Senior Engineer, Software

Edwards Vacuum; Clevedon; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Edwards Vacuum is seeking a software test strategy leader for production test rigs in the UK. You will shape validation and verification activities, oversee testing, analyse results, and report quality metrics to stakeholders.

You will drive root cause analysis for software and hardware issues, collaborate with global teams, and promote continuous operational improvements. The role requires extensive LabVIEW experience, Python automation skills, and strong leadership with a focus on quality,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Production Test Rig, Test Engineering, or Manufacturing Software environments.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in NI LabVIEW application development, test automation, and software validation.
• Experience with Python-based automation, diagnostics, and data analysis.
• Experience with MongoDB, SQL, and industrial data management systems.
• Industrial communication protocols (RS232, RS485, Ethernet, Modbus TCP/RTU).
• Experience with Jira, Confluence, and engineering collaboration platforms.
• Technical leadership and stakeholder management.
• Product safety, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and SHE awareness.
• Vacuum system and semiconductor manufacturing knowledge (preferred).
• Fluent English communication (written and verbal) and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the software test strategy for production test rigs, reducing field defects and improving product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership in planning, development, execution, and continuous improvement of software validation and verification activities.
• Oversee software testing activities, analyse test results, and report quality metrics, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Drive root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and resolution of software and hardware issues affecting production test rigs and manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with global engineering, operations, and quality teams to deliver robust, right-first-time solutions and continuous operational improvements.
• Communicate test progress, quality status, technical risks, and improvement initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and support test automation, build automation, and diagnostic capability enhancements to improve productivity and reduce downtime.
• Define and implement best practices, processes, and governance for software testing and validation across production test environments.
• Mentor and support team members by sharing technical expertise and promoting a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Ensure production test rig software remains reliable, maintainable, and scalable to support business growth and future manufacturing requirements.

Skills

Python

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder mgmt

Regulatory awareness

Tools

NI LabVIEW

MongoDB

SQL

Jira

Confluence

Job description

• Define and drive the software test strategy for production test rigs, reducing field defects and improving overall product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership in the planning, development, execution, and continuous improvement of software validation and verification activities.
• Oversee software testing activities, analyse test results, and ensure effective reporting of quality metrics, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Drive root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and resolution of software and hardware issues affecting production test rigs and manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with global engineering, operations, and quality teams to deliver robust, right-first-time solutions and continuous operational improvements.
• Communicate test progress, quality status, technical risks, and improvement initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and support test automation, build automation, and diagnostic capability enhancements to improve productivity and reduce downtime.
• Define and implement best practices, processes, and governance for software testing and validation across production test environments.
• Mentor and support team members by sharing technical expertise and promoting a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Ensure production test rig software remains reliable, maintainable, and scalable to support business growth and future manufacturing requirements.

Main Tasks And Responsibilities

• Define and drive the software test strategy for production test rigs, reducing field defects and improving overall product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership in the planning, development, execution, and continuous improvement of software validation and verification activities.
• Oversee software testing activities, analyse test results, and ensure effective reporting of quality metrics, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Drive root cause analysis, troubleshooting, and resolution of software and hardware issues affecting production test rigs and manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with global engineering, operations, and quality teams to deliver robust, right-first-time solutions and continuous operational improvements.
• Communicate test progress, quality status, technical risks, and improvement initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and support test automation, build automation, and diagnostic capability enhancements to improve productivity and reduce downtime.
• Define and implement best practices, processes, and governance for software testing and validation across production test environments.
• Mentor and support team members by sharing technical expertise and promoting a culture of quality, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Ensure production test rig software remains reliable, maintainable, and scalable to support business growth and future manufacturing requirements.

Skills And Experience

• 5+ years of experience in Production Test Rig, Test Engineering, or Manufacturing Software environments
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in NI LabVIEW application development, test automation, and software validation
• Experience with Python-based automation, diagnostics, and data analysis
• Experience with MongoDB, SQL, and industrial data management systems
• Industrial communication protocols (RS232, RS485, Ethernet, Modbus TCP/RTU)
• Experience with Jira, Confluence, and engineering collaboration platforms
• Technical leadership and stakeholder management
• Product safety, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and SHE awareness
• Vacuum system and semiconductor manufacturing knowledge (preferred)
• Fluent English communication(written and verbal) and strong communication skills

About Edwards

Edwards is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products, exhaust management systems and related value-added services. Edwards solutions are integral to manufacturing processes for semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells. They are also used within an increasingly diverse range of industrial processes including power, glass and other coating applications; steel and other metallurgy; pharmaceutical and chemical; and for scientific instruments in a wide range of R&D applications.

Edwards has over 4,000 employees worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment. Edwards has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia and North America.