At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement tests for cutting-edge mobile robotics systems.
- Company: Join a pioneering robotics company in Guildford, England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with exciting challenges in robotics technology.
- Why this job: Be the last line of defence before software meets real robots and make a tangible impact.
- Qualifications: Strong C++ skills and experience with test frameworks and CI/CD pipelines.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
As a Test Engineer, Embedded Robotics, you own the testing infrastructure and verification pipeline for our mobile robotics systems. You will design and implement tests at every level—unit, integration, system—and build the CI/CD rigs that run them automatically across Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) environments. You are the last line of defense before software reaches physical robots, and you will build the tooling and processes to make that gate trustworthy and fast.
Duties
- Design, implement, and maintain test suites (unit, integration, system-level) for embedded C++ applications and services running on linux-based robotics platforms.
- Architect and operate SITL environments that validate software against simulated robot dynamics, sensors, and mission scenarios.
- Architect and operate HITL test rigs that exercise real embedded hardware, peripherals, and communication buses under automated control.
- Build and maintain the CI/CD pipeline in Jenkins—from commit trigger through build, flash, test execution, result collection, and reporting.
- Design and manage multi-site test fixture infrastructure, ensuring consistent and reliable test execution across geographically distributed offices.
- Define and enforce test coverage standards, entry/exit criteria, and quality gates for release readiness.
- Triage test failures, distinguish flaky infrastructure issues from genuine regressions, and drive root-cause resolution with development engineers.
- Continuously improve test execution speed, reliability, and diagnostic clarity across the entire pipeline.
Required Skills
- Strong proficiency in C++ (11 and up) with the ability to read, instrument, and write test harnesses for embedded codebases.
- Deep hands-on experience with test frameworks (Google Test, Catch2, or equivalent).
- Proven experience building and administering Jenkins pipelines—multi-branch, parameterized builds, distributed agents, artifact management.
- Practical experience standing up and operating SITL environments (Gazebo, AirSim, jMAVSim, or comparable simulation tooling).
- Practical experience designing and wiring HITL test rigs—interfacing real embedded targets with automated test orchestration.
- Strong knowledge of networking, serial protocols, and the practical realities of connecting real hardware to CI infrastructure.
- Proficiency as a user and administrator of Ubuntu 18+.
- Comfortable with infrastructure-as-code tooling for provisioning and maintaining test environments (Docker, Ansible, Terraform, or similar).
- Experience managing distributed test infrastructure across multiple physical sites—handling latency, hardware inventory, remote access, and fixture consistency.
Nice to Have
- Prior experience in a mobile robotics or aerospace test environment (UAV, UGV, USV).
- Experience with MAVLink, ROS/ROS2, or similar robotics middleware.
- Familiarity with hardware test instrumentation (power supplies, logic analyzers, CAN/serial sniffers) in an automated context.
- Prior experience with additional CI/CD platforms (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Travis).
- Experience with test management and defect tracking tooling at scale.
Test Engineer, Embedded Robotics employer: Rogue Cortex
Rogue Cortex is an exceptional employer located in Guildford, England, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of embedded robotics. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, including hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning. With a focus on meaningful contributions to mobile robotics systems, team members enjoy the unique advantage of being at the forefront of technological advancements while working in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Engineer, Embedded Robotics
✨Dive into Robotics Meetups
Get yourself out there and connect with others in the robotics-automation field by attending local meetups and industry events. These gatherings are where the magic happens, and you might just rub shoulders with someone from Rogue Cortex or get insider tips on upcoming vacancies.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Create a portfolio that highlights your robotics projects, whether they're personal, academic, or freelance. Share this on platforms like GitHub or your personal website, as it shows potential employers, like Rogue Cortex, what you're made of and your hands-on experience in the field.
✨Utilise University Resources
If you're fresh out of university or still connected, don't underestimate your career services. They often have exclusive access to job fairs and employer networking events in technical fields like ours, so make sure you tap into those resources to discover openings at companies like Rogue Cortex.
✨Engage in Online Communities
Join online communities that focus on robotics and automation, such as forums or LinkedIn groups. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and share insights. This not only builds your visibility but could also lead to direct connections at firms like Rogue Cortex, which might have the full-time role you're after.
We think you need these skills to ace Test Engineer, Embedded Robotics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the robotics and automation field, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills on your CV. Include specific programming languages, software platforms, and any relevant robotics experience. Don’t forget to mention any projects or systems you've developed – this info can really make you stand out!
Portfolio Perfection:Having a polished portfolio can speak volumes for a role in robotics. Include any relevant case studies, designs, or prototypes you've worked on. If you've participated in competitions or hackathons, showcase these achievements as well – they show initiative and problem-solving skills!
Tailored Cover Letter Magic:In your cover letter, don’t just tell us that you love robotics—tell us why you’re passionate about automation specifically! Explain how your skills can contribute to Rogue Cortex’s projects and remember to connect your past experiences to what you'll be doing in this role.
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, such as in robotic process automation or machine learning, make sure they’re front and centre on your CV. These credentials show you're dedicated to your field and keep you up to date with industry standards – we love to see that!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rogue Cortex
✨Showcase Your Technical Wizardry
For a role in robotics and automation at Rogue Cortex, it's crucial to demonstrate your technical skills. Be prepared to dive into specifics about the programming languages and tools you’ve used, like Python or ROS (Robot Operating System). Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms and control systems, as these might come up during technical questions.
✨Bring Your Projects to Life
With a full-time position in robotics, you should have a portfolio of your projects ready to show. Whether it's a robot you built for a competition or a simple automation script, make sure you can discuss the challenges you faced and how you solved them. This hands-on experience is gold and shows you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
✨Think Like an Engineer
Expect some problem-solving scenarios during your interview. You might be asked to design a basic automation solution on the spot or troubleshoot a robotic system. Practising these types of technical questions can really set you apart, as they require critical thinking and a systematic approach to tackle problems.
✨Culture Fit Is Key!
Don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit at Rogue Cortex. They might ask about your teamwork experience and how you handle challenges with peers. Be ready to share examples of working in diverse teams, as collaboration is often central to projects in robotics and automation.
