Embedded Software Test Engineer

Salary guide of £45-£60k depending on experience

Who are you? 

 As an Embedded Software Test Engineer, you will have the ability to understand and read requirements together with the experience of writing test cases for those requirements. You will have experience in testing embedded and application software and be comfortable using at least one scripting language, preferably Python. You do not need to have direct experience with satellite software; you may have developed your skills in aerospace, automotive, medical, or other engineering industries. However, you must be a self-starter who has a proven ability to manage risks and take pragmatic approaches to resolving technical issues.   

Experience in most of the following areas is required: 

• An understanding of embedded systems including programming devices (e.g. JTAG) 
• A basic understanding of electronics (digital and analogue signals, communication protocols) 
• The ability to understand and evaluate requirements 
• The ability to write tests cases based on requirements 
• The ability to write scripts to interact with peripheral devices 
• The ability to imagine failure cases and write tests for them 
• Experience in testing embedded and application software  
• Proficiency in at least one scripting language, preferably Python 

Beneficial Skills/Experience: 

• Experience in using automated testing frameworks (e.g. Robot) 
• An understanding of version control (Git) and CI/CD tools (e.g. Jenkins, Team City) 
• Experience of having worked in an Agile environment 

What will you be doing here?  

The main responsibilities in this role would be to test software on our spacecraft hardware, and to test applications developed for ground segment and operations engineers that will be used to communicate with the spacecraft. The role involves being able to conceptualise, write, conduct and document tests from a software perspective. They will be required to develop scripts to be able to deploy known software configurations on to hardware. This individual will interact directly with software and systems engineers and be involved in the development of specifications as part of software teams across the company. They would also either be able to use or be able to gain an understanding of continuous integration and delivery tools (CI/CD) and testing frameworks to be able to automate tests.  

Responsibilities will include: 

• Writing, conducting and documenting tests on embedded and application software 
• Creating scripts that will be used to deploy software on to hardware 
• Writing test cases based on software requirements 
• Providing input to software teams at the time of software specification 
• Software-driven testing of integrated spacecraft hardware 
• Operational testing of spacecraft as a whole 

About In-Space Missions   

 In-Space Missions (ISM) are world class experts who design, build and operate space missions for global customers from our UK site. We also offer ‘Space as a Service’ by flying customer payloads on our spacecraft and by providing customers the ability to upload digital applications to operate on our hardware. ISM was founded in 2015 and has grown to comprise approximately 100 staff. The company was acquired by BAE Systems in 2021 and operates from offices and satellite cleanrooms located in Alton, Hampshire in the UK. 

Culture   

We have a close-knit and supportive team, with diversity and inclusion being a key to our success. Although we are looking to rapidly expand our team, we are passionate about maintaining our small company ethos, something which is at the heart of our culture. We welcome varying backgrounds, skills, perspectives and life experiences.  Here at In-Space Missions we are embracing Hybrid Working. Wherever possible, we offer flexible working arrangements to allow us to balance our work and personal life more effectively. 

 
What can we offer you?   

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, 10% Non-Contributory Pension with the option for additional salary sacrifice, free onsite parking, access to BAE Share Incentive Plan, Income protection, 3 x salary life assurance policy, discounted shopping and much more 
• Work / Life Balance: 37.5 hour week, hybrid working options, flexible working around core hours, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays  
• Personal Development: Personalised development plan along with access to BAE’s E-learning courses 
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Scheme with AXA Healthcare (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), travel insurance, cycle-to-work scheme, eye tests 

Recruitment Process   

If you’ve been shortlisted for the role, our Recruitment team will reach out to schedule a 1st stage Teams interview with you.  

We want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible so if you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments. Additionally, if you don’t meet all of the criteria please still apply. We really enjoy meeting diverse people who might bring a fresh perspective on a problem we need to solve!   

Unfortunately, we do not offer sponsorship. Please be aware that many roles working for In-Space Missions will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the company.