Senior Software Test Engineer

Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Software Test Engineer to join their dynamic team. This role involves testing satellite systems and ground control systems, with a focus on developing automated test frameworks and ensuring software reliability. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in the exciting space industry, contributing to innovative projects that push the boundaries of technology. If you're passionate about space and eager to make a difference, this could be the perfect role for you in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Benefits

Private Healthcare

Disability Income Protection

Life Insurance

Pension Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Hybrid Work Model

Qualifications

• Proven ability to derive Test Plans from requirements.
• Experience in developing automated test suites for APIs.
• Good analytical skills to identify root causes.

Responsibilities

• Testing of Satellite Payload and Ground Control Systems.
• Preparation and delivery of Test Reports.
• Interaction with Software Engineers for testability.

Skills

Test Plans and Strategy Development

Automated Testing

Manual Testing

Bug Reporting

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Python Programming

Agile Methodologies

Continuous Integration

Problem Solving

Tools

Jira

GitLab

Jenkins

Confluence

PyTest

Cucumber

SonarQube

Linux

Job description

Harwell - Didcot
BEPO Building, Unit 5
Zone 14 Thomson Avenue
Didcot, OXF OX110GD, GBR

Harwell - Didcot
BEPO Building, Unit 5
Zone 14 Thomson Avenue
Didcot, OXF OX110GD, GBR

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and Geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.

Are you ready to launch the next stage of your career in the new space economy? We would love to hear from you!

We’re on the hunt for a Software Test Engineerat our Manchester, Stevenage or Harwelloffice.

MDA’s international footprint in the UK creates opportunities to work with some of the most exciting space industrial players in the country. Delivering all three business area capabilities in Geointelligence, Robotics & Space Operations, and Satellite Systems, our UK team provides support to our European-based customers while specializing in the development of advanced space sensors for exploration missions as well as space-based communication technology. As our presence grows overseas, so does our need for new ambitious team players to help us advance our place in the Universe and beyond.

Description

• Testing of Satellite Payload Systems
• Testing of Satellite Ground Control Systems
• Production of Test-Cases/Plans/Strategies
• Traceable from/to requirements
• Black-box Testing
• White-box Testing
• Implementation of executable, automated Test Frameworks
• Running/Scheduling of automated and Manual Tests
• Preparation, presentation and delivery of Test Reports
• Bug reporting
• Interaction with Software Engineers

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Product Impact & Scope of Innovation: Responsible for determining correctness and completeness of software products. Responsible for accommodating software application and library deployment, and interfaces, within the scope of test architectures and strategies
• Teamwork and Leadership: Positive team player, capable of guiding junior Software Test Engineers
• Problem Solving: Good analytical skills required to identify root cause issues from the independent perspective of a Tester
• Planning and Scheduling: Ability to define Testing tasks and estimate effort required to complete them
• Communication skills: Good documentation and presentation skills are vital for sharing knowledge within the team and to others such as the system validation team
• Coach, Train & Mentor: Able to develop junior test engineers and share knowledge with others
• Other Traits: Flexibility in understanding the need for change due to business re-focus Willingness to travel

Key Interactions

• Program/Project Management – The Tester should be able to engage in planning activities so that Testing activities can be identified, scheduled and resourced
• Team – Team playing is vital, especially where agile processes are used. The tester should be able to freely interact with all team members to ensure that work gets done and relevant information imparted. However, the Tester should maintain a professional level of independence, such that they have no bias that would influence them to be less thorough in their testing of software items, or their drive to argue for testable requirements
• Software Engineers/Architects – It is essential that a Software Tester interact with Software Engineers and Architects so that all parties understand how test harnesses will interact with software items under test so that such items are testable and compatible with test harnesses and that scenarios to test are fully identified and implemented both in software products and test harnesses
• Customers – A Tester should be prepared to answer questions and provide materials to ensure that Customers are satisfied as to the correctness, reliability and completeness of a System. This could involve direct interaction between Customers and Testers
• Requirements Specifiers – The Tester is a key user of requirements, so not only should they be reviewing requirements for completeness, clarity etc., but also for testability

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Proven ability to derive Test Plans and Strategy from a set of requirements
• Experience in developing automated test suites/cases for local (C++) and remote API's
• Experience in running automated tests.
• Experience in running manual tests
• Experience in producing test reports
• Experience of recording bugs using tools like Jira
• Ability to identify both positive and negative tests
• Ability to test non-functional requirements, typically performance
• Ability to program in Python (or in other languages, but willing to cross-train

Please note - This role has no database testing

• Experience of Continuous integration e.g. using Jenkins and GitLab
• Experience of working in an agile environment
• Experience of managing tasks in Jira
• Experience of of PyTest and or Cucumber
• Ability to white box test based on on C++ code analysis
• Ability to produce automated tests before target executables or libraries are delivered
• Experience of working with Confluence
• Experience in the Space Industry
• Experience in Telecommunications
• Experience of Linux
• Experience of Embedded Systems
• Understanding of protocols such as CAN or similar
• Knowledge of space related standards such as CCSDS
• Experience with peripheral interfaces such as SPI, UART, I2C etc.
• Experience of working with REST interfaces or similar
• Experience of managing and configuring
• Continuous Integration with Jenkins and GitLab
• Git Hooks
• SonarQube
• Nexus or Reificatory with Conan
• Understanding of DevOps principles and Techniques

Personal Profile

• Proven track record in ensuring correctness, reliability and completeness of Software Systems
• Displays a proactive willingness to volunteer for work elements / projects outside job scope where the individual can contribute, aligned with company priority
• Identifies, quantifies and flags problems. Capable of developing new principles and concepts
• Executes to schedule on assigned work with attention to detail
• Clearly communicates work/schedule to the team
• Committed team player who freely and proactively shares knowledge with others
• We’re a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we’ll take you there
• We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it. An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA’s leadership in this next golden age

Comments/Special Considerations:

We are required to conduct a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening in which we will check your:

• Right to work: To confirm that you are entitled to take up the position as well as check your nationality and immigration status
• Identity: Full ID check
• Criminal records: Basic Disclosure
• Employment history check: Confirmation of past three years of employment (minimum) history/activity
• Reference checks

Benefits statement:

MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; private healthcare, disability income protection, life insurance, pension plan; and an employee assistance program. We also have a Hybrid work model in place, for a better work/life balance.

Equal opportunity statement:

MDA is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

Accommodations

MDA Ltd. is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.