Test Automation Engineer

About the role 

Lightcast are a life-science startup developing a unique platform for massively parallel workflows. 

We are looking for a test automation engineer to join our growing software and integration team helping ensure that both the embedded and desktop software is tested effectively and efficiently. This will also involve manual testing and using the production like hardware to run representative test scripts simulating life scientist experiments/research. 

This is a varied role that will involve extending the test automation frameworks and test coverage in a maturing test function.  This is an opportunity to help shape the focus and direction of the automated test approach for a complex product.  The role gives the opportunity to cover multiple technologies and test techniques whilst liaising with colleagues from other disciplines to improve the quality and testability of the products.  

The technology is varied, and includes novel hardware control, machine-learning, complex image analysis and a rich set of visualisation applications.  

Development is Agile, with frequent releases and valuing technical excellence including development of a digital twin of the platform.  This is a multi-disciplinary environment, working alongside our manufacturing, engineering and biology teams to identify areas of risk and focus.   

Your responsibilities will include 

• Identifying testing requirements for automation, as well as opportunities to extend coverage and designing new frameworks for functional and non-functional testing 
• This role anticipates automation extends into other test activities apart from test cases execution.  This includes test data creation, testing tools, for reporting or analysing results, test environment set up and tear down 
• Actively contributing the test perspective within meetings to improve the testability of the solutions 
• Collaborating within a multi-disciplinary organisation covering engineering, electronics and biology, using an Agile process to ensure key deliverables are met to time and quality 
• Application of multiple test techniques to improve the reliability and robustness of the software 
• Testing of GUI and databases alongside charting and data analysis tools 
• Producing documentation to capture the intent and evidence of the test automation to ensure others can execute and maintain test code and the associated activities 
• Produce clear defect reports with effective triage activities and sufficient logging 
• Manual testing and closing of defects is also required  
• Using the Lightcast Hardware rigs to run customer scenarios   

We would expect you to have: 

• Minimum 3 years’ experience of testing software and/or hardware solutions 
• Thorough understanding of test techniques, coding (C#, Python and WPF) and risk analysis 
• Familiarity with Agile development concepts and processes 
• Experience of designing test frameworks, TeamCity TestRail and JIRA 
• Experience of both scripted and unscripted testing (manual and automated) 

It would be advantageous for you to have: 

• Technical knowledge of databases, data storage and logging 
• Knowledge of software for image processing / machine vision 
• Scientific computing knowledge and a strong mathematical background 
• Understanding/Experience in Life Sciences  

We offer a generous benefits package including:   

• 26 days holiday, plus Public Holidays 
• Flexible working hours 
• Pension contribution matched up to 7% 
• Private medical insurance 
• Income protection 
• Life insurance 
• Subsidized gym membership and weekly cross fit sessions 
• Access to Cycle to Work and Technology schemes 
• Enhanced family leave policies