Principal Software Test Engineer

We’re building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience.

At Rowden, we design and integrate advanced systems that sense, connect, and protect data in challenging environments where quick decisions are vital. Our solutions use intelligent automation to enhance speed and efficiency and are built to be reliable and straightforward for critical operations in remote or high‑pressure settings.

Department: Engineering
Location: Bristol, UK
Compensation: £65,000 – £85,000 / year

We are seeking a Principal Software Test Engineer to provide technical leadership and authoritative guidance across all aspects of test strategy, planning, execution, process, and tooling. This is a hands‑on role for someone who is deeply technically competent, able to close knowledge gaps quickly, and who brings a modern, pragmatic approach to both assurance and rapid delivery.

You will work on diverse projects such as bespoke mobile applications, server‑side configuration management platforms, geospatial tools, custom integration provisioning tools and Rowden’s innovative product portfolio. You will play a pivotal role in delivering critical technologies that bridge the gap between frontline operators and the commercial advancements they need to succeed.

This is a hybrid role, with an average of 3 days a week in our Bristol offices. There will be occasional on‑site support to customers during ‘testing’ days and provide hands‑on support through acceptance and release phases.

Due to the nature of this role and the sensitivity of the work involved, applications are restricted to UK nationals.

• Provide authoritative technical leadership in all aspects of software and system testing, including strategy, planning, execution, process, and tools.
• Champion and implement best practices to enhance testing strategies and quality across projects, particularly where projects require higher levels of assurance or present greater risk.
• Integrate seamlessly into development teams, actively engaging in agile ceremonies and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure requirements are understood and testable.
• Influence and set test strategy across complex, multi‑disciplinary projects, including those involving hardware, distributed, connected and embedded systems.
• Design, execute, and manage test plans and test cases, including defect triage and comprehensive reporting of testing outcomes.
• Lead the adoption and evolution of automated testing, ensuring automation is embedded in project delivery and that scripting (e.g., Python, bash, Kotlin) is used effectively to support robust, scalable test solutions.
• Provide expert support through acceptance, release, and deployment phases, acting as a trusted adviser to ensure seamless delivery and successful outcomes.
• Manage, coach and mentor senior engineers, supporting their professional development.

• Deep expertise in software testing, with a track record of technical leadership in complex environments where testing is fully integrated into cross‑functional teams.
• Ideas on how to modernise Rowden’s test approach across strategy, tools, process and ways of working.
• Experience with hardware and connected systems, ideally including IoT and system integration projects.
• Strong background in automation, with hands‑on experience in scripting and the use of modern test frameworks and CI/CD systems.
• Ability to quickly close knowledge gaps and provide authoritative advice on strategy, planning, execution, process, and tools.
• Proficiency in designing and documenting test strategies, plans, detailed test cases, execution records, reporting, and release documentation.
• Confidence in customer‑facing roles and the ability to facilitate discussions around software testing and release planning.
• Aptitude for testing software with hardware systems and troubleshooting interoperability issues.

• Experience building and maintaining automated regression test suites
• Experience in high integrity system and software assurance is highly desirable.
• ISTQB or…