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- Tasks: Join a team delivering secure, mission-critical software systems for defence and national security.
- Company: Dynamic engineering firm focused on innovative solutions in defence and intelligence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, excellent pension, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-stakes projects while solving complex problems.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in software testing and Agile methodologies required.
- Other info: Clear progression pathways and opportunities to work on significant systems.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 67000 £ per year.
This role is primarily site-based and located in either Gloucester or Manchester. Applicants must already be based locally or willing to commute regularly to site. Applicants must have valid UK work eligibility. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible for UK Security Check (SC) clearance. This typically requires British citizenship and continuous UK residency for the past 5 years.
We are recruiting a Senior Software & Systems Test Engineer to join a growing engineering team delivering secure, mission-critical software systems for defence, intelligence, and national security customers. This role is deliberately broad in scope and seniority. We are open to candidates with strong hands-on test engineering experience, as well as more senior test professionals who can own test strategy, environments, and quality outcomes across complex delivery programmes.
You will work within Agile, DevSecOps-aligned teams, contributing to the full test lifecycle, from early requirements and environment setup through automated and manual testing, system integration, deployment support, and operational assurance. The environment is technically demanding and security-constrained, making this role well suited to individuals who enjoy solving complex problems, working close to real systems, and taking ownership of quality in high-stakes programmes.
Key Responsibilities- Apply test engineering expertise within Agile software delivery teams
- Define, implement, and execute test strategies across system, integration, and acceptance levels
- Design, maintain, and evolve automated and manual test approaches appropriate to the system under test
- Deploy, configure, and validate complex software systems across Linux and Windows environments
- Define and manage test environments, tools, and test data
- Raise, track, and support resolution of defects in collaboration with development and systems teams
- Produce test plans, reports, and supporting documentation in line with project and customer standards
- Support estimation and planning of test activities across delivery phases
- Contribute to continuous improvement of test processes, tooling, and practices
- Act as a senior escalation point for quality and test-related issues
- (At senior levels) provide technical leadership, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement around test and quality
- Strong experience working in software or systems testing roles
- Proven understanding of the software development lifecycle and test methodologies
- Experience working within Agile / Scrum / DevOps delivery models
- Experience deploying, configuring, and testing complex systems in Linux and/or Windows environments
- Ability to design effective test coverage for complex, integrated systems
- Experience producing clear test documentation and reports
- Comfortable working in a secure, on-site engineering environment
- Test automation frameworks and automated test development
- Scripting or programming experience used to support testing or automation
- CI/CD pipelines and continuous testing practices
- Cloud platforms (AWS and/or Azure)
- Linux system administration or infrastructure awareness
- Experience with monitoring, logging, performance, or non-functional testing
- Domain experience in defence, aerospace, cyber, geospatial, or secure government systems
- Experience operating in consultancy or multi-stakeholder delivery environments
- £55,000 – £80,000 base salary, dependent on experience and seniority
- Bonus scheme and strong total rewards package
- Excellent pension (up to 10.5% employer contribution)
- 37-hour working week with early finish Fridays
- 25 days holiday + public holidays (buy/sell options available)
- Flexible benefits including healthcare, dental, and cycle-to-work schemes
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- Clear progression pathways for technical specialists and senior test leaders
- Opportunity to work on nationally significant, high-impact systems
Senior Software & Systems Test Engineer in Gloucester employer: Secure Consult
Contact Detail:
Secure Consult Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Software & Systems Test Engineer in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with current employees at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to software testing. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your test strategies, automation scripts, or any relevant projects. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software & Systems Test Engineer in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Software & Systems Test Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in software testing, Agile methodologies, and any specific tools or technologies mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our mission in delivering secure, mission-critical software systems. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to showcase examples of how you've tackled complex problems in previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to think critically and take ownership of quality outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Secure Consult
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your software and systems testing knowledge. Familiarise yourself with Agile, DevSecOps, and the specific test methodologies mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with complex systems will show that you're ready for the challenges of the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex problems in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you had to design test strategies or resolve defects. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and take ownership of quality outcomes, which is crucial for this position.
✨Understand the Environment
Since the role involves working in secure, on-site environments, be ready to discuss your experience with Linux and Windows systems. If you have any knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, make sure to highlight that too. It shows you're adaptable and can handle the technical demands of the job.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and company culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Ask about their approach to continuous improvement in testing processes, as it aligns with the role's responsibilities.
