Software Engineer - Contract

CMR Surgical; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 92,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

CMR Surgical is seeking a contract software engineer for the Robot Software front end. You will work on Python-based Windows applications used to commission, test and service our robotic systems, ensuring robust, user-friendly workflows.

The role involves testing on dedicated hardware and collaborating within a Scrum team to deliver reliable software solutions. The contract is initially 6 months with some hybrid working.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a Scrum team.
• Extensive experience developing Python applications for Windows desktop environments.
• Experience with software that interfaces to hardware (serial, networking/UDP).
• Experience with automated testing (pytest) and test-driven development.
• Data logging, analysis and visualization.
• Ability to understand and improve existing codebases safely with proper testing and logging.

Responsibilities

• Prioritise and fix bugs and feature requests in the front end of Python-based Windows apps used to commission, test and service robots.
• Improve robustness of application workflows so failures indicate real product faults with clear user feedback.
• Test fixes on development hardware including calibration stations and robot joints.
• Execute test protocols and produce release candidate reports per quality system.
• Draft release notes and support deployment of release candidates into Production.
• Improve test infrastructure to increase coverage and reduce manual testing.
• Collaborate with an experienced engineer to get up to speed with applications.

Skills

Strong communication

Scrum team

Python development

Windows desktop development

Hardware interfacing

Automated testing

Data logging & visualization

Git & code review

Test protocols & release docs

Lab/ Production hardware testing

Tools

pytest

Git

Python

Job description

AtCMR Surgical, we're revolutionising the future of minimal access surgery withVersius, our next-generation surgical robotic system. We're growing fast, and we’re on a mission to transform how surgery is delivered globally for the benefit of patients, clinicians, and healthcare systems.

Our values—Ambitious, Humble, People-Focused, and Fair & Responsibledefine our approach to innovation, partnership, and growth. If you believe in making a meaningful difference in healthcare and want to be part of a purpose-driven company with bold ambitions, now is the time to join us.

CMR is an exciting and evolving company to be joining right now. Our commitment to our goal of building a world-class medical devices company is underpinned by the ground-breaking innovation of our next generation of surgical robots and a diverse team of talented and supportive individuals.

We’re breaking new ground which makes working here exciting, it provides autonomy, opportunity and makes the things you do visible. Come and join us and see what you’re capable of.

About the Contract

Within Robot Software, we’re responsible for everything involved in deploying clinical software to the field, including the Python-based Windows applications used in manufacturing and field service to commission, test and service our robots. The focus of this contract role will be on the front end of these applications – making them more robust, reliable and easier to use for the technicians who use them day-to-day.

This role is offered initially on a 6-month basis with the potential to extend. The tasks for the contract would require the ability for some hybrid working.

Responsibilities

• Work through a prioritised backlog of known bugs and feature requests, writing fixes primarily in the front end (user interface and workflow) of Python-based Windows applications used to commission, test and service our robots.
• Improve the robustness of application workflows so that tasks fail only when there is a genuine product fault, and give technicians clear, actionable information when they do.
• Test proposed fixes on dedicated development hardware, including commissioning and interface calibration stations and development robot joints.
• Execute test protocols and produce test reports on release candidates in line with CMR’s quality management system.
• Draft release notes and support the trial deployment of release candidates into Production.
• Improve our test infrastructure around these applications to improve coverage and reduce manual testing.
• Work closely with an experienced engineer, who will review your code and help you get up to speed with the applications.

About you

To be successful in this contract, you’ll need to have/be:

• Strong communication and an ability to work within a Scrum team.
• Strong commercial experience developing applications in Python, with deeper experience in one or more of:
• Windows desktop application development, packaging and deployment
• Software that interfaces with hardware (e.g. serial, networking/UDP)
• Automated testing (e.g. pytest) and test-driven development
• Data logging, analysis and visualisation
• Experience picking up an existing, unfamiliar codebase and quickly making safe, well-tested improvements to it.
• Writing robust, maintainable code with good error handling, logging and clear feedback to the user.
• Experience using Git and working within a code review process.
• Experience writing and executing test protocols, test reports and release documentation.
• Experience testing software on physical hardware in a lab or production environment.
• Experience testing software on physical hardware in a lab or production environment.

It will be an advantage to have experience in any combination of the following:

• Previous experience in robotics, manufacturing test/automation, surgical systems, or other safety critical or high complexity domains.
• Background in a regulated industry (medical devices, aerospace, defence, automotive, etc.). Familiarity with ISO 13485 or IEC 62304.
• Understanding user workflows and pain points.

At CMR we’re building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace; what matters most to us is that you identify with our values and are passionate about making a difference.

This contract requires contractors to have eligibility to work within theUK.