Microsoft
Software/ Hardware Engineer (contract)
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Software/Hardware Engineer
The Software/Hardware Engineer will be responsible for maintaining and supporting a lab environment of Windows laptops and hardware test devices used by engineering teams. The role involves setting up, updating, monitoring, troubleshooting, repairing, and replacing devices to ensure a stable and reliable test environment. The engineer will diagnose issues across Windows, BIOS/firmware, hardware, networking, and CI/test systems, while coordinating with internal teams and external vendors for complex hardware issues or replacements. They will also use PowerShell, Python, or Bash to automate routine device maintenance, monitoring, and testing activities.
Additional Details
- Location: Reading, England (Onsite)
- Duration: 30th June 27 (end date)
- Shift Timings: Monday – Friday (Business Hours)
- Pay Range: £281 - £316 /day (PAYE) (Inside IR35)
- Weekly Schedule: 40 hours
Key Responsibilities
- Set up new Windows laptops and test devices.
- Install/reinstall Windows and perform device configuration.
- Flash/update BIOS and firmware and work with bootloaders/boot processes.
- Troubleshoot Windows operating system failures.
- Diagnose hardware issues with laptops and other electronic devices.
- Replace or coordinate replacement of faulty devices/components.
- Monitor the health and availability of the device/test pool.
- Investigate failed test runs or devices and perform root cause analysis.
- Support devices functioning as CI agents.
- Troubleshoot basic network connectivity.
- Work with switches and routers when devices cannot connect properly.
- Coordinate locally with the lab and externally with manufacturers/vendors.
- Write or maintain scripts for setup, troubleshooting, monitoring, or automation.
- Support release testing across different hardware architectures.
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Must-Have Skills
Windows Administration and Troubleshooting
- Install/configure Windows.
- Diagnose Windows boot, driver, OS, connectivity, and device problems.
- Comfortable reinstalling/reimaging machines.
Hands-on Hardware/Device Troubleshooting
- Laptop/device setup and maintenance.
- BIOS/firmware updates and flashing.
- Boot troubleshooting.
- Diagnosing faulty hardware.
- Replacing or coordinating replacement of devices.
Independent Problem Solving
- Able to own lab/device issues without requiring detailed instructions.
- Proactively identifies unhealthy devices.
- Can investigate an issue from symptom through root cause and resolution.
Scripting Knowledge in At Least One
- PowerShell
- Python
- Bash
Basic Networking Troubleshooting, Including Knowledge Of
- Routers
- Switches
- IP/network connectivity
Some DevOps/CI Environment Exposure.
- Comfortable working fully onsite in Reading.
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Nice-to-Have Skills
- Git.
- Continuous Integration tooling.
- Selenium or similar test automation tools.
- Previous engineering lab/test lab experience.
- Supporting CI agent/device pools.
- Hardware vendor/manufacturer coordination.
- Automated device health monitoring.
- Experience testing multiple hardware architectures.
Experience Level Guidance
Ideal
- 3–5 years
As a workplace, Allegis Global Solutions focuses on relationships – with each other, our clients and our candidates. In fact, serving others is one of our core values. We support open communication and recognize that giving constructive criticism can be even harder than receiving it. We appreciate the fearless and the passionate, who force us to be better. Everything we do sits on a pillar of diversity, equity and inclusion - diverse perspectives, backgrounds and ideas achieve innovation and make us successful.
Please note that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. These tools may analyse application materials and assist our team in identifying candidates whose qualifications best match the requirements of the role. If you have questions about our use of AI in the hiring process, or would like more information, please contact us.
Pay Rate Range
- 281 - 316 GBP daily
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