Job Description

About the role

Kinneir Dufort (KD) is a world-class user-centred innovation and product development consultancy, specializing in the medical and consumer health sectors. As part of the SteriPack group, we collaborate globally with contract manufacturing facilities in Europe, the USA and Asia, alongside additional design and product development teams in New Jersey and Colorado.


We're seeking a versatile Software Test Engineer to design and automate tests across embedded and application-level systems. You'll work hands-on with hardware test setups, enhance CI-integrated test infrastructure, and support development, debugging, and documentation aligned with IEC 62304 standards. This role involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality, traceability, and compliance in both regulated and non-regulated projects.


This is a full-time role however we are also open to applications from candidates who are looking to work more flexibly, please reach out to discuss this with us (our contact details follow below).

About you

You will have a strong foundation in embedded systems and the versatility to work higher up the stack. You will have a passion for understanding technology and delivering great solutions.


You will have experience testing and validating complex systems, maintaining and extending test infrastructure, and supporting development activities across a range of technologies. You likely have a broad range of interests from hands-on hardware to software tools, CI/CD pipelines, and documentation.


You'll bring a strong foundation in embedded systems and an eagerness to stretch into new areas--from scripting and automation to technical documentation and client collaboration. As the role evolves, so will your opportunities--especially into software development and client-facing consultancy. If you're curious, adaptable, and ready to grow, we want to hear from you.

Your skills and experience

Whilst you do not need to meet all of these points, please ensure you meet the majority of them before making an application:


Essential:

Demonstrable experience in test engineering, validation, or development. Software development skills (preferably C/C++) and scripting (e.g., Python). Exposure to embedded systems (e.g., STM32, FreeRTOS) and/or application-level software. Demonstrable experience with test automation tools and CI/CD platforms (e.g., Jenkins). Understanding of electronics, instrumentation, and diagnostic workflows. Ability to write structured, compliant documentation and communicate clearly. The ability to communicate your ideas and collaborate in broad project teams.


Desirable:

Familiarity with medical or safety-critical standards such as IEC 62304. Experience with Git, Jira, Confluence, or equivalent tools. Experience with CppUTest, GTest and Doxygen. Comfort working across multiple layers of the stack, from hardware to application logic. Experience of working in a consultancy environment.

We are considering a salary of up to 40,800 for this role.

Why work with us?

KD offers interesting and varied work combined with a supportive team culture to provide a stimulating environment where you will have the opportunity to develop and learn from others. We offer flexible working policies where working patterns are agreed with our line managers, taking into account the role, needs of the individual, and the team. We recognise that we are only as good as our people and we know how important it is to support our team.


We offer:

Performance-related company-wide bonus. Flexible hybrid working in line with our core hours (Mon-Thu, 9:30am-12:00pm & 2:00pm-4:00pm; Fri, 9:30am-12:00pm). Private healthcare for you and your family. Enhanced maternity and paternity leave. Matched contributory pension scheme. 25 days of annual leave, plus the option to purchase up to one working week and additional days for length of service. Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and digital wellbeing platform. Cycle to Work & Electric Vehicle Lease schemes. Death in service (x4 gross salary). Training and development opportunities, including dedicated learning days and regular knowledge-sharing sessions. A free lunch the first Monday of every month alongside our company-wide meeting. Free breakfast every Wednesday, monthly team lunches, and plenty of opportunities to socialise, including team-organized activities, summer and Christmas parties, and more.

About us

KD is based in an iconic Grade II listed building in the heart of Bristol. Our vibrant workspace houses state-of-the-art labs, a design studio, usability suites, and collaborative meeting spaces. Nestled in a lively neighbourhood with independent shops, we're just a short walk from Park Street, the Harbourside, and St. Nick's Markets.


We are proud of our values:

Find a way

Pull together

Care

Our diverse, multidisciplinary team spans research, design, human factors, engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, and beyond. Together, we deliver cutting-edge solutions for clients ranging from global leaders to innovative start-ups, with a particular focus on medical devices, drug delivery, orthopaedics, and diagnostics.


Do we sound like a good match for you?


If you'd like to discuss the role or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need to make your application, we'd love to hear from you. If you think you might be the right person for us but want an informal chat first then get in touch via joinus@kinneirdufort.com.


Please note the deadline for this vacancy is

23 July

although we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we have a high level of applications. We look forward to hearing from you!

At KD we believe that designing for people means including all people, starting with the team behind the work. Our human-centred design ethos is rooted in empathy, and our values - pull together, find a way, and care - guide us in building a team that reflects the diversity of the world we design for.

We know that different perspectives lead to better ideas, stronger collaboration, and more meaningful outcomes. If you meet the skills and experience for this role, we welcome your application - whatever your background, identity, or path into design. What matters to us is that you share our belief in purposeful, people-first design.