Software Test Lead

We are seeking an experienced Software Test Lead to lead a high-performing engineering team developing advanced communications and systems technology. The role involves overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated and manual test frameworks to ensure the delivery of high-quality software in a complex, networked environment. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on test expertise with leadership experience, mentoring team members, driving test strategy, and ensuring effective collaboration across software development and systems engineering teams., * Lead the design, development, and execution of automated and manual test cases for embedded and distributed software systems.

• Oversee the development and maintenance of automated test frameworks and scripts using Python, C++, or Java.

• Drive the integration of test automation into CI/CD pipelines to enable continuous validation, reporting, and quality assurance.

• Supervise the design, configuration, and maintenance of virtualised or containerised test environments (VMs, Docker, Kubernetes).

• Lead system-level and interface testing, including API and network protocol validation.

• Analyse test results, identify defects, and coordinate with software development teams to ensure timely resolution.

• Contribute to and enforce structured test methodologies to ensure repeatable, scalable, and reusable test assets.

• Support hardware-in-the-loop and network integration testing activities.

• Mentor and guide junior test engineers, promoting best practices and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with project managers, systems engineers, and developers to align testing with project requirements, schedules, and risk management.

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Software Test Engineer, QA Engineer, or Automation Engineer in a systems or communications environment, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.

• Strong knowledge of test automation frameworks (e.g. PyTest, Robot Framework, Cucumber, JUnit, or similar).

• Proficient in Python, C++, or Java for test scripting and automation.

• Hands-on experience designing and maintaining automated test environments (VMs, containers, or network simulators).

• Sound understanding of networking principles and protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, routing, switching, etc.).

• Experience with API testing (REST, SOAP, gRPC, or message bus systems such as MQTT, Kafka, RabbitMQ).

• Familiarity with CI/CD tools (e.g. Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps).

• Experience with requirements and defect management tools (e.g. JIRA, TestRail, Azure Test Plans).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, capable of coordinating across multidisciplinary teams.

• Knowledge of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing approaches.

Desirable

• Experience in mentoring or managing a small test team.

• Exposure to mission-critical or defence-related systems testing.

• Familiarity with Agile testing practices and sprint-based delivery

• Competitive Basic Salary

• 6% Employers Contribution + 6% as a salary sacrifice

• Private Medical Insurance, Life Cover and Income Protection

• 25 days holiday

• 5 days full sick pay per year

• Flexible working

• Cycle to Work & TechScheme

• Continuous professional development

• Corporate access to the Udemy platform, Group Income protection Life Cover Pension Scheme Perks Scheme Private Medical Insurance Referral bonus

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SII Group delivers Digital Services, IT, Engineering, and Consulting to diverse industries, enabling digital transformation through our commitment to Growth, People, and CSR. With over 16,000 professionals across 21 countries, we're recognised as a "Great Place to Work" for fostering a high-trust culture. Our core values of Trust, Commitment, Accountability, Passion, Creativity, and Transparency drive our work package delivery, ensuring we meet and exceed client expectations as a committed partner. Since 2016, SII UK has supported top Aerospace & Defence, Aviation, Transportation, and Finance clients, empowering digital transformation with industry-leading engineering expertise. Let's Tech Together is our promise to encourage innovation and teamwork. We support our engineers with development opportunities and a collaborative, inclusive environment where every voice is valued and empowered.