Software Test Engineer

Ensera Design; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design consultancy in Bristol is looking for a versatile Software Test Engineer. This role involves designing and automating tests across embedded and application-level systems, enhancing test infrastructure, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will have experience with test engineering validation, software development skills (preferably C/C++), and exposure to embedded systems. The company offers flexible hybrid working, private healthcare, and a performance-related bonus among other perks.

Benefits

Performance-related company-wide bonus

Flexible hybrid working

Private healthcare

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Matched contributory pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Cycle-to-Work & Electric Vehicle Lease schemes

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience testing and validating complex systems.
• Strong foundation in embedded systems.
• Ability to write structured documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and automate tests across embedded and application-level systems.
• Enhance CI-integrated test infrastructure.
• Support development debugging and documentation.

Skills

Test engineering validation

Software development (C/C++)

Scripting (Python)

Embedded systems

Test automation tools

CI/CD platforms (Jenkins)

Electronics instrumentation

Clear communication

Tools

Git

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Job description

Ensera Design is a world‑class user‑centred innovation and product development consultancy specializing in the medical and consumer health sectors. As part of Ensera we collaborate globally with contract manufacturing facilities in Europe, the USA and Asia alongside additional design and product development teams in New Jersey and Colorado.

About the role

We’re seeking a versatile Software Test Engineer to design and automate tests across embedded and application‑level systems. You’ll work hands‑on with hardware test setups, enhance CI‑integrated test infrastructure and support development debugging and documentation aligned with IEC 62304 standards. This role involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality traceability and compliance in both regulated and non‑regulated projects.

This is a full‑time role; however we are also open to applications from candidates who are looking to work more flexibly. Please reach out to discuss this with us (our contact details follow below).

About you

You will have a strong foundation in embedded systems and the versatility to work higher up the stack. You will have a passion for understanding technology and delivering great solutions.

You will have experience testing and validating complex systems, maintaining and extending test infrastructure and supporting development activities across a range of technologies. You likely have a broad range of interests from hands‑on hardware to software tools, CI/CD pipelines, and documentation.

You’ll bring a strong foundation in embedded systems and an eagerness to stretch into new areas—from scripting and automation to technical documentation and client collaboration. As the role evolves, so will your opportunities, especially into software development and client‑facing consultancy. If you’re curious, adaptable and ready to grow we want to hear from you.

Job requirements

Your skills and experience

Whilst you do not need to meet all of these points please ensure you meet the majority before applying:

Essential

Demonstrable experience in test engineering validation or development.

Software development skills (preferably C/C++) and scripting (e.g. Python).

Exposure to embedded systems (e.g. STM32 FreeRTOS) and/or application‑level software.

Demonstrable experience with test automation tools and CI/CD platforms (e.g. Jenkins).

Understanding of electronics instrumentation and diagnostic workflows.

Ability to write structured compliant documentation and communicate clearly.

The ability to communicate your ideas and collaborate in broad project teams.

Desirable

Familiarity with medical or safety‑critical standards such as IEC 62304.

Experience with Git, Jira, Confluence or equivalent tools.

Experience with CppUTest, GTest and Doxygen

Comfort working across multiple layers of the stack from hardware to application logic.

Experience of working in a consultancy environment.

We are considering a salary of up to £40,800 for this role.

Why work with us

Ensera Design offers interesting and varied work combined with a supportive team culture to provide a stimulating environment where you will have the opportunity to develop and learn from others. We offer flexible working policies where working patterns are agreed with our line managers taking into account the role needs of the individual and the team. We recognise that we are only as good as our people and we know how important it is to support our team.

We offer

Performance‑related company‑wide bonus.

Flexible hybrid working in line with our core hours (Mon‑Thu 9:30‑12:00 & 2:00‑4:00; Fri 9:30‑12:00).

Private healthcare for you and your family.

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.

Matched contributory pension scheme.

25 days of annual leave plus the option to purchase up to one working week and additional days for length of service.

Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and digital wellbeing platform.

Cycle‑to‑Work & Electric Vehicle Lease schemes.

Death in service (x4 gross salary).

Training and development opportunities including dedicated learning days and regular knowledge‑sharing sessions.

A free lunch the first Monday of every month alongside our company‑wide meeting.

Free breakfast every Wednesday; monthly team lunches and plenty of opportunities to socialise including team‑organised activities, summer and Christmas parties and more.

About us

The office is based in an iconic Grade II listed building in the heart of Bristol. Our vibrant workspace houses state‑of‑the‑art labs, a design studio, usability suites and collaborative meeting spaces. Nestled in a lively neighbourhood with independent shops, we’re just a short walk from Park Street, the Harbourside and St. Nicks Markets.

Our values

Find a way

Pull together

Care

Do we sound like a good match for you

If you’d like to discuss the role or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need to make your application we’d love to hear from you. If you think you might be the right person for us but want an informal chat first then get in touch via .

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy if we have a high level of applications. We look forward to hearing from you!

At Ensera Design we believe that designing for people means including all people, starting with the team behind the work. Our human‑centred design ethos is rooted in empathy and our values 'pull together', 'find a way' and 'care' guide us in building a team that reflects the diversity of the world we design for.

We know that different perspectives lead to better ideas, stronger collaboration and more meaningful outcomes. If you meet the skills and experience for this role we welcome your application whatever your background, identity or path into design. What matters to us is that you share our belief in purposeful people‑first design.