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Nearfield Instruments • Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands
Role & seniority: Software Test Architect, senior-level (Software Group, scale-up environment)
Stack/tools: C# and Python-based automation/simulation; test strategy and planning; manual and automated test cases; test management with Jira plugins (X-Ray, Zephyr); system/HIL testing concepts
Develop and maintain the overall test strategy and validation approach for high-precision metrology software and QUADRA control/configuration software
Define test plans/specifications, identify coverage and risks early, translate system requirements into structured test cases (manual and automated)
Perform root cause analysis in production/field and contribute to sprint planning, backlog refinement, and Definition of Done to embed testability by design
7+ years as senior software test engineer or software test architect, in high-tech, complex machine-control systems (semiconductor or advanced robotics preferred)
Ability to map test vs requirements and test vs code coverage; identify gaps and risks; strategy for unit/component vs system/HIL testing
Experience across mixed tech stacks; automation/simulation with C# and Python; knowledge of structured testing principles (ISTQB)
Familiarity with Jira test management plugins (X-Ray, Zephyr) is a plus
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop, AFM/physics/mechatronics domains
Prior work across software-to-hardware integration in semiconductor or prec
From smartphones to electric vehicles, semiconductor chips power the devices that shape modern life. As these chips continue to shrink, traditional inspection and measurement methods can no longer meet the extreme precision required to test the quality of these chips. This is where Nearfield Instruments (NFI) makes a difference.
We are a leading provider of advanced metrology solutions, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to deliver the highest accuracy in semiconductor manufacturing. As a Software Test Architect in our dynamic Software Group, you will play a crucial role in defining how the software behind these state-of-the-art tools is tested, validated, and guaranteed to perform. Your work ensures our systems meet the demanding reliability and precision that the industry requires.
What will you be doing?
As a Software Test Architect, you shape the testing strategy and architecture for high-precision metrology and configuration-management software for our QUADRA machine.
You will be responsible for developing the test roadmap, defining test architecture, and working closely with software, systems, and hardware architects to ensure every feature and subsystem is testable by design. This role combines deep technical testing expertise, system-level architectural thinking with a hands-on approach. Meaning you combine a helicopter view with a getting things done mentality.
Develop and maintain the overall test strategy, while optimizing for requirements coverage and efficiency. Define, document, and maintain test plans, test specifications, and validation strategies. Identify test coverage, risks, and required test assets early in the design and development phases. Translate system requirements and specifications into structured test cases, both manual and automated. Root cause analysis of issues in production and field. Proactively contribute to sprint planning, backlog refinement, and Definition of Done discussions to embed testability early.
What makes this role interesting?
You work directly with high-tech semiconductor applications on the edge of hardware and software performance. You enjoy testing and validating complex machines and translating this complexity into reliable, easy-to-maintain software.
You will be working with an amazing team working across the software stack: from semiconductor process logic and UI to control systems and precision measurement software down to IO and safety logic. You collaborate with highly skilled experts in AFM, physics, mechatronics, system engineering, and precision robotics. You thrive in a dynamic, scale-up environment where continuous learning, experimentation, and improvement are part of daily life.
What makes you a fit?
Mindset & Environment Fit
You enjoy fast-paced, high-tech environments where innovation and iteration happen quickly. You are comfortable with ambiguity, continuous change, and taking ownership beyond your primary scope to help deliver high-quality products. You proactively introduce improvements and embrace modern testing practices.
Experience & Skills
You have 7+ years of experience as senior software test engineer or software test architect testing for high-tech, complex machine control systems, preferably in the semiconductor or advanced robotics domain.
Creating broad and deep understanding of a complex product. Using this understanding to keep overview of test vs requirement and test vs code coverage and mapping out risks where there are gaps. Creating and maintaining a test strategy on the best choices between unit and component testing, simulation and mocking to system level and Hardware in the Loop testing. Work effectively across mixed technology stacks, integrating C# and Python-based tools for automation or simulation. Certification doesn’t equate qualification, but you are able to apply structured testing principles from frameworks such as ISTQB. Preferably experience with using Jira test management plugins (e.g., X-Ray, Zephyr)
Recruitment, consultancy and/or other agency?
We appreciate the interest, but we source all our candidates directly. We understand that you as an intermediary want to present candidates to our interesting positions. This is not how we have structured our recruitment.
This means that all profiles offered to Nearfield Instruments will be treated as direct applications unless we have explicitly agreed otherwise. Show more Show less