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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Software Test Engineer (Python & Embedded Systems) - **Company:** gb Circle Group - **Location:** Farnborough, UK (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £75,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Automation of Tests, Software Bug Management, Software Quality, Continuous Integration, Embedded Software, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), Linux System Administration, Regression Testing, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, Strategies of Testing, System-level Testing, SC Clearance, Integration Tests, Software Version Control - **Published:** August 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.totaljobs.com/job/senior-software-engineer-python/circle-group-job107856608 ## About the Role Security Requirements: Sole UK National | Eligible for SC Clearance, with the ability to progress to DV Clearance Are you looking for a better work-life balance without leaving the defence sector behind? If you have experience on defence or national security programmes and want greater flexibility with less time spent on-site, this could be the opportunity you're looking for. We're seeking a Senior Software Test Engineer with a strong background in embedded software and firmware testing to help ensure the quality, reliability and performance of complex device-based systems. This is a senior, hands-on position where you'll shape test strategy while remaining involved in automation, integration testing and fault investigation. You'll work on challenging non-deterministic systems, designing robust test approaches where software behaviour can vary based on system state, environmental conditions and external inputs. You'll also take ownership of Python-based automation frameworks, driving quality standards and continuous improvement across the engineering team. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly skilled team, solve complex technical challenges and influence the testing approach for cutting-edge embedded systems within a secure defence environment., * Significant experience testing embedded software systems and firmware. * Strong understanding of the embedded software development lifecycle. * Experience working on defence, aerospace, government, national security or other highly regulated engineering programmes. * Understanding of hardware/software integration challenges and system-level testing. * Experience testing products that interact with physical devices, sensors, communications equipment or embedded platforms. * Extensive experience designing and executing test strategies for complex software systems. * Strong background in test design, exploratory testing and risk-based testing techniques. * Experience testing non-deterministic systems, artificial intelligence-enabled systems, autonomous platforms or software where outcomes are not always predictable. * Ability to analyse ambiguous test results and develop meaningful validation approaches. * Experience of manual, automated, integration, system and regression testing. * Strong Python development skills with proven experience building and maintaining automated test frameworks. * Experience integrating automated testing into CI/CD environments. * Knowledge of modern test automation tools and methodologies. * Experience creating reusable, scalable and maintainable automation solutions. * Knowledge of firmware deployment, upgrades and version management. * Experience working with Linux-based environments. * Understanding of software quality metrics, defect management and release processes. * Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills. Security Requirements Due to the nature of the work, applicants must: * Be a sole UK national. * Be eligible and willing to obtain Security Check (SC) Clearance. * Be capable of obtaining Developed Vetting (DV) Clearance in the future if required. * Have the unrestricted right to work in the UK without needing sponsorship. ## Description * Lead the testing strategy for complex embedded software and firmware products. * Design, develop and maintain Python-based automated test frameworks. * Create robust test approaches for non-deterministic systems, validating behaviour where outputs may vary based on environmental conditions, system state or external inputs. * Design test cases for complex and uncertain scenarios, ensuring system resilience under real-world operating conditions. * Perform software, firmware, integration and system-level testing across hardware and software environments. * Analyse intermittent, non-repeatable and unexpected behaviours to identify root causes. * Collaborate closely with Embedded Software Engineers throughout the software development lifecycle. * Support firmware releases, deployments, upgrades and regression testing activities. * Drive continuous improvement across testing processes, tooling and automation capability. * Mentor engineers and promote best practice in software quality and test design. * Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and quality gates for software delivery. ## Related Videos - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Let's Talk Quality! - Lilia Gargouri](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1815-let-s-talk-quality-lilia-gargouri) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Great DevEx and Regulatory Compliance - Possible?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1426-great-devex-and-regulatory-compliance-possible) - [Let’s Talk Quality!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100012-let-s-talk-quality) - [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Software Engineer Salary in The UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/231-software-engineer-salary-in-the-uk) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london)