Lead Software Test Engineer

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection's threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Duties:

• Work closely with program and functional managers to understand the testing requirements for software projects by analyzing project specifications.
• Identify and define test cases and use cases, then create and execute test plans to support these projects. Ensure all test results are thoroughly documented.
• Provide support to the Service and Operations teams as needed, including assisting with field upgrades when required.
• Mentor and assist junior test engineers, helping them develop their skills and expertise.
• Take ownership of projects, representing the test team in technical discussions and ensuring effective communication across teams.
• Contribute to automation efforts by providing detailed flowcharts and requirements to the automation team for automating identified test cases.
• Work independently to meet tight deadlines, effectively managing tasks in resource-limited environments.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Typically requires 8+ years of experience in information technology, with at least 3+ years in development or test automation.
• Experience working with automated testing frameworks.
• Ability to write and modify complex automated software testing programs at both the system level and front-end.
• Familiarity with version control systems, such as Subversion, GitHub, or Jenkins.
• Strong hands-on experience with Linux/Windows, virtualization, and scripting.
• Experience with test management tools, preferably TestRails, and Atlassian tools like Jira and Confluence.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with both engineering and cross-functional teams.
• Skilled in troubleshooting CI/CD pipelines, Jenkins jobs, and logging defects with detailed information (e.g., debug logs, network logs, root cause analysis), and tracking defects to resolution.
• Experience with scripting languages (such as Python) and test software languages (like C and/or C++) is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Planning and Decision Making:

• This role empowers the individual to take a hands-on approach in estimating and planning deliverables for both existing and new customers, in close collaboration with Project/Program Managers, Product Owners, and Architects. The individual is entrusted with making critical decisions to ensure a 100% "say-do" ratio by effectively planning and coordinating tasks with the team. Their work will be regularly reviewed with test engineering managers, for test efficiency and alignment with project goals. Any errors in planning or execution may lead to project delays, compromised quality, or missed client expectations, making it essential to maintain precision and accountability throughout the process.
  
   

Impact and Scope:

 

• This role has a significant impact on the CV1.0 Ownership activities, particularly as these responsibilities are being transferred to Bangalore. It is a key senior role within the team. The scope of the role spans all projects under the CV1.0 – CIS roadmap for FY'26. The individual in this role will be responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of these projects, with their work closely monitored for consistency and accuracy. Any missteps in planning or execution could lead to project delays, misalignment with strategic objectives, or disruption in the roadmap's timeline, underscoring the importance of precision and accountability in every aspect of the role.

Key Internal and External Relationships: 

 

•  Given the limited direct customer interactions, the individual will primarily work with Project Managers, Program Managers, and Product Owners on a regular basis. Building strong relationships with the internal teams will be crucial to foster better collaboration and ensure seamless teamwork.

We offer…

Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career's website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)