Principal Automation Engineer in Test

Bright Purple; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Edinburgh is seeking a Principal Automation Engineer in Test. You will lead efforts in developing advanced automation systems for healthcare products. This hybrid role requires expertise in Python and effective communication skills. The company offers an excellent salary, generous leave policies, and various employee benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Birthday off

Life insurance from day one

6% employer pension contribution

Healthcare cash plan

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in test automation and software development for complex systems.
• Strong hands-on programming skills in Python.
• Background in developing test frameworks and tools in CI/CD environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of scalable automated tests and test frameworks using Python.
• Define and maintain automation architecture, tools, and test strategy for a major product line.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure full test coverage and high quality.

Skills

Test automation

Python

Test frameworks

Agile environments

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

CI/CD tools

Job description

Location: Edinburgh (Hybrid)
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: Excellent salary and benefits package

Bright Purple are working exclusively with a world-leading technology company to recruit a Principal Automation Engineer in Test for their Edinburgh-based team. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Software Engineer in Test to take on a hands-on technical leadership role, building advanced automation systems for high-impact medical technology products.

As Principal SDET, you’ll play a central part in developing and delivering robust automation solutions across a large-scale platform that integrates software, hardware and complex networked devices used in healthcare environments. You will lead on technical design, mentor your peers, and drive quality-first engineering practices across the team.

This is a hybrid position based in Edinburgh, with 2–3 days per week in the office.

Key responsibilities:

Lead the design and development of scalable automated tests and test frameworks using Python
Define and maintain automation architecture, tools, and test strategy for a major product line
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (software, systems, UX, hardware) to ensure full test coverage and high quality
Plan and manage the test automation backlog and delivery roadmap
Guide and mentor engineers on best practices and technical development
Participate in cross-discipline design reviews and requirement discussions
Write, debug, document and maintain automated test code
Ensure all automation development is well-documented and audit-ready for regulatory compliance

Skills and experience required:

Extensive experience in test automation and software development for complex systems
Strong hands-on programming skills in Python
Background in developing test frameworks and tools in CI/CD environments
Expertise in test architecture and automation strategy
Experience leading teams or technical initiatives within Agile environments
Excellent communication and leadership skills
A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related subject (or equivalent industry experience)

What’s on offer:

25 days annual leave plus public holidays, increasing to 27 days after 5 years and 29 days after 10 years
Your birthday off
2 additional days off for moving house
Life insurance (4x basic salary) from day one
2 paid charity volunteering days per year
6% employer pension contribution
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Healthcare cash plan
Cycle to work scheme
Electric car lease scheme
EdenRed discount platform

Working pattern:

Hybrid working with 2–3 days per week onsite at the Edinburgh office. Flexibility is supported, and the team works with a focus on results and quality over hours.

Apply now:

If you’re an experienced Software Engineer in Test with strong Python skills and a passion for automation leadership, apply today or get in touch with Bright Purple for a confidential discussion.

Bright Purple is an equal opportunities employer: we are proud to work with clients who share our values of diversity and inclusion in our industry.