Software Test Engineer

We’re creating the UK’s next-generation engineering powerhouse, delivering critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience. 

We turn advances in sensing, AI and communications into operational capability at the edge, where connectivity may be limited or unavailable. Our work accelerates technology deployment, improves frontline decision-making, and protects people and critical assets in demanding environments. 

Based in Bristol, Rowden currently employs around 200 people and operates more than 20,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing facilities. With a growing international presence, we are one of Europe’s fastest-growing engineering businesses.

About the role

We’re growing our team and looking for a Software Test Engineer to play a key role in delivering assured software across complex, mission‑critical systems.

You’ll take responsibility for software quality within your projects, playing a key part in ensuring Rowden’s software is robust, reliable, and meets the standards expected by our mission-focused customers.
You’ll work across a diverse set of projects, including bespoke mobile applications, geospatial tooling, cloud platforms, sensing and provisioning systems. Many of these integrate closely with hardware, so experience working across software and hardware ecosystems is essential.

You’ll operate confidently across multidisciplinary environments, contribute to complex deliveries and help shape how we approach quality in challenging, real-world conditions. You will play a pivotal role in delivering our next generation of critical technologies that bridge the gap between frontline operators and the commercial advancements they need to succeed.
While this role offers hybrid working options, it requires a minimum of 3 days per week on-site at our Bristol HQ, with occasional travel to support integration and testing activities.

Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance.

More information about security clearance is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Key areas of responsibility

As a Software Test Engineer, you will:

• Drive quality through best practice: Following and promoting consistent test standards, applying sound judgement and effective risk management.
• Embed early within delivery teams: Working closely with colleagues in Software you will contribute to agile ceremonies, ensure requirements are testable and aligned to quality goals.
• Design robust tests: Design, execute, and manage test suites that are fit for purpose. 
• Drive the development of automated testing: Ensuring scalable, maintainable solutions are embedded in delivery and CI/CD.
• Automate First: Follow an automation first approach to testing wherever relevant; knowing when is right to automate vs taking alternative approaches.
• Provide Release Support: Support release activities, providing evidence-based recommendations on readiness and providing confidence.
• Coaching & Mentoring: Support and coach peers and early-career engineers.

Key skills, experience and behaviours

We are seeking passionate and driven individuals who thrive on technology and actively invest in their technical skills and abilities. Relevant and transferable industry experience is a bonus when applying for this role, but not essential. This role offers significant opportunities to grow and gain valuable experience and we’re looking for someone who already brings:
Essential

• Experience translating requirements and user stories into comprehensive test suites, including consideration of accessibility, usability and mobile best practices.
• Sound working knowledge of agile methodologies and tools (Jira, Confluence).
• Hands-on experience scripting for test automation and tooling (Python, Bash, PowerShell etc).
• Experience in maintaining scalable and resilient automated test solutions, making use of modern tools and frameworks (e.g. Playwright, PyTest, UI Automator).
• Experience of Git and running and maintaining automated tests in CI/CD pipelines such as GitHub Actions.
• Experience testing in cloud environments (AWS/Azure), including test environments, logs and monitoring.
• Experience in working with APIs and integration test automation.

Desirable

• Experience testing distributed or data-synchronising systems.
• Experience testing software with connected hardware and troubleshooting integration and interoperability issues.
• Experience testing Android-based systems.
• A proactive approach to adopting new tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of security, performance, resilience, load and other non-functional testing areas.
• Understanding of how AI can be best-utilised across the software test lifecycle.
• ISTQB or equivalent certifications.

About you
The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of the software testing craft and be comfortable navigating their way through complex environments. You will:

• Work with autonomy, taking responsibility for the quality of your own work and making sound, evidence-based decisions in fast-moving environments.
• Work effectively across multidisciplinary teams, collaborating daily with fellow engineers, product, and operational stakeholders.
• Contribute to ways of working, supporting consistency and continuous improvement.
• Share knowledge and support the development of other earlier career colleagues in the wider test function.
• Operate confidently in customer-facing environments, supporting integration and test activities and facilitating discussions around quality.

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 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!