Software Test Engineer

Rowden Technologies; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Bristol is looking for a Software Test Engineer to enhance product and process quality. The ideal candidate will have expertise in software testing and automation, experience with hardware systems, and the ability to work independently to support a diverse project portfolio. This hybrid role offers flexibility with an average of three days a week in the office, contributing to the next generation of critical technologies that bridge the gap between frontline operators and commercial advancements.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Supportive workplace for disabilities

Hybrid working model

Qualifications

• Expertise in software testing in complex environments.
• Hands-on experience in scripting and automation frameworks.
• Ability to design and document test strategies effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support software and system testing within defined project scope.
• Implement best practices to enhance testing strategies.
• Manage test plans, test cases, and defect triage.

Skills

Software testing

Automation

Scripting (Python, bash, Kotlin)

Customer-facing roles

Hardware integration

Tools

Docker

Github Actions

Android Studio

Job description

Software Test Engineer

Bristol, Hybrid – BS34 6FE

£35,000 - £45,000

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 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.

You will work primarily on Rowden’s innovative product portfolio but have opportunities to also support a diverse range of projects such as bespoke mobile applications, server‑side configuration management platforms, geospatial tools and custom provisioning tools. These will often include hardware components in the systems under test, and you will use your aptitude and experience beyond working with pure software systems to deliver excellent outcomes.

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 to customers during ‘testing’ days and provide hands‑on support through acceptance and release phases.

Areas of responsibility

As an Infrastructure / DevOps Engineer at Rowden, you will:

• Provide support across all aspects of software and system testing within a defined project or product scope whilst aligning to business‑wide strategy, planning, execution, process, and tools.
• Champion and implement best practices to enhance testing strategies and quality across 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 projects, 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

Expertise in software testing, with a track record of successful delivery in complex environments where testing is fully integrated into cross‑functional teams.

Experience with hardware and connected systems, ideally including IoT and system integration projects.

A background in automation, with hands‑on experience in scripting and the use of modern test frameworks and CI/CD systems.

Ability to quickly close knowledge gaps and provide authoritative advice on strategy, planning, execution, process, and tools.

Proficiency in designing and documenting test strategies, plans, detailed test cases, execution records, reporting, and release documentation.

Confidence in customer‑facing roles and the ability to facilitate discussions around software testing and release planning.

Aptitude for testing software with hardware systems and troubleshooting interoperability issues.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience building and maintaining automated regression test suites
• Experience in high integrity system and software assurance
• ISTQB or equivalent certifications
• Knowledge of any of performance, security, exploratory testing, software & hardware integration, containerised environments and cloud platforms
• Proficient with hands‑on integration testing
• Experience with testing Android and Server‑based software and hardware
• Familiarity and experience with mobile and tablet based MDMs, their capabilities and functions at an OS level
• Experience in working with supporting IDEs such as Android Studio, IntelliJ
• Experience with containerised solutions such as Docker, and sever‑side tooling
• Solid understanding of Github Actions and build pipelines and processes

What matters to us

• 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!