Senior Software QA Engineer

First Line Software; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A software engineering company based in Manchester is looking for a Senior Software QA Engineer to work on a laboratory automation project. The role involves reviewing software requirements, designing test plans, and collaborating with developers. Ideal candidates have over 2 years of experience in SQA and proficiency in C# or Python. The company offers remote, on-site, or hybrid working styles, along with training programs and flexible hours.

Benefits

Access to training programs

Flexible working hours

Corporate English classes

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in SQA or Test Engineering.
• Self-motivated and capable of driving quality improvements.
• Nice to have: Experience with laboratory devices.

Responsibilities

• Review software requirements and define QA strategies.
• Design and maintain manual and automated test plans.
• Log and manage defects using industry-standard tools.
• Collaborate with developers to resolve issues.
• Create and maintain test documentation.

Skills

Proficiency in C#

Proficiency in Python

Familiarity with device communication protocols

Understanding of version control systems

Excellent communication skills

Tools

Jira

Bugzilla

Job description

Overview

About the company

At First Line Software, we drive innovation in software engineering to solve real-world problems. Since 2010, our global team of 500+ professionals has helped leading organizations across healthcare, life sciences, retail, and industrial automation achieve breakthrough results. From building scalable data platforms to integrating robotics into lab workflows, we work at the intersection of cutting-edge tech and critical industries.

The project and your role

We are looking for a Senior Software QA Engineer to join a long-term project in the field of laboratory automation and life science robotics. You\'ll work on a modular automation platform used in modern labs worldwide, helping to integrate and validate a wide range of scientific instruments and robotic devices. This project supports critical scientific research by ensuring that device drivers are tested thoroughly and perform reliably within a complex software-hardware ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Review software requirements and specifications to identify test coverage gaps and define QA strategies
• Design, execute, and maintain both manual and automated test plans for device driver functionality
• Develop scripts in C#, Python, or similar languages to support automation and verification tasks
• Perform functional, regression, integration, system, and usability testing
• Log, track, and manage defects using industry-standard tools (e.g., Jira), providing clear reproduction steps and evidence
• Collaborate with software developers and hardware engineers to investigate and resolve issues
• Participate in deployment validation and ensure test readiness for software releases
• Analyze quality metrics to detect trends and support continuous improvement
• Create and maintain test documentation, including test cases, execution results, and release notes
• Engage in Agile ceremonies and contribute to daily stand ups and sprint planning

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in SQA, Test Engineering, or a similar role
• Proficiency in at least one programming / scripting language (C#, Python preferred)
• Familiarity with device communication protocols (e.g., COM, REST APIs, serial / TCP communication)
• Understanding of version control systems, CI / CD pipelines, and SDLC best practices
• Working knowledge of SQL and basic database principles
• Experience with tools such as Jira, Bugzilla, or similar issue tracking systems
• Self-motivated and capable of driving quality improvements independently
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in cross-functional teams in English
• Nice to have: Experience with laboratory devices, automation systems, or prior work in a lab setting

What we can offer

• Our modern stack projects are the right mix of exciting and challenging
• Gain access to our diverse range of training programs, courses, and certifications
• Choose your work style - remote, on-site or hybrid in one of our stunning offices. We offer the freedom of flexible working hours.
• Enhance your language skills with our corporate English classes