Test Engineer

United Kingdom • Cambridge • FULL-TIME • HYBRID

CRFS is looking for a System Test Engineer to validate the real-world usability and robustness of our advanced RF spectrum monitoring systems. This role is not about writing unit tests or building test frameworks — it’s about thinking like a user, operating at the system level, and stress-testing complex hardware/software systems as they’ll be deployed in the field.

 

If you’re from a support, lab technician, or field integration background and want to break into engineering — this could be your ideal next step.

 

What You’ll Do

  • Perform manual testing of CRFS systems, focusing on how they behave in the hands of real users
  • Validate GUI-based control applications and embedded firmware across multiple CRFS product variants
  • Conduct regression testing during firmware/software updates
  • Reproduce, triage, and document bugs using the issue tracking system, working closely with engineering
  • Build and maintain test racks combining CRFS hardware and third-party RF test equipment
  • Support the maintenance and development of the system test lab infrastructure
  • Ensure system test activities align with the Quality Management System (QMS)
  • Contribute to test plans, test campaign documentation, and internal test reports

 

What We’re Looking For

  • Degree-level qualification in a relevant technical subject OR equivalent hands-on experience
  • Strong attention to detail and a “break it to improve it” mindset
  • Comfort using Linux-based systems and command-line tools
  • Clear, structured communicator — both in writing (bugs, test plans) and verbally (explaining behaviour to engineers)
  • A user-first perspective — you notice UX glitches, system inconsistencies, and edge cases others miss
  • Interest in cross-functional systems (hardware + firmware + software)
  • A desire to learn and grow into deeper technical ownership

 

Nice to Have

  • Experience in hardware or embedded systems testing
  • Basic Python scripting for test automation or data parsing
  • Experience using bug tracking and test management tools
  • Exposure to RF, networking, or spectrum analysis tools (training provided)
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Not What We’re Looking For

  • Pure SDETs or software automation specialists with no interest in physical system testing
  • Candidates expecting to work only on isolated software components
  • Individuals who don’t enjoy digging into real devices, cabling things up, or testing hands-on

Why CRFS?

  • Our systems help NATO and global defense teams detect rogue signals, counter drones, and secure the electromagnetic spectrum
  • We offer a hybrid-friendly, engineering-led culture that values quality over bureaucracy
  • You’ll join a small but deeply skilled team where ideas are heard and impact is immediate
  • Great role for someone wanting to step up from support into system engineering
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