Contact Us 0131 473 7030

Principal Automation Engineer in Test

Friday 01 Aug 2025

Ref: 5958

Location: Edinburgh (Hybrid)
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: Excellent salary and benefits package

 
Bright Purple are working exclusively with a world-leading technology company to recruit a Principal Automation Engineer in Test for their Edinburgh-based team. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Software Engineer in Test to take on a hands-on technical leadership role, building advanced automation systems for high-impact medical technology products.
 
As Principal SDET, you’ll play a central part in developing and delivering robust automation solutions across a large-scale platform that integrates software, hardware and complex networked devices used in healthcare environments. You will lead on technical design, mentor your peers, and drive quality-first engineering practices across the team.
 
This is a hybrid position based in Edinburgh, with 2–3 days per week in the office.
 
Key responsibilities:
  • Lead the design and development of scalable automated tests and test frameworks using Python
  • Define and maintain automation architecture, tools, and test strategy for a major product line
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (software, systems, UX, hardware) to ensure full test coverage and high quality
  • Plan and manage the test automation backlog and delivery roadmap
  • Guide and mentor engineers on best practices and technical development
  • Participate in cross-discipline design reviews and requirement discussions
  • Write, debug, document and maintain automated test code
  • Ensure all automation development is well-documented and audit-ready for regulatory compliance
Skills and experience required:
  • Extensive experience in test automation and software development for complex systems
  • Strong hands-on programming skills in Python
  • Background in developing test frameworks and tools in CI/CD environments
  • Expertise in test architecture and automation strategy
  • Experience leading teams or technical initiatives within Agile environments
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills
  • A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related subject (or equivalent industry experience)
What’s on offer:
  • 25 days annual leave plus public holidays, increasing to 27 days after 5 years and 29 days after 10 years
  • Your birthday off
  • 2 additional days off for moving house
  • Life insurance (4x basic salary) from day one
  • 2 paid charity volunteering days per year
  • 6% employer pension contribution
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
  • Healthcare cash plan
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Electric car lease scheme
  • EdenRed discount platform
Working pattern:
Hybrid working with 2–3 days per week onsite at the Edinburgh office. Flexibility is supported, and the team works with a focus on results and quality over hours.

Apply now:
If you’re an experienced Software Engineer in Test with strong Python skills and a passion for automation leadership, apply today or get in touch with Bright Purple for a confidential discussion.
 
Bright Purple is an equal opportunities employer: we are proud to work with clients who share our values of diversity and inclusion in our industry.
Cookies on this website
We want to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you wish you can restrict or block cookies by changing your browser setting. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website.