Software Engineer / Test Specialist (SDET, Safety Critical)
Oxford (Hybrid, 2 days onsite per week)
Highly competitive salary, open and negotiable
About the Role
We are looking for a Software Engineer / Test Specialist with strong experience in safety critical systems, focused on DO-178C and Verification and Validation (V&V).
This is an opportunity to join an extremely well funded and well backed startup with a clear ambition to become a leading technology player in its field. The organisation is building next generation, AI led software systems where safety, reliability and certification are critical to success.
You will play a key role in ensuring that advanced, AI-enabled software meets rigorous safety standards, combining traditional SDET responsibilities with deep involvement in safety assurance and certification activities.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and support V&V activities aligned with DO-178C objectives
* Develop and execute test strategies, test plans and certification artefacts
* Validate and assure AI driven and software intensive systems within safety critical frameworks
* Design and implement automated and manual testing approaches for complex, high integrity software
* Produce and review compliance documentation such as Software Verification Plans, test cases and verification reports
* Work closely with software, systems and AI/ML teams to ensure certification readiness
* Carry out requirements based testing and maintain full traceability using tools such as DOORS or Polarion
* Support regulatory audits and certification processes across safety critical programmes
* Identify defects, risks and non compliance issues and drive resolution
Essential Experience
* Strong experience working in DO-178C or DO-178B environments
* Solid understanding of V&V processes within safety critical systems
* Background as an SDET, Software Test Engineer or Verification Engineer in regulated industries such as aerospace, defence, automotive or rail
* Experience testing complex software systems, ideally including AI or data driven components
* Hands on experience with test automation using Python, C, C++ or similar
* Experience with requirements traceability tools and test management systems
* Knowledge of software lifecycle processes in certified environments
Desirable Skills
* Experience with assurance or testing of AI or machine learning based systems in regulated environments
* Experience across different Design Assurance Levels (DAL A to E)
* Exposure to model based development such as Simulink
* Experience with embedded systems or hardware in loop testing
* Awareness of additional safety standards such as ARP4754A, ISO 26262 or IEC 61508
Working Arrangement
Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days per week onsite in Oxford. Flexible working options available.
Why Join
* Work on genuinely safety critical, AI enabled systems with real world impact
* Join a highly ambitious startup with strong funding and backing
* Be part of a team aiming to become a leading technology player in its field
* Competitive and flexible salary depending on experience
DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality
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