Software Testing Engineer

MERITUS are recruiting for a Software Testing Engineer to join our defence client on an initial contract for 6 months in Stevenage with a minimum of 3 / 4 days a week onsite. SOFTWARE TESTING ENGINEER - SC CLEARED - INSIDE IR35 - £60.81 PER HOUR (£449 PER DAY) - STEVENAGE (ONSITE - NON NEGOTIABLE) - MUST HAVE SYSTEMS PROVING EXPERIENCE - HP / IBM / ALM / ETM - SECTOR: DEFENCE MERITUS Talent is proud to be supporting a leading organisation within the defence and advanced technology sector in the appointment of a Software Test & Validation Engineer. This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist team working at the forefront of simulation, software integration and systems validation. The team develops and integrates real-time software components used to simulate complex systems and subsystems, supporting products throughout their lifecycle. You'll work within a highly technical, collaborative environment, contributing to everything from early-stage concept demonstrations and software development through to systems integration, customer trials and training. The role is based within a cutting-edge digital simulation and experimentation environment and offers plenty of variety. Projects can range from rapid, short-term technical initiatives through to larger, strategically important programmes. The Role Reporting to the Test & Validation Team Lead, you will take ownership of the end-to-end software testing and validation lifecycle for one or more products operating within software simulation and emulation environments. Your responsibilities will cover test planning, execution, technical investigation, analysis and reporting. Key Responsibilities Test & Validation Planning Translate formal technical requirements and customer needs into clear software testing strategies.Develop an understanding of software architecture and system design to define appropriate test environments and test-bed requirements.Produce comprehensive software test plans, specifications and test designs.Identify appropriate test approaches across the software development lifecycle.Test & Validation Execution Perform progressive software testing and assurance throughout development cycles.Lead technical investigations into software defects, unexpected behaviours and system performance issues.Support software integration activities, trials and technical demonstrations with engineering partners and customers.Analyse software logs and test data to identify issues and demonstrate compliance against requirements.Execute formal software qualification and acceptance testing.Work closely with software, systems and engineering teams to resolve issues and improve product quality.Test & Validation Reporting Provide regular updates to project leads, engineering teams and wider stakeholders on software functionality and test progress.Produce detailed software test, validation and analysis reports suitable for technical and certification purposes.Support software release and delivery activities, including final verification and certification. Technical Environment The successful candidate will ideally have experience with: Agile/Scrum software development methodologies.Software verification and validation.Analysis of software logs and test data.CI/CD software development pipelines.Requirements interpretation and traceability.Complex software and systems integration environments. Essential Skills & Experience Proven experience delivering end-to-end software testing and validation within large-scale or technically complex programmes.Strong Python programming experience.Experience using tools such as HP ALM, IBM ALM/ETM, DOORS and/or JIRA.Practical experience working within an Agile/Scrum development environment.Understanding of software verification, validation and technical requirements.ISTQB certification or equivalent recognised software testing qualification. Desirable Experience Previous experience within the defence or aerospace sector.Experience testing simulation, emulation or modelling environments.Experience working with complex real-time software or systems.Exposure to software integration, trials or customer-facing technical demonstrations.