Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
Remote-first
£50–65k DOE + Share Options
The Story So Far
CyberHive builds secure, high-performance networking technology used in some of the most demanding environments, from defence systems to emergency response. Their software helps organisations stay connected when it matters most. It’s even being used to support real-world life-saving work, like the Welsh Air Ambulance!
They’ve built a strong, close-knit technical team and a clear mission: to make secure connectivity simple, robust, and trustworthy. Now they’re ready for the next step, bringing in their first dedicated Software Development Engineer in Test to help them strengthen how they build, test, and prove reliability at scale.
Why This Role Matters
Until now, their developers have owned most of the testing themselves. It’s worked, but now they’re looking to take the next step forward. They need someone who can bring structure, strategy, and technical depth. Someone who knows how to test complex systems, not just web frontends; who’s comfortable with hardware on the bench and code in the repo.
You’ll be the person who turns “it’s working fine” into “we know it’s solid.”
This isn’t a role with a pre-written playbook. You’ll be shaping the testing function from the ground up, designing frameworks, setting standards, and showing the rest of us what good really looks like.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Own the testing lifecycle — design, automate, execute, and document.
* Build and maintain Python-based automation frameworks (Playwright, Jenkins).
* Set up and manage test environments across macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS — both virtual and physical.
* Work with real hardware — Raspberry Pis, embedded devices, and networked test rigs.
* Troubleshoot networks and systems, verify connectivity, and validate new features.
* Develop performance, scalability, and security testing as we scale.
* Collaborate closely with developers, integrating testing into the development flow.
* Document test standards and help free up developer time for core coding work.
* Mentor newer engineers and influence the next QA hire as the function grows.
What Success Looks Like
Within 3 months
* You’ve taken ownership of existing manual and automated testing (Python + Playwright) and have plans to extend.
* You’ve documented key standards and started shifting testing load away from developers.
Within 6–12 months
* Test coverage and performance metrics are measurable and visible.
* CI/CD pipelines provide repeatable confidence for every release.
* You’re mentoring newer team members and shaping the direction of QA.
Beyond 12 months
* CyberHive can demonstrate formal, evidence-based testing results to customers — building credibility and trust at every stage.
Who You Are
You’re a hands-on engineer who loves the nuts and bolts of how systems actually work. You can write elegant Python scripts, wire up a network, and spot an unstable configuration before it bites. You understand that good testing isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about enabling speed, confidence, and quality.
You’ll need:
* Proven experience as an SDET or Senior QA Automation Engineer.
* Strong Python scripting and test automation skills.
* Solid understanding of networking (TCP, UDP, DNS) and system administration.
* Experience testing backend or distributed systems, not just web apps.
* Familiarity with Playwright, Jenkins, and shell scripting.
* Comfortable working across multiple OSs and hardware setups.
Nice to have:
* Wireshark or packet analysis experience.
* Mobile or embedded testing exposure.
* A security-minded or “white-hat” approach.
* A tinkerer’s mindset — home lab setups, Raspberry Pi experiments, etc.
If you haven’t done deep VPN or network-level testing yet but have the curiosity and foundation to learn fast, we’re open to that conversation.
What We Offer
* Mission-led impact — technology used in real-world, life-saving applications.
* Autonomy and influence — first dedicated test hire; shape the QA function from day one.
* Technical depth — work across multi-language, multi-platform environments.
* Engineering-led culture — low turnover, high trust, and respect for good ideas.
* Flexible, remote-first setup — work how and where you’re most effective.
* Benefits — 25 days’ holiday, pension, EV & cycle schemes, volunteer days, and training budget.
* Share options after probation.
* Up to £60k base salary – based on experience
In Closing
This is a rare opportunity to help shape a testing function from day one, in a company where the work genuinely matters. You’ll be building tools and processes that strengthen software used in critical, real-world scenarios.
If you’re the kind of person who gets satisfaction from building quality into the heart of a system, not just testing it at the end, I’d love to talk to you!