Software Test Engineer

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

Job summary

A leading product development consultancy in Bristol is seeking a versatile Software Test Engineer to design and automate tests across embedded and application-level systems. The ideal candidate has strong foundations in embedded systems, experience with testing and validating complex systems, and a passion for technology. This full-time role offers competitive compensation and flexible working options.

Benefits

Performance-related company-wide bonus

Flexible hybrid working

Private healthcare

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Matched contributory pension scheme

25 days annual leave plus options

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work & Electric Vehicle Lease schemes

Death in service (x4 gross salary)

Training and development opportunities

Free lunch on the first Monday

Free breakfast every Wednesday

Qualifications

• Experience in test engineering, validation, or development.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automation tools.
• Ability to write compliant documentation and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design and automate tests across embedded and application-level systems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality and compliance.
• Support development, debugging, and documentation according to IEC 62304 standards.

Skills

Test engineering

Software development (C/C++)

Scripting (Python)

Test automation tools

CI/CD platforms (Jenkins)

Electronics understanding

Communication

Tools

Jira

Confluence

CppUTest

GTest

Doxygen

Job description

About the role

Kinneir Dufort (KD) is a world-class user-centred innovation and product development consultancy, specializing in the medical and consumer health sectors. As part of the SteriPack group, 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.

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.

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.

Your skills and experience

Whilst you do not need to meet all of these points, please ensure you meet the majority of them before making an application:

• 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?

KD 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 offer:

• Performance-related company-wide bonus.
• Flexible hybrid working in line with our core hours.
• 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.

About us

KD 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.

We are proud of our values: Find a way, Pull together, Care.

Our diverse, multidisciplinary team spans research, design, human factors, engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, and beyond. Together, we deliver cutting-edge solutions for clients ranging from global leaders to innovative start-ups, with a particular focus on medical devices, drug delivery, orthopaedics, and diagnostics.

At KD 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 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.