Software/ Hardware Engineer (contract)

Microsoft; Reading; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Allegis Global Solutions is seeking a Software/Hardware Engineer to maintain and support a Windows laptop and hardware test lab in Reading. You will set up, update, monitor, troubleshoot, and repair devices to ensure a stable test environment, while diagnosing issues across Windows, BIOS/firmware, hardware, networking and CI/test systems.

You will use PowerShell, Python or Bash to automate routine maintenance and testing tasks, coordinating with vendors as needed and supporting CI agents in a

Qualifications

• Windows installation, configuration and repair.
• Diagnose boot, driver, OS, connectivity, and device problems.
• Reimage machines and maintain lab devices.
• Create/maintain scripts for setup, troubleshooting and monitoring.
• Coordinate with vendors for hardware replacements.

Responsibilities

• Set up new Windows laptops and test devices.
• Install/reinstall Windows and configure devices.
• Flash BIOS/firmware and manage boot processes.
• Troubleshoot Windows OS failures and hardware issues.
• Replace or coordinate replacement of faulty devices.
• Monitor health and availability of the lab/test pool.
• Investigate failed test runs and perform root cause analysis.
• Support CI agents/devices in testing environments.
• Troubleshoot basic network connectivity and switch/router issues.
• Coordinate with lab team and vendors.
• Develop scripts for automation and monitoring.
• Support release testing across hardware architectures.

Skills

Windows administration

Hardware troubleshooting

Independent problem solving

PowerShell

Python

Bash

Networking basics

DevOps/CI exposure

Git

CI tooling

Selenium

Tools

Git

CI tooling

Selenium

Job description

• Boot troubleshooting.

The Software/Hardware Engineer will be responsible for maintaining and supporting a lab environment of Windows laptops and hardware test devices used by engineering teams. The role involves setting up, updating, monitoring, troubleshooting, repairing, and replacing devices to ensure a stable and reliable test environment. The engineer will diagnose issues across Windows, BIOS/firmware, hardware, networking, and CI/test systems, while coordinating with internal teams and external vendors for complex hardware issues or replacements. They will also use PowerShell, Python, or Bash to automate routine device maintenance, monitoring, and testing activities.

Additional Details

• Location: Reading, England (Onsite)
• Duration: 30th June 27 (end date)
• Shift Timings: Monday – Friday (Business Hours)
• Pay Range: £281 - £316 /day (PAYE) (Inside IR35)
• Weekly Schedule: 40 hours

Key Responsibilities

• Set up new Windows laptops and test devices.
• Install/reinstall Windows and perform device configuration.
• Flash/update BIOS and firmware and work with bootloaders/boot processes.
• Troubleshoot Windows operating system failures.
• Diagnose hardware issues with laptops and other electronic devices.
• Replace or coordinate replacement of faulty devices/components.
• Monitor the health and availability of the device/test pool.
• Investigate failed test runs or devices and perform root cause analysis.
• Support devices functioning as CI agents.
• Troubleshoot basic network connectivity.
• Work with switches and routers when devices cannot connect properly.
• Coordinate locally with the lab and externally with manufacturers/vendors.
• Write or maintain scripts for setup, troubleshooting, monitoring, or automation.
• Support release testing across different hardware architectures.

Must-Have Skills

Windows administration and troubleshooting

• Install/configure Windows.
• Diagnose Windows boot, driver, OS, connectivity, and device problems.
• Comfortable reinstalling/reimaging machines.

Hands-on hardware/device troubleshooting

• Laptop/device setup and maintenance.
• BIOS/firmware updates and flashing.
• Boot troubleshooting.
• Diagnosing faulty hardware.
• Replacing or coordinating replacement of devices.

Independent problem solving

• Able to own lab/device issues without requiring detailed instructions.
• Proactively identifies unhealthy devices.
• Can investigate an issue from symptom through root cause and resolution.

Scripting Knowledge In At Least One

• PowerShell
• Python
• Bash

Basic Networking Troubleshooting, Including Knowledge Of

• Routers
• Switches
• IP/network connectivity

Some DevOps/CI environment exposure.

Comfortable working fully onsite in Reading.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Git.
• Continuous Integration tooling.
• Selenium or similar test automation tools.
• Previous engineering lab/test lab experience.
• Supporting CI agent/device pools.
• Hardware vendor/manufacturer coordination.
• Automated device health monitoring.

Experience Level Guidance

Ideal

• 3–5 years

As a workplace, Allegis Global Solutions focuses on relationships – with each other, our clients and our candidates. In fact, serving others is one of our core values. We support open communication and recognize that giving constructive criticism can be even harder than receiving it. We appreciate the fearless and the passionate, who force us to be better. Everything we do sits on a pillar of diversity, equity and inclusion - diverse perspectives, backgrounds and ideas achieve innovation and make us successful.

Please note that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. These tools may analyse application materials and assist our team in identifying candidates whose qualifications best match the requirements of the role. If you have questions about our use of AI in the hiring process, or would like more information, please contact us.

Pay Rate Range

281 - 316 GBP daily