Principal Software Test Engineer

We’re building the UK\’s next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience.

At Rowden, we design and integrate advanced systems that sense, connect, and protect data in challenging environments where quick decisions are vital. Our solutions use intelligent automation to enhance speed and efficiency and are built to be reliable and straightforward for critical operations in remote or high‑pressure settings.

Department: Engineering
Location: Bristol, UK
Compensation: £65,000 – £85,000 / year

Principal Software Test Engineer

We are seeking a Principal Software Test Engineer to provide technical leadership and authoritative guidance across all aspects of test strategy, planning, execution, process, and tooling. This is a hands‑on role for someone who is deeply technically competent, able to close knowledge gaps quickly, and who brings a modern, pragmatic approach to both assurance and rapid delivery.

You will work on diverse projects such as bespoke mobile applications, server‑side configuration management platforms, geospatial tools, custom integration provisioning tools and Rowden’s innovative product portfolio. You will play a pivotal role in delivering critical technologies that bridge the gap between frontline operators and the commercial advancements they need to succeed.

Where you’ll work

This is a hybrid role, with an average of 3 days a week in our Bristol offices. There will be occasional on‑site support to customers during ‘testing’ days and provide hands‑on support through acceptance and release phases.

Due to the nature of this role and the sensitivity of the work involved, applications are restricted to UK nationals.

What you’ll do

• Provide authoritative technical leadership in all aspects of software and system testing, including strategy, planning, execution, process, and tools.
• Champion and implement best practices to enhance testing strategies and quality across projects, particularly where projects require higher levels of assurance or present greater risk.
• Integrate seamlessly into development teams, actively engaging in agile ceremonies and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure requirements are understood and testable.
• Influence and set test strategy across complex, multi‑disciplinary projects, including those involving hardware, distributed, connected and embedded systems.
• Design, execute, and manage test plans and test cases, including defect triage and comprehensive reporting of testing outcomes.
• Lead the adoption and evolution of automated testing, ensuring automation is embedded in project delivery and that scripting (e.g., Python, bash, Kotlin) is used effectively to support robust, scalable test solutions.
• Provide expert support through acceptance, release, and deployment phases, acting as a trusted adviser to ensure seamless delivery and successful outcomes.
• Manage, coach and mentor senior engineers, supporting their professional development.

What you’ll bring

• Deep expertise in software testing, with a track record of technical leadership in complex environments where testing is fully integrated into cross‑functional teams.
• Ideas on how to modernise Rowden’s test approach across strategy, tools, process and ways of working.
• Experience with hardware and connected systems, ideally including IoT and system integration projects.
• Strong background in automation, with hands‑on experience in scripting and the use of modern test frameworks and CI/CD systems.
• Ability to quickly close knowledge gaps and provide authoritative advice on strategy, planning, execution, process, and tools.
• Proficiency in designing and documenting test strategies, plans, detailed test cases, execution records, reporting, and release documentation.
• Confidence in customer‑facing roles and the ability to facilitate discussions around software testing and release planning.
• Aptitude for testing software with hardware systems and troubleshooting interoperability issues.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience building and maintaining automated regression test suites
• Experience in high integrity system and software assurance is highly desirable.
• ISTQB or equivalent certifications
• Knowledge of any of performance, security, exploratory testing, software & hardware integration, containerised environments and cloud platforms
• Proficient with hands‑on integration testing
• Experience with testing Android and Server‑based software and hardware
• Familiarity and experience with mobile and tablet based MDMs, their capabilities and functions at an OS level
• Experience in working with supporting IDEs such as Android Studio, IntelliJ
• Experience with containerised solutions such as Docker, and server‑side tooling
• Solid understanding of GitHub Actions and build pipelines and processes

What matters to us

• Is passionate about delivering the highest quality products, ensuring systems are ready for use, not just built to spec
• Balances attention to detail with a pragmatic, delivery‑focused approach and is proactive in resolving problems
• Understands the pressures of operational delivery and in‑service use
• Works well across internal and external, multi‑disciplinary engineering teams
• Is committed to continued professional development and goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our teams and our customers

Why Rowden?

At Rowden, we design and deploy technology where it matters most – supporting defence, national security, and frontline users. As a Software Test Engineer, you will ensure software products are robust, reliable, and meet the high standards expected by both Rowden and our mission‑focused customers.

Working at Rowden

We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are!

We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can. We typically operate a flexible, hybrid‑working model, with an average 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role). We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part‑time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants.

Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles. Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible.

Finally, if you feel that you don’t meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we’d still love to hear from you!