Contract Systems Test Engineer

Spectrum IT; England; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectrum IT is recruiting a Contract Systems Test Engineer for a Poole-based technology business. The role is an initial 6-month contract, outside IR35 and onsite due to hardware testing, with some remote work.

You will lead hands-on testing across hardware, embedded devices and software, developing test plans and environments, performing end-to-end validation, and documenting results. Collaboration with engineering teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Commercial systems testing experience required.
• 2+ years in a Systems Test Engineer or similar role.
• Experience testing hardware, embedded devices and software applications.
• Hands-on ability to set up test environments and configure devices.
• Good understanding of Windows environments, PC hardware and networking basics.
• SQL knowledge and back-office applications or database experience.
• ISTQB Foundation or equivalent testing qualification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Set up, configure and maintain test environments, hardware devices and test environments.
• Develop test plans, test scenarios and detailed test cases.
• Carry out manual systems testing, integration testing, end-to-end testing and fault diagnosis.
• Test integrated hardware and software across embedded devices, back-office apps and cloud/on-premises environments.
• Perform testing across ticketing, payment terminals, card readers, validators and handheld devices.
• Identify, investigate and document defects with development/engineering teams.
• Review technical requirements to ensure appropriate test coverage.
• Produce test documentation, progress updates and test outcome reports.
• Use AI tools where appropriate to support test case generation and other testing activities.
• Collaborate with developers, systems architects, project managers and product owners.

Skills

Commercial systems testing experience

Manual testing

System integration testing

End-to-end testing

Hardware testing experience

Windows OS / PC hardware basics

Networking basics

SQL knowledge

Defect diagnosis

Education

Engineering/Computing/Electronics background

Tools

TestRail

Jira

Job description

Spectrum IT are recruiting for a Contract Systems Test Engineer to join a Poole-based technology business on an initial 6-month contract. This role has been deemed OUTSIDE IR35 and will be onsite working (due to hardware testing requirements) with some remote working.

Our client builds complex, integrated technology solutions used across transport. Their systems bring together embedded devices, hardware, software and back-office platforms, supporting everything from ticketing and payment processing through to passenger journeys and operational systems.

We're looking for a hands-on Contract Systems Test Engineer who enjoys getting involved in the technical detail, setting up test environments, configuring devices and testing how different systems work together.

This is a systems-level testing role rather than a purely software or application testing position, with a mixture of bench-based hardware testing, software integration and end-to-end system validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, configure and maintain systems, hardware devices and test environments.
• Develop test plans, test scenarios and detailed test cases.
• Carry out manual systems testing, integration testing, end-to-end testing and fault diagnosis.
• Test integrated hardware and software solutions across embedded devices, back-office applications and cloud/on-premises environments.
• Perform testing across technologies such as ticketing systems, payment terminals, card readers, validators, POS devices and handheld equipment.
• Identify, investigate and document defects, working closely with development and engineering teams to resolve issues.
• Review technical requirements and specifications to ensure appropriate test coverage.
• Produce test documentation, progress updates and test outcome reports.
• Use AI tools where appropriate to support test case generation and other testing activities.
• Collaborate with developers, systems architects, project managers and product owners to coordinate testing activities.

Skills & Experience

• Commercial systems testing experience, ideally 2+ years in a Systems Test Engineer or similar role.
• Strong manual testing experience, including system integration, end-to-end testing and test case development.
• Experience testing systems that combine hardware, embedded devices and software applications.
• Hands-on experience setting up test environments, configuring devices and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Good understanding of Windows environments, PC hardware, networking and associated protocols.
• SQL knowledge and experience working with back-office applications or databases.

• Experience testing embedded systems, payment technologies, ticketing equipment or connected devices highly desirable.

• Familiarity with software development and testing methodologies, including Agile or V-Model.
• Excellent fault-finding, diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with wider engineering and project teams.
• Strong attention to detail, communication skills and a practical engineering mindset.

Desirable Experience

• Python, Pytest or C# exposure.
• Automated testing or test automation frameworks.
• Cloud-based and on-premises systems integration.
• TestRail, Jira or configuration management tools.
• ISTQB Foundation certification or equivalent testing qualification.
• An engineering, computing, electronics or similar technical background.

Candidates for this role must be able to commute to the client's Poole, Dorset office due to hardware testing requirements onsite.