Senior Software Engineer - ATE (Embedded)

TL;DR

Senior Software Engineer - ATE (Embedded): Developing and maintaining automated test systems to validate advanced embedded computing products with an accent on software architecture and instrumentation control. Focus on designing scalable ATE frameworks, integrating hardware interfaces, and mentoring junior engineers to ensure product reliability.

Location: Hybrid (Colchester, UK)

Company

Expert in high-performance embedded computing solutions for defence, telecoms, and aerospace industries for four decades.

What you will do

• Technically lead the design and development of automated test software architectures for production and system-level validation.
• Drive the technical direction for ATE software frameworks and toolchains, ensuring scalability and reusability.
• Integrate and control test instrumentation and fixtures using protocols such as GPIB, USB, Ethernet, and RS-232.
• Develop and maintain test libraries, drivers, and APIs to support diverse hardware platforms.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and production teams to define test requirements and ensure full functional coverage.
• Mentor junior software and test engineers in best practices for software design and coding standards.

Requirements

• Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience developing software for automated test systems or hardware validation environments.
• Strong proficiency in C#, C/C++, or Python, including OO design and software architecture principles.
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation control and data acquisition systems.
• Knowledge of Windows and Linux development environments.
• Experience with source control systems (Git) and issue tracking tools (Jira).

Nice to have

• Experience with NI TestStand, LabVIEW, or similar ATE frameworks.
• Familiarity with VME/VPX hardware or embedded product architectures.
• Understanding of database-driven test data management and traceability tools.
• Exposure to manufacturing process automation or factory test workflows.

Culture & Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Annual profit share bonus and a generous company pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution).
• Private Health Insurance through Bupa and YuLife wellbeing app.
• Cycle to work, Home & Tech, and car salary sacrifice schemes.
• Enhanced parental leave and one paid volunteering day per year.
• Employee assistance programme and virtual GP.