Test Automation Engineer

Paragraf\’s patented contamination-free deposition technology delivers game-changing opportunities for the commercialisation of graphene by allowing us to manufacture high-purity 2D graphene sheets at scale.

Paragraf is the first company in the world to mass produce graphene-based electronic devices using standard semiconductor processes. We not only specialise in the manufacture of high-purity graphene but also its seamless integration into ready to use products that can be quickly adopted by our customers and partners to support the advancement of their technologies.

At Paragraf we are committed to materially transforming electronics through the development of high-purity graphene products that will facilitate massive improvements in the performance of technologies across all aspects of life.

Founded as a spin out from Cambridge University in 2017 with the aim of transferring the technology from the academic lab into a commercial entity. Since then, we have grown from one site in Somersham, Cambridgeshire and three employees to a team of over 100 amazing people and an additional production facility in Huntingdon as well as sales teams globally promoting Paragraf.

The Role

This role focuses on developing and maintaining automated test equipment to ensure the high quality and performance of our products. You will guide projects through requirements elicitation, design, development, test, release and support. Outside of test, you will use your experience and knowledge to create robust and efficient solutions to assist in other areas of the company, as well as driving best practice and industry standards. Solutions will include a multi discipline collaboration of skills and departments.

Responsibilities & Tasks

• Design and develop internal software using a selection of programming languages (Python / C#/ C++ / LabView), to support the manufacture and testing of our Graphene electronics products
• Support the development of automated test equipment by writing software to communicate with hardware for motion control and data acquisition
• Support the integration of production systems (MES/ERP) with internal software applications, e.g. through the development of APIs.
• Design and integrate Microsoft SQL databases for test data storage, manufacturing tracking, and system configuration
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and data engineers throughout a system\’s development and production life cycle
• Troubleshoot systems issues involving both software and hardware
• Maintain effective communication with cross-functional stakeholders to elicit functional and non-functional software requirements, ensuring alignment with business / product needs
• Own Solution Project Plans and reporting of progress & updates to Management
• Take a proactive approach to CI/CD and Testing, ensuring best practice and longevity is at its core and provide professional documentation and frameworks
• Manage Git repositories as administrator, deciding on permission and workflow setups
• Manage subordinates\’ workload and line management as and when required
• Maintain and promote excellent understanding of software design principles for efficient and maintainable code.
• Continuously seeking new ways for automation to drive company efficiency
• Deliver tactical quick wins and show adaptability and flexibility with day to day activity
• Be a Critical Thinker, understanding requirements and novel ways to deliver solutions effectively
• Comfortable working autonomously on fast-paced, high output projects
• Be enthusiastic about challenges, potentially beyond the initial scope of the role, and motivated by a new opportunity

Requirements

Education and Qualifications

• Computer science degree or equivalent software development experience from time in industry.

Experience

• Experience developing software in Python / C# / C++ / LabView / SQL and writing testable, maintainable code
• Experience creating and maintaining predominantly internal software solutions for data acquisition, processing, modelling and visualisation
• 3+ years of experience in automated test equipment software development for manufacturing and system integration
• Experience working within cross-functional teams on the design and delivery of internal instrumentation / tools
• Experienced with Git for version control
• Experience with agile workflow and supporting software (e.g. Jira)
• Experience designing and maintaining database architectures in relational databases
• Experience providing top-level technical summaries to support development within a NPD framework
• Experience working in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Ability to face into challenges and adapt

Preferred Skills that Set You Apart

• Experience with production system configuration / development (e.g. MES/ERPs)
• Comfortable working with the Scrum framework

Communication

• Excellent communication skills with the confidence to contribute and encourage ideas generation to senior management
• Effectively communicate technical information, and to report on status of work in a timely manner to senior management
• Ability to present information clearly and appropriately for the audience

Additional factors

• Respect and adherence to confidentiality and critical matters
• Responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment by complying with company policies and processes and all relevant regulations including the use of PPE, as appropriate to the level and scope of the role. This includes participation in health and safety training and reporting of any potential hazards or breaches of safety protocols in the appropriate manner.
• Willing to travel both domestically and abroad

Benefits

At Paragraf we are constantly looking for new ways to support and reward our team. This is our current list of benefits. They are subject to change and review.

• Group Personal Pension Plan – Employer contribution 5%, Employee contribution minimum 4%
• Private health insurance on completion of probation
• Share Option scheme
• Death in service of 3 times salary and income protection on completion of probation
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays, with option to purchase up to 5 additional days each year
• Personal and Professional Development Plans and support
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric Vehicle Lease Scheme
• Payroll Giving scheme