Role: QA & Test Engineer / Embedded V&V Engineer (Autonomous Systems) Location: Oxfordshire (Hybrid: 3 days per week in the office) Salary: Up to £60k per annum (DOE) We are partnering with an Oxfordshire-based Deep Tech startup that develops safety validation and runtime assurance software, enabling autonomous systems from aerospace to land-based robotics to operate predictably and safely in high-stakes real-world environments. Joining the Engineering team and reporting directly to the CTO, you will lead the Verification and Validation (V&V) of safety-critical embedded software. This is not a standard 'Web/App' QA role; you will ensure that Runtime Assurance platforms function flawlessly across complex hardware architectures and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS). Key Responsibilities: Safety-Critical V&V: Design and implement robust test frameworks specifically for embedded systems where failure is not an option. Hardware-in-the-Loop: Lead the integration of Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) testing using robotics tools like Gazebo and Rosbag. Compliance & Standards: Ensure all software meets rigorous functional safety standards such as ISO 26262, DO-178C, IEC 61508, or DEF STAN 00-55. Deep Analysis: Perform static and dynamic code analysis using industry-specialized tools such as LDRA, VectorCAST, or Polyspace. Automation & CI/CD: Build configuration pipelines and automated deployment strategies across diverse hardware platforms. Systems Collaboration: Work at the intersection of AI/ML, hardware engineering, and systems architecture to guarantee seamless integration. Your Profile Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field. A proven track record in QA for Embedded Software, specifically within safety-critical or regulated environments (Automotive, Aerospace, or Defense). Experience with CI/CD services (Jenkins, AWS CodePipeline, etc.) and version control (Git). Proficiency in Python and Bash for hardware-level automation; experience with test frameworks like pytest or gtest Comfortable working with RTOS and understanding the nuances of hardware-software interfaces. You are comfortable with the 'startup life', you value agility, take extreme ownership of your work, and are committed to the mission.