Software Testing Engineer in Stevenage

Exciting opportunity to join the Integration and Systems Validation (ISV) team within the Weapon System Simulation and Experimentation (WSSE) department. Join us in driving innovation and excellence in the field by providing systems integration and testing for digital simulation and experimentation products in a dynamic and growing area.

Salary: Circa £42,000 - £50,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3-4 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
• Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more

The opportunity: MBDA's Weapon Systems Simulation Environment (WSSE) department is at the forefront of integrating real products, models, synthetic environments, and people throughout the systems life cycle. We use agile methodologies to develop real-time software components that simulate complex weapon systems and sub-systems. Embedded within WSSE, the Integration & Systems Validation (ISV) Team provides best practice and capability to ensure our products are rigorously tested, fit-for-purpose, and ready for delivery. Your work will directly ensure the quality, functionality and performance of our advanced simulation systems. This is a unique opportunity to work in our cutting-edge Digital Battlespace Facility. The role is dynamic and fast-paced, and could include working on a variety of rapid mini-projects or critical longer-term main projects. It is a fantastic opportunity to work throughout the product lifecycle, from concept demonstration, product development, systems integration and customer training.

Reporting to the ISV Team Lead, you will be responsible for the end-to-end software testing and proving lifecycle for one or more WSSE products in software simulation/emulation environment. Your responsibilities will span planning, conduct, and reporting:

• Test/Proving Planning: Understanding Customer needs and requirements from a proving perspective. Understanding design and architecture including defining software test bed requirements. Developing comprehensive software test plans, designs, and specifications.
• Test/Proving Conduct: Regular progressive software testing assurance during software development cycles. Leading technical investigations into software defects and emergent behaviours. Supporting external software integration, trials and demonstrations with engineering partners and customers. Conducting logs/data analysis of logs to identify issues and demonstrate compliance to requirements. Executing formal software qualification testing.
• Test/Proving Reporting: Providing regular updates to project leads and stakeholders on software functionality. Writing detailed software test and analysis reports for certification purposes. Supporting the software delivery and release process, including final certification activities.

Technical Knowledge: GitLab, Jenkins, Python scripting, IBM PLM/ ALM/ ETM /Doors, JIRA. Knowledge of Agile Scrum, Some Software Test automation. Understanding software Logs/Data analysis CI/CD software pipeline Excel, basic Macros, MS Office Software Simulation/Emulator knowledge (Desirable).

What we're looking for from you:

• Essential Skills & Experience: Systems proving. Knowledge of how to test and certify complex systems throughout the development lifecycle. Experience in functional and/or software test is preferable, as is verification and validation (V&V) knowledge.
• Mind-set: A problem-solving mind-set with the flexibility and ability to work effectively in a rapid development environment.
• Self-management: A dynamic and proactive individual, able to manage their own workflow and looking for opportunities to improve ways of working and develop themselves.
• Communication: Strong communication skills, and ability to interface with a variety of technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Behaviour: Demonstrates good professional behaviours and competencies. Takes the initiative in making things happen. Communicates clearly, recognises customer needs and responds to meet them.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Systems understanding: The ability to understand different levels of the software systems and the different stakeholder's perspective.
• Agile/Scrum teams: Familiarity with agile mind-set and methodologies for software development.
• ISTQB: Software testing certifications.

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more… We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.