System Test Lead – Advanced Integrated Systems & Hardware
Location: Reading – Hybrid (occasional days on site)
Please note: this role requires experience testing physical systems (e.g. hardware, sensors, electronics). Candidates with purely software/web testing backgrounds will not be a fit.
This is a true lead-level role: you’ll be building the test strategy and test plan from scratch, not inheriting or following an existing one. We need someone who has demonstrably done this before, not someone stepping up into it for the first time.
We’re supporting a UK-based technology business developing complex, real-world systems that combine software with physical devices.
This is a hands-on role leading testing across integrated hardware and software in lab and live environments, not a purely desk-based position, but it is also not an entry point into test leadership. You’ll be the senior authority on test approach from day one.
The Role
You’ll take full ownership of system-level validation from the ground up, defining the test strategy, building the test plan, and establishing how testing is run, while also working directly with both software and physical components to ensure the product performs reliably in real-world conditions.
Expect a genuine mix of strategic leadership and hands-on work, including system setup, configuration, and field-based testing.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and build the system test strategy and test plan from scratch. This is a core, non-negotiable part of the role
- Lead end-to-end testing of integrated hardware + software systems
- Plan and execute field and lab-based test activities
- Work hands-on with system setup, configuration, and troubleshooting
- Analyse system behaviour under real-world conditions
- Own and drive test automation, defining approach, tooling, and coverage, not just contributing to an existing framework
- Collaborate closely with engineering teams to resolve complex issues
Requirements
- Proven experience independently building a test strategy and test plan from scratch, ideally for integrated hardware/software systems
- Strong, hands-on automation experience, able to design and implement automation frameworks, not just run existing scripts
- Experience testing integrated systems involving both software and physical components
- Background working with hardware, sensors, electronics, or similar technologies
- Comfortable working in hands-on, real-world test environments (not just test management)
- Strong problem-solving skills across system-level issues
- Demonstrable experience leading testing activities at a senior/lead level, including ownership of approach and direction, not just coordinating day-to-day execution
- Experience in robotics, medical devices, IoT or similar industries
- Exposure to field trials, live environments, or operational systems
- Experience mentoring or setting direction for a wider test team
This role is NOT a fit if you:
- Have only worked in web, app, or API testing environments
- Focus primarily on manual/functional software testing
- Prefer fully remote or non-hands-on roles
- Have not personally built a test strategy or automation framework from the ground up
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