Senior Software Test Engineer - Measurement Automation

Key Responsibilities

Software Development

• Design, develop, and maintain software applications used for instrument control, test automation, and measurement data acquisition.
• Develop robust and maintainable software architectures for automated test systems.
• Implement software solutions that meet requirements for reliability, performance, maintainability, and scalability.
• Develop reusable software frameworks, libraries, and tools to improve engineering efficiency.
• Write clean, well-documented, and testable code following established development standards.

Measurement & Data Analysis

• Develop algorithms and data-processing routines to calculate, analyse, and visualise measurement results.
• Translate engineering requirements into automated measurement and analysis solutions.
• Validate measurement algorithms and ensure accuracy and repeatability of results.
• Support statistical analysis and interpretation of test data.

Test System Development

• Contribute to the design, integration, and commissioning of automated test systems.
• Support the specification, selection, and integration of measurement instruments and associated hardware.
• Participate in the design and assembly of bespoke test fixtures and laboratory automation solutions.
• Assist in the diagnosis and resolution of hardware, software, and system integration issues.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers.
• Contribute to engineering best practices, development standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in code reviews and architectural discussions.
• Support project planning, technical risk assessment, and estimation activities.

Collaboration & Documentation

• Work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to define requirements and technical specifications.
• Produce clear and accurate technical documentation, including software designs, algorithms, test procedures, and user guides.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Support knowledge sharing across the engineering organisation.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Degree (Level 6 or Level 7 qualification) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a software engineering, test automation, or measurement systems role.
• Strong software development experience using C# and .NET.
• Experience interfacing with laboratory and test equipment using technologies such as GPIB, VISA, RS-232, USB, and TCP/IP.
• Experience with high-performance test equipment including:
• Spectrum analysers
• Real-time oscilloscopes
• Optical spectrum analysers
• Signal generators
• Network analysers
• Good understanding of automated test systems and measurement methodologies.
• Experience with software debugging, verification, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience using source control systems such as Git.
• Knowledge of software development lifecycle processes and modern development methodologies.
• Ability to solve complex real-world engineering problems using analytical and structured approaches.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Desirable

• Experience working within the photonics, optical communications, telecommunications, semiconductor, or test and measurement industries.
• Experience developing software in Python for automation, scripting, or data analysis applications.
• Experience designing and implementing automated production or laboratory test systems.
• Experience working with databases and data storage technologies.
• Knowledge of cloud technologies, including Microsoft Azure.
• Experience developing web-based engineering tools and dashboards.
• Experience with data visualisation and reporting solutions.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques and measurement uncertainty principles.
• Understanding of electrical engineering, RF systems, photonics, or applied physics.
• Experience defining software architectures for medium- to large-scale engineering applications.
• Previous experience mentoring or supervising engineers.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions.
• Curious and innovative mindset with a desire to continuously improve systems and processes.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced research and development environment.
• Able to balance technical excellence with practical delivery objectives.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

What Success Looks Like

In this role you will

• Deliver reliable software solutions that improve the efficiency and capability of engineering teams.
• Reduce manual testing effort through effective automation.
• Improve measurement consistency, repeatability, and data quality.
• Contribute to the development of reusable software frameworks and engineering tools.
• Act as a technical mentor within the software team and promote engineering best practices.