At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop automated test solutions for cutting-edge 5G and next-gen wireless systems.
- Company: Innovative engineering firm renowned for excellence in wireless communications technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, modern offices, career progression, and excellent onsite facilities.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and technical engagement with customers.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and work on impactful global communication technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in automated testing, strong Python skills, and knowledge of wireless systems.
The predicted salary is between 48600 - 59400 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal System Test Engineer to join an innovative engineering business developing cutting-edge wireless communications technology that is already deployed in mission-critical environments across the globe. This is a hands-on senior engineering position where you'll play a key role in designing and developing automated test solutions for advanced 5G and next-generation wireless systems.
Working alongside highly skilled software, hardware and systems engineers, you'll help ensure products are robust, scalable and ready for deployment in some of the world's most demanding communications environments. This organisation has built an outstanding reputation for technical excellence, combining world-class research with commercially proven products used by leading telecommunications, semiconductor and aerospace organisations worldwide.
The Role
As Principal System Test Engineer, you'll take ownership of developing and evolving automated test systems across a portfolio of high-performance wireless communication products. Working across the full development lifecycle, you'll translate system requirements into robust test architectures, develop automation frameworks and ensure reliable verification at development, integration and system level. The role is predominantly office-based from modern offices at Southampton Science Park, with occasional international travel to support customers and technical partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop modular automated test frameworks using Python, with some C/C++.
- Develop and execute automated test solutions for 5G and emerging 6G wireless technologies.
- Configure and utilise RF test equipment including spectrum analysers, VNAs and signal generators.
- Work closely with development teams to define test strategies from system requirements.
- Build scalable test environments supporting development, integration and system-level verification.
- Develop test capability for high-speed digital interfaces.
- Produce clear technical documentation including test specifications, architecture documentation and user guides.
- Support customer demonstrations and technical engagements where required.
What We're Looking For
You'll be an experienced Test Engineer with a strong understanding of wireless communications and automated testing, alongside the ability to solve complex engineering challenges. You'll ideally have:
- Degree or HNC in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Wireless Communications or a related discipline.
- Strong Python development skills for automated test systems.
- Experience developing scalable automated test frameworks.
- Hands-on experience with RF test equipment.
- Good understanding of 5G, 6G or modern wireless communication systems.
- Knowledge of 3GPP specifications and wireless system architectures.
- Ability to derive test requirements from technical specifications and system designs.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Experience with any of the following would also be advantageous:
- CI/CD pipelines.
- Hardware-in-the-loop testing.
- Laboratory automation.
- RF measurement techniques.
- Customer-facing technical support.
The Person
This role would suit someone who enjoys taking ownership of technically challenging projects and thrives in a collaborative engineering environment. You'll be someone who:
- Takes pride in delivering high-quality engineering solutions.
- Communicates technical concepts clearly.
- Enjoys working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Challenges ideas constructively to improve outcomes.
- Continuously looks for opportunities to improve tools, processes and automation.
- Is adaptable and comfortable working on evolving technologies.
What's On Offer
You'll be joining a collaborative, highly technical engineering team working on genuinely cutting-edge communications technology with real-world global deployment. The business offers:
- Hybrid and flexible working.
- Modern offices based at Southampton Science Park.
- A collaborative engineering culture with genuine technical autonomy.
- The opportunity to work on next-generation 5G and satellite communications technology.
- Career progression within a growing, innovative technology business.
- Excellent onsite facilities including café, nursery, secure cycle storage, showers and EV charging.
Spectrum IT Recruitment (South) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed.
Senior Systems Test Engineer in Southampton employer: Spectrum IT Recruitment
Join a leading international managed services provider that values your expertise and offers a fully remote position with the flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of high-profile compliance projects while enjoying a supportive work culture that encourages continuous improvement and innovation. The monthly visits to the Milton Keynes office foster collaboration and connection, making this an attractive workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Systems Test Engineer in Southampton
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Spectrum IT Recruitment or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Spectrum IT Recruitment.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Spectrum IT Recruitment.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Spectrum IT Recruitment that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Systems Test Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Spectrum IT Recruitment.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Spectrum IT Recruitment and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spectrum IT Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Spectrum IT Recruitment uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
