Software Test Engineer - Measurement Automation in Paignton, United Kingdom

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join our growing test software team. This role is responsible for the design, development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of software solutions used to automate complex measurement and test systems.

The successful candidate will work closely with hardware, product, optical, electrical, and software engineering teams to develop reliable and scalable automated test solutions that support product development, validation, manufacturing, and characterisation activities.

This is a hands-on technical role requiring good software engineering skills, use of automated test and measurement equipment, and the ability to solve complex engineering problems through software and automation.

Key Responsibilities:

Software Development

• Design, develop, and maintain software applications used for instrument control, test automation, and measurement data acquisition

• Develop robust and maintainable software architectures for automated test systems.

• Implement software solutions that meet requirements for reliability, performance, maintainability, and scalability.

• Develop reusable software frameworks, libraries, and tools to improve engineering efficiency.

• Write clean, well-documented, and testable code following established development standards.
  

Measurement & Data Analysis

• Develop algorithms and data-processing routines to calculate, analyse, and visualise measurement results

• Translate engineering requirements into automated measurement and analysis solutions

• Validate measurement algorithms and ensure accuracy and repeatability of results.

• Support statistical analysis and interpretation of test data.
  

Test System Development

• Contribute to the design, integration, and commissioning of automated test systems

• Support the specification, selection, and integration of measurement instruments and associated hardware.

• Participate in the design and assembly of bespoke test fixtures and laboratory automation solutions.

• Assist in the diagnosis and resolution of hardware, software, and system integration issues.
  

Technical Leadership

• Contribute to engineering best practices, development standards, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Participate in code reviews and contribute to architectural discussions

• Collaboration & Documentation

• Work closely with cross-functional engineering teams to define requirements and technical specifications.

• Produce clear and accurate technical documentation, including software designs, algorithms, test procedures, and user guides.

• Present technical findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Support knowledge sharing across the engineering organisation.

Skills & Experience:

Essential

• Degree (Level 6 or Level 7 qualification) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a software engineering, test automation, or measurement systems role.

• Strong software development experience using C# and .NET.

• Good understanding of physics or electronics. - differentiator

• Experience with software debugging, verification, validation, and troubleshooting.

• Experience using source control systems such as Git.

• Knowledge of software development lifecycle processes and modern development methodologies.

• Ability to solve complex real-world engineering problems using analytical and structured approaches.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Desirable

• Experience interfacing with laboratory and test equipment using technologies such as GPIB, VISA, RS-232, USB, and TCP/IP.

• Understanding of automated test systems and measurement methodologies.

• Experience with high-performance test equipment including:
  Spectrum analysers
  Real-time oscilloscopes
  Optical spectrum analysers
  Signal generators
  Network analysers

• Experience working within the photonics, optical communications, telecommunications, semiconductor, or test and measurement industries.

• Experience developing software in Python for automation, scripting, or data analysis applications.

• Experience working with databases and data storage technologies.

• Knowledge of cloud technologies, including Microsoft Azure.

• Experience developing web-based engineering tools and dashboards.

• Experience with data visualisation and reporting solutions.

• Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques and measurement uncertainty principles.

• Understanding of electrical engineering, RF systems, photonics, or applied physics.
  

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem solving.

• Desire to learn about optoelectronics, test hardware and manufacturing systems.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions.

• Curious and innovative mindset with a desire to continuously improve systems and processes

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced research and development environment.

• Able to balance technical excellence with practical delivery objectives.

• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
  

What Success Looks Like:

In this role you will

• Deliver reliable software solutions that improve the efficiency and capability of engineering teams.

• Reduce manual testing effort through effective automation.

• Improve measurement consistency, repeatability, and data quality.

• Contribute to the development of reusable software frameworks and engineering tools