At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the testing and verification for cutting-edge autonomous systems.
- Company: Exciting startup backed by Fusion Fund, focused on safety in autonomy.
- Benefits: Equity options, competitive salary, and a chance to shape QA strategy.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and grow your career in a high-impact role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in safety-critical environments with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in testing safety-critical software and proficiency with verification tools.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Company Description: Fusion Fund-backed autonomy safety startup building NEXUS for MoD and ESA.
Job Description: You will own the verification and test program for NEXUS, a real-time safety guardian for autonomous systems. As the first QA hire, you will build a certification-grade test function from scratch, defining processes for DO-178C DAL B compliance and ensuring AI-driven behaviours remain safe across defence, space, and maritime domains.
Location: Oxfordshire, UK.
Why this role is remarkable:
- Lead safety-critical verification for NEXUS, a runtime assurance platform that acts as an independent safety layer between AI decisions and the physical world for clients like DSTL and the European Space Agency.
- High-impact founding team environment where you will shape the entire QA strategy and interface directly with airworthiness authorities like the MAA and EASA as the company scales globally.
- Direct involvement in the cutting edge of physical AI, moving autonomous systems from research labs to certifiable real-world deployment in mission-critical environments where failure is not an option.
What You Will Do:
- Build and manage the verification artifacts and test campaigns required for DO-178C certification, moving from DAL B toward DAL A compliance.
- Design and execute requirements-based testing and structural coverage analysis using tools like Rapita, Matlab Simulink, and Codebeamer for safety-critical C++/MISRA C code.
- Collaborate with the founding team to establish a rigorous, automated test culture that supports autonomous drones, ground vehicles, and maritime platforms.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Proven experience testing safety-critical software in aerospace (DO-178C), automotive (ISO 26262), or defence (DEF-STAN 00-56) sectors.
- Deep technical proficiency with verification and ALM tools such as Rapita, LDRA, VectorCAST, or Polyspace within a certified environment.
- Must be a UK national or hold/be eligible for SC clearance, with a preference for a hands-on builder who thrives in a small, autonomous startup team.
QA & Test Engineer (+ Equity) at Fusion Fund-backed autonomy safety startup in England employer: Jack & Jill
Contact Detail:
Jack & Jill Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land QA & Test Engineer (+ Equity) at Fusion Fund-backed autonomy safety startup in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those connected to safety-critical software. Attend meetups or webinars related to QA and testing in aerospace or defence – you never know who might have a lead on that perfect role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially those involving DO-178C compliance or similar standards. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of the tools mentioned in the job description, like Rapita and Matlab Simulink. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles – real-world examples go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make an impact in the autonomy safety space. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace QA & Test Engineer (+ Equity) at Fusion Fund-backed autonomy safety startup in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the QA & Test Engineer role. Highlight your experience with safety-critical software and any relevant tools you've used, like Rapita or Matlab Simulink. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for autonomous systems and why you’re excited about building a certification-grade test function from scratch. Let us know how you can contribute to our mission at NEXUS.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If you've worked on projects related to DO-178C or similar standards, make sure to mention them! We love seeing real-world examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise in safety-critical environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at our autonomy safety startup!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jack & Jill
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on DO-178C and the specific compliance levels like DAL B and A. Familiarise yourself with the tools mentioned in the job description, such as Rapita and Matlab Simulink. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you're not just a good fit but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous experience in testing safety-critical software. Have specific examples ready that highlight your work in aerospace, automotive, or defence sectors. This will help demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of building a certification-grade test function from scratch.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with the founding team, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in past projects. Share examples of how you contributed to establishing a rigorous testing culture or worked with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company's vision for NEXUS and how they plan to scale globally. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values, especially in a high-impact startup environment.