Senior Software Test Engineer (Python & Embedded Systems)
3 days ago
Cheltenham
Senior Software Test Engineer (Python & Embedded Systems) \n Salary: Up to £75,000 per annum, depending on experienceLocation: Predominantly remote, with occasional visits to FarnboroughSecurity Requirements: Sole UK National | Eligible for SC Clearance, with the ability to progress to DV Clearance \n Are you looking for a better work-life balance without leaving the defence sector behind? \n If you have experience on defence or national security programmes and want greater flexibility with less time spent on-site, this could be the opportunity you're looking for. \n We're seeking a Senior Software Test Engineer with a strong background in embedded software and firmware testing to help ensure the quality, reliability and performance of complex device-based systems. This is a senior, hands-on position where you'll shape test strategy while remaining involved in automation, integration testing and fault investigation. \n You'll work on challenging non-deterministic systems, designing robust test approaches where software behaviour can vary based on system state, environmental conditions and external inputs. You'll also take ownership of Python-based automation frameworks, driving quality standards and continuous improvement across the engineering team. \n This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly skilled team, solve complex technical challenges and influence the testing approach for cutting-edge embedded systems within a secure defence environment. \n What You'll Be Doing \n\n • Lead the testing strategy for complex embedded software and firmware products.\n, • Design, develop and maintain Python-based automated test frameworks.\n, • Create robust test approaches for non-deterministic systems, validating behaviour where outputs may vary based on environmental conditions, system state or external inputs.\n, • Design test cases for complex and uncertain scenarios, ensuring system resilience under real-world operating conditions.\n, • Perform software, firmware, integration and system-level testing across hardware and software environments.\n, • Analyse intermittent, non-repeatable and unexpected behaviours to identify root causes.\n, • Collaborate closely with Embedded Software Engineers throughout the software development lifecycle.\n, • Support firmware releases, deployments, upgrades and regression testing activities.\n, • Drive continuous improvement across testing processes, tooling and automation capability.\n, • Mentor engineers and promote best practice in software quality and test design.\n, • Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and quality gates for software delivery.\n\n Essential Skills & Experience \n\n • Significant experience testing embedded software systems and firmware.\n, • Strong understanding of the embedded software development lifecycle.\n, • Experience working on defence, aerospace, government, national security or other highly regulated engineering programmes.\n, • Understanding of hardware/software integration challenges and system-level testing.\n, • Experience testing products that interact with physical devices, sensors, communications equipment or embedded platforms.\n, • Extensive experience designing and executing test strategies for complex software systems.\n, • Strong background in test design, exploratory testing and risk-based testing techniques.\n, • Experience testing non-deterministic systems, artificial intelligence-enabled systems, autonomous platforms or software where outcomes are not always predictable.\n, • Ability to analyse ambiguous test results and develop meaningful validation approaches.\n, • Experience of manual, automated, integration, system and regression testing.\n, • Strong Python development skills with proven experience building and maintaining automated test frameworks.\n, • Experience integrating automated testing into CI/CD environments.\n, • Knowledge of modern test automation tools and methodologies.\n, • Experience creating reusable, scalable and maintainable automation solutions.\n, • Knowledge of firmware deployment, upgrades and version management.\n, • Experience working with Linux-based environments.\n, • Understanding of software quality metrics, defect management and release processes.\n, • Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills.\n\n Security Requirements \n Due to the nature of the work, applicants must: \n\n • Be a sole UK national.\n, • Be eligible and willing to obtain Security Check (SC) Clearance.\n, • Be capable of obtaining Developed Vetting (DV) Clearance in the future if required.\n, • Have the unrestricted right to work in the UK without needing sponsorship.\n\n Benefits \n\n • Salary up to £75,000 depending on experience.\n, • Performance-related bonus.\n, • Private healthcare.\n, • Enhanced pension contribution.\n, • Ongoing professional development and training.\n, • Predominantly remote working.\n\n \n Circle Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Earn yourself a referral bonus if you refer somebody else who fills the role! We also offer an iPad if you refer a new client to us and we recruit for them. Follow us on Facebook - Circle Recruitment , Twitter - @Circle_Rec and LinkedIn - Circle Recruitment. \n \n