Software Engineer
Rowden is building the UK’s next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience. At Rowden, we design and integrate advanced systems that sense, connect, and protect data in challenging environments where quick decisions are vital. Our solutions use intelligent automation to enhance speed and efficiency, and are built to be reliable and straightforward for critical operations in remote or high‑pressure settings.
Department: Engineering
Location: Bristol, UK
Compensation: £40,000 - £55,000 per year
Key Areas of Responsibility
Python‑Focused Responsibilities
* Designing, developing, and maintaining automated test cases and frameworks for functional, integration, and regression testing using Python.
* Collaborating with development teams to integrate automated tests into the CI/CD pipelines.
* Executing and analysing automated tests, reporting and tracking defects and issues through to resolution.
* Designing and executing performance and load tests to ensure the scalability and reliability of our applications.
* Analysing test performance and working with the development team to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks.
* Staying current with industry trends and best practices in test automation and quality assurance and driving the adoption of these new tools and technologies.
Kotlin/Java‑Focused Responsibilities
* Developing and testing standalone Android apps and plugins.
* Designing and implementing core components of an Android‑based operating system, such as kernel modules, device drivers, memory management, and process scheduling.
* Developing system libraries and APIs that facilitate communication between components and applications.
* Debugging complex issues including handling concurrency problems, memory leaks, and system crashes, ensuring stability and reliability.
* Developing and executing comprehensive test plans, including unit tests, integration tests, and performance tests, to validate the operating system’s robustness and stability.
* Utilising version control systems, particularly Git, to manage and track changes to our codebase.
* Working within Agile frameworks, participating in sprints, stand‑ups, and other Agile practices.
About You
For Python‑focused Engineers:
* Strong coding skills in Python.
* Proficiency with a variety of test automation tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit, TestNG).
* Experience with CI/CD tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins) and version control systems (e.g., Git).
* Experience with performance testing tools (e.g., JMeter, LoadRunner, Gatling).
* Experience developing clean, maintainable, low‑complexity, self‑describing code.
* Familiarity with software security principles and their implementation.
For Kotlin/Java‑focused Engineers:
* Proficient in Kotlin/Java and C++, with experience in developing, testing, and debugging software applications.
* Capable of writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code, utilising object‑oriented programming principles, data structures, and algorithms.
* Knowledge of additional languages such as Python, Rust, Go, or C# is a bonus.
* Familiar with software development tools, version control systems (such as Git), and build tools.
* Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to adapt to changing project requirements.
* Experience working on both legacy and modern applications.
Communication and Collaboration
* Collaborative mindset, with experience working in cross‑functional teams in Agile frameworks.
* Exhibits a high level of professionalism, reliability, and effective communication skills.
* Able to work independently with minimal supervision while also contributing effectively to team goals.
Security Focus
* Understanding of software security principles, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
* For Android specialists: in‑depth knowledge of Android security practices and experience developing secure, resilient, and compliant mobile solutions.
Highly Desirable Experience
* Experience in regulated sectors delivering complex networked systems, such as defence, national security, telecommunications, financial services, or automotive industries.
* For Android‑focused roles:
o Experience in custom Android OS and driver development.
o Knowledge of the Android build system and source code.
o Understanding of Android OS architecture, including Linux kernel‑level programming.
o Experience with the Android SDK, application lifecycle, and UI/UX design principles.
Working at Rowden
We are committed to building a flexible, inclusive, and enabling company. Our aim is to create a diverse team of talented people with unique skills, experience, and backgrounds, so please apply and come as you are! We also recognise the importance of flexible working and support this wherever we can. We typically operate a flexible, hybrid‑working model, with an average of 3 days in the office each week (dependent on the role). We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility, part‑time working requirements and/or workplace adjustments with all our applicants. Rowden is a Disability Confident committed company, and we actively encourage people with disabilities and health conditions to apply for our roles. Please let us know your requirements early on so that we can make sure you have everything you need up front to help make the recruitment process and experience as easy as possible. Finally, if you feel that you don’t meet all the criteria included above but have transferable skills and relevant experience, we’d still love to hear from you!
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
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