Software Test Engineer

Software Test Engineer

Location: Bristol

Work Style: Hybrid: 3-4 days onsite

Salary: £42,000 - £50,000 depending on experience, plus bonus, overtime, pension and benefits

A leading UK defence organisation is expanding its Software Test Engineer team within advanced weapon systems simulation and experimentation. We're seeking a skilled Software Test Engineer to drive integration, validation, and quality assurance for cutting-edge digital battlespace products. This role offers hands-on impact on national security projects in a dynamic, agile environment with rapid innovation cycles.

The role

As a Software Test Engineer, you'll own end-to-end testing lifecycles for real-time software simulating complex weapon systems and sub-systems. You'll ensure products are robust, compliant, and ready for customer delivery—spanning concept demos to formal qualifications in our state-of-the-art Digital Battlespace Facility. Collaborate across agile squads to prove functionality, performance, and integration in fast-paced sprints.

What you will be doing

• Planning comprehensive test strategies, defining software test beds, and developing test plans/specs aligned to customer requirements.
• Conducting progressive testing, defect investigations, log/data analysis, and formal qualification in CI/CD pipelines.
• Supporting external integrations, trials, demos with partners/customers, and delivering certification reports for releases.
• Providing stakeholder updates on software quality, emergent issues, and compliance evidence.
• Driving process improvements in agile/Scrum workflows for simulation/emulation environments.

What we are looking for

Essential:

• Proven systems proving experience, ideally in functional/software testing or V&V across development lifecycles.
• Hands-on with GitLab, Jenkins, Python scripting for test automation and CI/CD.
• Problem-solving mindset for rapid environments, strong communication across technical/non-technical stakeholders.
• British citizenship (or dual UK national) eligible for BPSS security checks.
• Desirable:
• IBM DOORS/ETM, JIRA, Excel macros for requirements/logs; Agile/Scrum familiarity.
• ISTQB certification or software simulation/emulator knowledge.
• Self-motivated with initiative to manage workflows and improve practices.

What’s on offer

• Company bonus up to £2,500, pension (up to 14% total contribution), paid overtime.
• Flexi leave (up to 15 extra days), enhanced parental leave, hybrid working.
• Fantastic site facilities (subsidised meals, free parking), healthcare cash plan.
• Career growth in defence simulation at a premier UK organisation.

Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be British Citizens eligible for UK security clearance (BPSS minimum).

Want to hear more? Apply now, lets have a chat!