Senior Software Test Engineer

Rowden; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology firm based in Bristol seeks a Senior Software Test Engineer to enhance product quality through effective testing strategies. This hybrid role calls for proficiency in software and hardware testing with automation experience. The ideal candidate will collaborate with teams to ensure seamless integration and delivery of complex systems. A commitment to quality is paramount, as well as the ability to work under operational pressures. The company supports flexible working arrangements and is encouraging diverse applicants.

Qualifications

• Experience integrating testing across both software and hardware.
• Ability to manage test plans and comprehensive reporting.
• Proficient in automation scripting (e.g., Python, bash, Kotlin).

Responsibilities

• Support software, integration and system testing aligned to business strategy.
• Improve best practices in testing strategies and quality assurance.
• Engage in agile ceremonies and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Design and manage test plans and cases, including defect tracking.
• Support acceptance and deployment phases.

Skills

Hands-on software and hardware integration testing

Testing Android and server-based debugging tools

Familiarity with mobile based MDMs

Experience with Android Studio and IntelliJ

Understanding of Github Actions

Experience with Docker

Building and maintaining manual regression test suites

Knowledge of performance and security testing

ISTQB or equivalent certifications

Job description

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Senior Software Test Engineer

Department: Engineering

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Bristol, UK

Compensation: GBP 45,000 - GBP 65,000 / year

Description

We're building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience.

At Rowden, we design and integrate advanced systems and products that sense, connect, and protect data in challenging environments where quick decisions are vital. Our solutions use intelligent automation to enhance speed and efficiency and are built to be reliable and straightforward for critical operations in remote or high-pressure settings.

Headquartered in Bristol (UK), we combine modern engineering methods with cutting-edge commercial technology to create adaptable, mission‑critical systems. We focus on solving the tough challenges that others overlook, ensuring our customers can operate effectively in an ever‑changing world.

We're growing our team and are looking for a Senior Software Test Engineer to work with a high level of independence to drive best practices and elevate product and process quality across our project teams.

Your focus will be on supporting Rowden and our partners in the development of high‑assurance software, whilst contributing and inputting into Rowden's processes and procedures. You may contribute to projects ranging from bespoke mobile applications to server‑side management platforms, geospatial tools, and custom provisioning systems. As many of these solutions incorporate hardware elements, you'll draw on your experience across both software and hardware ecosystems to drive successful delivery.

Pace matters. In 2024, we delivered our first full‑stack hardware product to end users, from concept through to mass production, in just eight months. That included industrial design, embedded software, cloud integration, and rigorous testing across operational environments. This is the kind of momentum we're building on, and the kind of impact you'll help drive. You will play a pivotal role in delivering our next generation of critical technologies that bridge the gap between frontline operators and the commercial advancements they need to succeed.

This is a hybrid role, with an average of 3 days a week in our Bristol offices.

There will be occasional on‑site support throughout the south of England to customers and the wider project team during integration and test days.

Key areas of responsibility

• Provide support across all aspects of software, integration and system testing within a defined project or product scope whilst aligning to business‑wide strategy, planning, execution, process, and tools.
• Champion and improve best practices to enhance testing strategies and quality across products and projects, particularly where they require higher levels of assurance or present greater risk.
• Integrate seamlessly into development teams, actively engaging in agile ceremonies and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure requirements are understood and testable.
• Influence test strategy across complex, multi‑disciplinary products, including those involving hardware, distributed, connected and embedded systems.
• Design, execute, and manage test plans and test cases, including defect triage and comprehensive reporting of testing outcomes.
• Support the adoption and evolution of automated testing, ensuring automation is embedded in project delivery and that scripting (e.g., Python, bash, Kotlin) is used effectively to support robust, scalable test solutions.
• Provide support through acceptance, release, and deployment phases, acting as a trusted adviser to ensure seamless delivery and successful outcomes.

Key skills, experience and behaviours

• Proficient with hands‑on software and hardware integration testing
• Experience with testing Android and server‑based debugging tools
• Familiarity and experience with mobile based MDMs, their capabilities and functions at an OS level
• Experience in working with supporting IDEs such as Android Studio, IntelliJ
• Solid understanding of Github Actions and build pipelines and processes
• Experience with containerised solutions such as Docker, sever‑side tooling and log analysis
• Experience with building and maintaining manual regression test suites with exposure and knowledge of implementing automated test frameworks such as Playwright
• Knowledge of performance, security and non‑functional testing
• ISTQB or equivalent certifications

We're looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about delivering the highest quality products, ensuring systems are ready for use, not just built to spec
• Balances attention to detail with a pragmatic, delivery‑focused approach and is proactive in resolving problems
• Understands the pressures of operational delivery and in‑service use
• Is comfortable in customer‑facing roles and delivery environments, blending the technical expertise and behavioural competencies critical for success
• Works well across internal and external, multi‑disciplinary engineering teams

Working at Rowden

We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are!

We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can. We typically operate a flexible, hybrid‑working model, with an average 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role). We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part‑time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants.

Rowden is a Disability Confident Committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles. Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible.

Finally, if you feel that you don't meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we'd still love to hear from you!