Principal Software Test Engineer

Are you a Principal Software Test Engineer with experience of leading the testing strategy and delivery across a complex, multi-layered embedded software platform?  We're recruiting a Principal Software Test Engineer in Cambridge (3 days in the office) with a salary of up to £90,000 on offer. We're working with an established international technology organisation developing advanced hardware/software platforms used in high-performance, data-driven environments. Their solutions support critical infrastructure where reliability, scalability, and precision are key. They are looking for someone to lead the testing strategy and delivery across a complex, multi-layered embedded software platform. The Role You will join a product engineering team responsible for delivering customer-facing software running on a specialised hardware platform. The system comprises multiple software layers operating across separate boards, combining higher-level application functionality with lower-level system control. One layer focuses on networking and external interfaces, supporting standard communication protocols and user-facing APIs. Another layer operates closer to the hardware, handling real-time command execution and coordination of system components. This is a hands-on technical leadership role, combining deep testing expertise with cross-functional collaboration. Key Responsibilities  Define and implement comprehensive test strategies in collaboration with senior engineers and stakeholders Contribute to project scoping, planning, and estimation of testing activities Ensure test approaches align with system architecture and product requirements Lead test planning, execution, and reporting Develop and review verification and validation plans Perform integration testing across software and hardware boundaries Work with low-level interfaces and communication protocols (e.g. serial and peripheral interfaces) Use lab-based debugging and diagnostic tools where required Analyse results, identify defects, and drive improvementsTest Automation Design and develop scalable automated testing frameworks Write maintainable and efficient test scripts (primarily in Python) Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelinesCross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with software, hardware, and operations teams to resolve issues Support product release activities and field issue investigations Contribute to overall product quality and reliabilityLeadership & Mentorship Provide technical leadership within the test function Mentor engineers on testing best practices and methodologies Participate in design and code reviewsProcess & Compliance Produce and maintain test documentation (plans, cases, reports) Ensure alignment with internal quality standards and regulatory requirementsContinuous Improvement Identify and implement improvements to testing processes and tools Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologiesRequired Experience 10+ years’ experience in software testing, ideally within embedded or systems-level environments Experience validating complex systems involving both software and hardware Strong Python skills for test automation (e.g. PyTest or similar frameworks) Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines (e.g. Jenkins, GitLab CI) Comfortable working in Linux environments, including shell scripting Solid understanding of testing methodologies (unit, integration, system, end-to-end) Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills Experience working in Agile/Scrum environmentsDesirable Skills Experience with containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes) Exposure to security testing practices and tools Performance and scalability testing experience Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) Relevant certifications (e.g. ISTQB, Agile testing, Python)