creating solutions that truly make a difference to patients around the world. The initial focus of this role will be supporting and enhancing our on-market portfolio, helping laboratories and healthcare providers deliver accurate, timely genetic insights.

You will have the opportunity to work with multi-disciplinary teams across software, science, product management, and quality to develop end-to-end solutions that solve complex customer challenges and help advance the future of genomics and precision health.

As a Software Test Engineer 2 at Illumina, you will join a highly skilled team delivering high-quality software solutions that support critical healthcare applications. Guided by our people-first culture and commitment to innovation, collaboration, and integrity, you will play an important role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and quality of products that make a meaningful difference in areas such as Oncology and NIPT.

In this role, you will work closely with software developers, scientists, and domain experts to understand complex requirements, develop comprehensive test strategies, and build automated testing solutions. You'll bring a quality-focused mindset, collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, and help ensure our products meet the highest standards while continuing to develop your technical expertise.

This is an exciting opportunity for a software test engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, improving software quality through automation, and contributing to technology that advances genomics and precision health.

Responsibilities of the role:

  • Work in an agile Scrum environment, participating in daily stand-ups, sprint planning sessions, retrospectives, and product demonstrations.
  • Collaborate with fellow Software Test Engineers to design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and test suites.
  • Work closely with software developers, scientists, and domain experts to understand requirements and translate them into effective test cases and automated test scripts.
  • Develop, execute, and maintain software test plans to ensure product quality and reliability.
  • Analyse test results, identify issues, and work with development teams to support resolution and continuous improvement.
  • Contribute to quality processes, test standards, and best practices across the team.
  • Help ensure quality is embedded throughout the software development lifecycle through effective testing and automation.

Skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Biology, or another relevant scientific or technical discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
  • Experience as a Software Test Engineer or in a similar software quality or testing role.
  • Knowledge and experience with Java, Python, or a similar high-level programming language.
  • Experience with source control technologies such as Git, SVN, or similar repositories.
  • Experience working in Linux environments.
  • Experience developing or maintaining automated testing solutions.
  • Familiarity with test automation frameworks such as Robot Framework, Karate, Playwright, Selenium, or similar technologies.
  • Understanding of object-oriented analysis and design principles.
  • Curious, analytical, and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to learn quickly.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Customer-focused, collaborative, and motivated, with the ability to take ownership of assigned work.
  • Strong attention to detail and a passion for delivering high-quality software.
  • Ability and enthusiasm to learn and master the technologies underpinning our products.
  • Experience working within agile software development environments, including Scrum or Kanban.
  • Experience working in a regulated environment is beneficial.
  • Understanding of genomics, bioinformatics, life sciences, or related scientific disciplines is advantageous.

Our team members are bright, energetic, and dedicated. They are the driving force behind our innovation and impact. To attract and retain exceptional talent, we offer a competitive benefits package and a culture that supports personal growth, collaboration, and continuous learning.

At Illumina, we push boundaries. We think beyond the conventional. We dream big. With the energy of so many bright and accomplished people, the opportunities are endless. Join us and help create the next generation of solutions that are transforming human health through genomics.

The estimated base salary range for the Software Test Engineer 2 role based in United Kingdom is GBP 33,400 - 50,200. The range reflects long-term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. This salary range applies to the primary posting location listed above. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range will be updated accordingly. Compensation ranges for other locations will differ to reflect local market competitiveness and will be shared with candidates if applicable during the recruitment process.

Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a thoughtfully designed benefits package that supports your wellbeing, flexibility, and life beyond work—combining globally differentiated offerings with locally tailored programs. This includes support during important life moments, flexible time off, opportunities to give back, and a weeklong company-wide summer shutdown. In the UK, we also offer flexible benefits, a company contribution of 10% into your pension, and private medical insurance, alongside additional benefits to support you and your family.

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritised openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information.

Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact accommodations@illumina.com.

Software Test Engineer 2 in Cambridge employer: Illumina

Illumina is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the biotechnology sector. Employees benefit from a comprehensive benefits package, flexible time off, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all within a culture that values inclusivity and teamwork. Joining Illumina means being part of a forward-thinking company dedicated to making a meaningful impact in life sciences.

Illumina

Contact Details:

Illumina Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Software Test Engineer 2 in Cambridge

Join Local Tech Meetups

Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Illumina or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!

Contribute to Open Source Projects

Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Illumina.

Tap into Online Developer Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Illumina.

Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Illumina that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!

We think you need these skills to ace Software Test Engineer 2 in Cambridge

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Organizational Skills
Compassion
Flexibility
Adaptability
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.

Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Illumina.

Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Illumina and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!

Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!

How to prepare for a job interview at Illumina

Brush Up on Your Coding Skills

For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.

Know Your Tools and Frameworks

Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Illumina uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.

Showcase Your Projects

Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.