Please note: This opportunity is open only to UK residents currently living and working in the country
The company:
A world-leading SME who design and manufacture state-of-the-art robotic measuring instruments for use in such fields as biomedical research, optics, automotive and aerospace. My client is seeking to recruit a Software Test Engineer to help the development team and processes cope with the rapid growth in demands for their optical coordinate measuring machines.
Candidate requirements:
To be considered for this opportunity the successful candidate will have an engineering/mathematical background, experience of software testing, knowledge of the software lifecycle (preferably in C# and .NET) and proven experience working with a team of highly skilled engineers. Ideally, the candidate will have previously worked on integrated hardware/software solutions in a field such as automation and robotics or metrology industries.
Overall Responsibilities:
To become responsible for the company’s overall software testing strategy including a hands-on approach to testing and helping the development team through complex, time critical projects – Also to ensure the integrity of software solutions, many of which will interface to and control cutting-edge hardware systems - Planning future improvements to testing strategies and tools. The opportunity will exist to further develop existing software skills.
Specific Responsibilities and Duties:
- Testing software developed in an agile environment, including setting up machines for running manual and automated tests, carrying out initial analysis of data produced by using Excel, creating charts, reviewing diagnostics data and logs etc.
- Developing new tests using appropriate tools and programming languages
- Working with Team Foundation Server.
- Working closely with a small team of software engineers.
- Using and developing Unit Tests using C# and .NET
- Improving software and mechatronics skills, diagnosing and fixing issues found.
- Helping plan the company’s long-term software testing strategy.
- Interfacing with third-party hardware and software.
- Understanding algorithms developed for both data analysis and robotic control.
Location of Post:
At the company HQ near Southampton. Occasional travel to customers’ sites may be required. Destinations are likely to be, but not limited to UK, Europe, USA.
Key Qualifications/Experience:
- Strong experience of testing (both manual and automated) [E] preferably in a manufacturing, industrial or engineering environment (HD)
- A good knowledge of the software testing lifecycle. (E)
- Some previous experience of software development [E], preferably in C# or C++ in a .NET environment. Familiarity with Unit Tests an advantage [D]
- Mechanical engineering or mechatronics qualifications or experience (E)
- Experience with issue tracking systems [E] – for example Team Foundation Server (HD)
- Familiarity with the use of mechanical tools, test and measurement equipment. (HD)
- Understanding of functional, long-term, stress, performance, regression and user acceptance testing (E)
- Ability to analyse and review requirements, specifications and models for testability. to prepare test plans, and to produce test reports on testing carried out. [E]
- Ability to provide support to software and hardware developers during test execution, setting up and running tests, evaluating and recording results and raising defects (E)
- Good skills with Microsoft applications including Excel and Word (E)
- Experience with SQL Server and the creation of SQL queries (HD)
- Experience of working in an agile software development environment (HD)
- Fluent written and spoken English (E).
- Strong academic background in computing, science, maths or engineering (HD).
- Experience in 3-D visualisation, i.e. OpenGL, DirectX or similar (D).
- Background or interest in robotics, automation, image processing, metrology or similar (D).
Key Business Attributes
Maintain confidentiality with respect to customer information and the companies own IPR (E).
Attention to fine detail and quality at all times (E).
Ability to manage and plan work to meet deadlines and respond to changing priorities (E).
Ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with suppliers, customers and colleagues (E).
Good organizational skills and detail-oriented mindset. (E)
Experience in improving software testing processes (HD).
Personal Qualities
Highly self-motivated individual capable of working with minimum supervision, individually and as part of a team, in a dynamic environment (E).
Able to work to tight timescales and sometimes under pressure (E).
A flexible approach to work; able to work occasional overtime at short notice (E).
(E)= Essential (HD) = Highly Desirable (D) = Desirable