Embedded Software & Hardware Q&A TEST ENGINEER Location: Oxfordshire, UK site (3 days in office - Hybrid) Compensation: DOE (£50-60k) Employment Type: Permanent – Full Time Department: Engineering (Reporting to CTO) PLEASE NOTE: this role requires a combination of Software and Hardware experience, with a background in embedded systems for physical electronic products in sectors like aerospace, defence, automotive. (If you are a Q&A tester for tech apps used in sectors like banking or finance, this would likely not be a fit for you.) Our client working in the Autonomous space, building the Trust Layer for Physical AI and Autonomous Systems. The next generation of safety-tech that will unlock the true benefits of AI. The current project is working on these systems for Drone and UAV tech. Working Culture Our client is a fast-growing start-up with ambitious goals and the culture reflects that. building something meaningful, they’re looking for people who are genuinely energised by that journey. You’ll thrive if you enjoy taking ownership, wearing multiple hats, learning quickly and are comfortable working beyond core hours when the work demands it - not because it’s expected day-to-day, but because seeing progress matters. The team is driven by the satisfaction of building, solving hard problems and moving fast together, embracing collaboration and change as part of start-up life. They are looking for people who want to be part of something being built from the ground up, who enjoy the momentum and responsibility that comes with it and who bring commitment, curiosity and teamwork to everything they do. The Role Looking for an exceptional QA Test Engineer to join our team building cutting-edge Runtime Assurance systems for AI and robotics applications. You will play a vital role in developing the safety-critical embedded software components that ensure the safe and reliable operation of solutions. Our client offers a competitive compensation package, benefits, and the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies like UAV and Drone tech that will help shape the future of AI and robotics safety in these fields. Responsibilities Lead the design, development, and implementation of embedded software for the business, Runtime Assurance platform across various hardware architectures and real-time operating systems. Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and best practices for safety-critical software development, such as DO-178C, ISO 26262, and IEC 61508. Build configuration and pipeline management Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop including automated deployment across multiple platforms. Integration of different performance testing techniques across multiple types of simulation (gazebo sim, rosbag). Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, systems architects, and AI/ML experts, to integrate embedded software components seamlessly into the overall system. Participate in code reviews, performance optimisations, and thorough testing (unit, integration, and system-level) to maintain the highest quality standards. Contribute to the continuous improvement of the team's software development processes, tooling, and methodologies. Key Skills and Experience Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience, with a strong focus on embedded systems QA, and software development and/or testing. Experience with one or more CICD pipeline services (Jenkins, CloudBuild, AWS CodePipeline, etc) Experience with infrastructure/Automation techniques (bash, python) Knowledge of source control (git) Experience with at least one test framework (pytest, gtest) Hands-on experience in embedded software testing and QA, with a proven track record in delivering safety-critical systems. Solid understanding of software development methodologies, such as Agile, Continuous Integration, and Test-Driven Development. Develop, implement, and execute test strategies and verification activities for safety-critical software. Perform static and dynamic code analysis using industry tools (e.g., Rapita RVS, LDRA, VectorCAST, Polyspace). Support compliance with safety standards (e.g., DO-178C, ISO 26262, IEC 61508, DEF STAN 00-55) through rigorous testing and documentation. Define and maintain test cases, procedures, and automation frameworks to ensure consistency and repeatability. Collaborate closely with software engineers, systems engineers, and safety teams to ensure test coverage against requirements. Lead defect reporting, tracking, and resolution through structured QA processes. Contribute to continuous improvement of verification and validation processes, tools, and best practices. Prepare and present test results, coverage metrics, and assurance evidence for internal and external reviews. Strong problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills. Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams. Benefits Salary sacrifice pension with a 5% matched company contribution. Generous Holiday allowance EV Car Scheme. Cycle to Work Scheme. More exciting benefits to come as they grow. About the client Their software enables assured, trustworthy deployment of both traditional deterministic autonomy and AI or novel control methods, in any application, for the first time. They do this with no need for data or communications links, and begin the journey by applying their tech to autonomous systems in the aerospace and land domains. Their products are future-focused, compliance-ready & built for safety-critical environments.