Verification & Validation Engineer (Embedded Systems)
Salary up to £55,000 (DOE)
Hybrid working model – Oxfordshire
UK Citizens – SC Clearance
A fast-growing UAV technology start-up is seeking a Verification & Validation Engineer to support the development of advanced assurance systems for AI-driven robotics. This is a unique opportunity to work on safety-critical software in a cutting-edge environment, helping ensure reliability, performance, and compliance across complex autonomous systems.
As a Verification & Validation Engineer, you will play a key role in assuring the correctness, safety, and performance of embedded software within a runtime assurance platform. Working closely with cross-functional engineering teams, you’ll develop and execute comprehensive verification and validation activities, drive quality improvements, and support the delivery of safe, reliable systems across multiple hardware architectures and real-time operating systems.
Key Responsibilities of the Verification & Validation Engineer
* Develop and execute verification and validation strategies for embedded software systems.
* Design, implement, and maintain automated test frameworks, infrastructure, and validation environments.
* Apply advanced verification techniques including fuzz testing, constrained random testing, automation-led validation, and other assurance methodologies.
* Support compliance with safety-critical standards including DO-178C, ISO 26262, and IEC 61508.
* Perform the full V&V lifecycle including test planning, test case development, test execution, automation, coverage analysis, and reporting.
* Define and maintain verification procedures, test cases, and traceability artefacts to ensure repeatability and compliance.
* Conduct Software-in-the-Loop (SiL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL), integration, and system-level testing.
* Manage defect identification, tracking, investigation, and resolution through structured verification processes.
* Produce verification evidence, test reports, and coverage metrics to support internal reviews, audits, and certification activities.
* Collaborate with software, hardware, systems, and autonomy engineering teams to continuously improve product quality and verification practices.
Skills & Experience of the Verification & Validation Engineer
* Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
* 3+ years' experience with Python in a commercial, research, or academic environment.
* Experience with CI/CD platforms such as Jenkins, AWS CodePipeline, CloudBuild, GitLab CI, or similar.
* Experience with Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) verification environments.
* Experience developing automated verification frameworks and test infrastructure.
* Strong understanding of Agile development, Continuous Integration, and Test-Driven Development (TDD).
* Hands-on experience with embedded software verification and validation.
* Exposure to safety-critical or regulated industries is highly desirable.
* Knowledge of standards such as DO-178C, ISO 26262, IEC 61508, or similar would be advantageous.
* Active SC Clearance essential.
Desirable Experience
* Experience supporting certification or assurance activities for safety-critical systems.
* Familiarity with static and dynamic analysis tools such as Rapita, LDRA, VectorCAST, Polyspace, GNAT Pro, or similar.
* Experience within aerospace, defence, robotics, autonomous systems, or automotive sectors.
* Understanding of verification evidence generation, requirements traceability, and coverage analysis.
If you're a proactive and adaptable Verification & Validation Engineer looking to work on next-generation autonomous and AI-enabled systems in a highly innovative environment, apply now.