Meritus
Software Testing Engineer

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
MERITUS are recruiting for a Software Testing Engineer to join our defence client on an initial contract for 6 months in Stevenage with a minimum of 3 / 4 days a week onsite.
SOFTWARE TESTING ENGINEER - SC CLEARED - INSIDE IR35 - £60.81 PER HOUR (£449 PER DAY) - STEVENAGE (ONSITE - NON NEGOTIABLE) - MUST HAVE SYSTEMS PROVING EXPERIENCE - HP / IBM / ALM / ETM - SECTOR: DEFENCE
MERITUS Talent is proud to be supporting a leading organisation within the defence and advanced technology sector in the appointment of a Software Test & Validation Engineer.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist team working at the forefront of simulation, software integration and systems validation. The team develops and integrates real-time software components used to simulate complex systems and subsystems, supporting products throughout their lifecycle.
You'll work within a highly technical, collaborative environment, contributing to everything from early-stage concept demonstrations and software development through to systems integration, customer trials and training.
The role is based within a cutting-edge digital simulation and experimentation environment and offers plenty of variety. Projects can range from rapid, short-term technical initiatives through to larger, strategically important programmes.
The Role
Reporting to the Test & Validation Team Lead, you will take ownership of the end-to-end software testing and validation lifecycle for one or more products operating within software simulation and emulation environments. Your responsibilities will cover test planning, execution, technical investigation, analysis and reporting.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Responsibilities
Test & Validation Planning
- Translate formal technical requirements and customer needs into clear software testing strategies.
- Develop an understanding of software architecture and system design to define appropriate test environments and test-bed requirements.
- Produce comprehensive software test plans, specifications and test designs.
- Identify appropriate test approaches across the software development lifecycle.
Test & Validation Execution
- Perform progressive software testing and assurance throughout development cycles.
- Lead technical investigations into software defects, unexpected behaviours and system performance issues.
- Support software integration activities, trials and technical demonstrations with engineering partners and customers.
- Analyse software logs and test data to identify issues and demonstrate compliance against requirements.
- Execute formal software qualification and acceptance testing.
- Work closely with software, systems and engineering teams to resolve issues and improve product quality.
Test & Validation Reporting
- Provide regular updates to project leads, engineering teams and wider stakeholders on software functionality and test progress.
- Produce detailed software test, validation and analysis reports suitable for technical and certification purposes.
- Support software release and delivery activities, including final verification and certification.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Technical Environment
The successful candidate will ideally have experience with:
- Agile/Scrum software development methodologies.
- Software verification and validation.
- Analysis of software logs and test data.
- CI/CD software development pipelines.
- Requirements interpretation and traceability.
- Complex software and systems integration environments.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience delivering end-to-end software testing and validation within large-scale or technically complex programmes.
- Strong Python programming experience.
- Experience using tools such as HP ALM, IBM ALM/ETM, DOORS and/or JIRA.
- Practical experience working within an Agile/Scrum development environment.
- Understanding of software verification, validation and technical requirements.
- ISTQB certification or equivalent recognised software testing qualification.
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience within the defence or aerospace sector.
- Experience testing simulation, emulation or modelling environments.
- Experience working with complex real-time software or systems.
- Exposure to software integration, trials or customer-facing technical demonstrations.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills