Test Automation CU & future UI (m/w/x)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Test Automation CU & future UI (m/w/x)

Company: K-tronik GmbH

Location: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Software Engineering / Quality Assurance Operations

Date Posted: May 06, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on the development and maintenance of automated testing frameworks for embedded software, GUIs, backend logic, and interfaces, a critical function within quality assurance operations.

• Drive the automation of build, test, and integration workflows within product and simulation environments, directly impacting GTM efficiency and product release cycles.

• Perform validation of software functionalities and communication interfaces, including rigorous protocol-based testing, to ensure product robustness and compliance.

• Analyze test results, identify defects and bottlenecks, and collaborate with development teams to resolve issues, contributing to streamlined development and operations processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "future UI," the core responsibilities and qualifications heavily lean towards test automation for embedded systems and backend logic, with a strong emphasis on scripting and CI/CD integration. This role is positioned within quality assurance operations, aiming to enhance product stability and accelerate release cycles through robust automation strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain automated test scripts and frameworks for embedded software, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), backend logic, and various communication interfaces.

• Support and enhance the automation of build, test, and integration workflows within both product development and simulation environments, ensuring seamless integration into the overall GTM process.

• Conduct thorough validation of software functionalities and communication interfaces, including execution of protocol-based tests, to ensure adherence to specifications and quality standards.

• Analyze test execution results, meticulously identify defects, performance bottlenecks, and areas for process improvement, and actively collaborate with development teams to facilitate efficient bug resolution.

• Contribute to the continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, ensuring test suite stability and reliability, while also maintaining comprehensive test documentation and fostering team-wide collaboration for enhanced integration stability and overall product quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility of "Mitwirkung an CI/CD-Pipelines, Testdokumentation und teamübergreifender Zusammenarbeit zur Verbesserung von Qualität und Integrationsstabilität" directly ties this role into the broader GTM operations by ensuring faster, more reliable product deployments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in software testing, with a strong focus on automation within embedded systems and/or GUI environments.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Python or another scripting/programming language for test script development and automation.

• Strong familiarity with Linux and Windows operating system environments.

• Solid understanding of software integration principles, test automation methodologies, and version control systems, specifically Git.

• Demonstrated experience with CI/CD tools, build systems (e.g., Make, CMake), or working within embedded development environments.

• Experience with protocol-based testing and validation of communication interfaces.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with GUI automation frameworks.

• Knowledge of various testing types beyond functional testing (e.g., performance, security).

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and their application in QA operations.

• Experience in the wireless and communication industry.

• Understanding of test-driven development (TDD) or behavior-driven development (BDD) principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "MUSS" (MUST) requirements indicate critical skills for this role. The emphasis on Python, Linux/Windows, Git, and CI/CD directly aligns with common requirements for operations roles focused on automation and efficiency in software development lifecycles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate examples of automated test scripts developed for embedded systems, GUIs, or backend services, showcasing proficiency in Python or similar languages.

• Include case studies or project descriptions detailing contributions to CI/CD pipelines, highlighting experience with tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar platforms.

• Provide evidence of work with version control systems (Git) through contributions to repositories, illustrating branching strategies and collaborative development practices.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of documented test plans, test cases, and test reports that illustrate a structured approach to QA operations.

• Demonstrate understanding of workflow design for automated testing, including setup, execution, and reporting phases.

• Evidence of contributions to the optimization of build processes, integration workflows, or deployment pipelines, highlighting efficiency gains.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role heavily focused on automation, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of these skills is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to showcase working code, pipeline configurations, and documented processes that highlight their impact on efficiency and quality.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Mid-Level Test Automation Engineer in Stuttgart, Germany, with 2-5 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is €55,000 - €75,000. This estimate considers the required technical skills (Python, Linux, Git, CI/CD), the specific industry (Funk- und Kommunikationsbranche), and the cost of living in Stuttgart.

Benefits:

• Collegial and friendly working atmosphere that fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance and accommodate personal needs.

• Generous 30 days of vacation per year, with flexible planning options.

• Regular team events to build camaraderie and strengthen team cohesion.

• Recognition as a Kununu TOP Company, indicating a high level of employee satisfaction.

• Access to Corporate Benefits (employee discount program) for various products and services.

• Complimentary drinks provided in the office.

• Opportunities for individual professional development and training.

• Comprehensive 360° support, including regular feedback meetings, personalized career planning, and assistance with relocation if needed.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered to support a healthy work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general German market data for similar roles and locations. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's exact experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The comprehensive benefits package highlights K-tronik's focus on employee well-being and professional growth, which are attractive factors for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the Funk- und Kommunikationsbranche (Wireless and Communication Industry), a sector characterized by rapid technological advancements, complex integration challenges, and a high demand for reliable and efficient product delivery. This context means that robust testing and automation are paramount for maintaining competitive advantage and ensuring product quality.

Company Size: K-tronik GmbH is part of the broader "K-tronik" group, which typically indicates a medium to large enterprise structure. This size can offer the stability of a larger organization while potentially retaining some of the agility of a smaller team. For operations professionals, this often means established processes but also opportunities to influence and optimize them.

Founded: While the exact founding date of K-tronik GmbH isn't provided, the "GmbH" designation suggests a German limited liability company. The company's participation in complex technology projects implies a history of expertise and development in its field.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of an "Expertenteam" focused on leveraging technology. It's implied that this team works closely with development teams, potentially forming a dedicated QA or automation unit within a larger engineering department.

• The reporting structure likely involves a team lead or a manager overseeing the QA/automation function, with direct collaboration across software developers, integration engineers, and potentially project managers.

Methodology:

• The emphasis on test automation, CI/CD, and protocol-based testing indicates a strong reliance on data-driven validation and systematic process execution.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central, with the goal of automating build, test, and integration processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.

• Automation and efficiency practices are core to the role's function, aiming to streamline the software development lifecycle and accelerate product releases.

Company Website: https://k-tronik.de

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of the "Funk- und Kommunikationsbranche" suggests a need for meticulous testing due to the critical nature of communication systems. The role is thus integral to ensuring operational stability and reliability for end-users.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience). It requires a solid foundation in test automation principles and practical experience with core technologies like Python, Git, and CI/CD. The "future UI" aspect suggests an opportunity to grow into more advanced UI automation or even contribute to front-end development testing strategies.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Test Lead, QA Manager, or Engineering Manager. Collaboration is expected with software developers, system engineers, and potentially project managers, indicating integration within a broader engineering and product development structure.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role on operations is through enhancing product quality and accelerating release cycles. By developing robust automated tests and streamlining CI/CD pipelines, this position directly contributes to more efficient Go-To-Market (GTM) operations, reducing time-to-market and minimizing costly post-release defects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in embedded systems testing, protocol analysis, or advanced UI automation, potentially leading to Senior or Lead Automation Engineer roles.

• Skill Development: Gain further experience in CI/CD pipeline management, cloud-based testing environments, and performance testing, supported by individual training opportunities.

• Leadership: Progress towards a Test Lead or QA Manager position, overseeing a team, defining test strategies, and driving quality initiatives across multiple projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of "360° Betreuung: Feedbackgespräche, Karriereplanung" explicitly points to structured career development support, which is a significant draw for ambitious operations professionals looking to advance their careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," implying a traditional office environment located in Stuttgart. This setup typically facilitates direct collaboration, spontaneous problem-solving, and team building.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This is a major industrial and technological hub in Germany, offering good infrastructure and accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration, with open-plan areas or dedicated team spaces where engineers can interact closely.

• Access to standard development tools and hardware, including development machines, test equipment, and simulation environments, is expected.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the expert team and development colleagues are abundant, promoting a dynamic and interactive work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with the benefit of flexible working hours. This flexibility is beneficial for operations roles, allowing individuals to manage their time effectively around critical testing windows or personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site environment with flexible hours provides a balance between structured collaboration and personal autonomy, which is often preferred by operations professionals who need to manage complex workflows and data analysis tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, motivation, and cultural fit. Be prepared to briefly discuss your experience with Python, Linux, and test automation.

• Technical Interview: A deeper dive into your technical skills. Expect questions on Python scripting, Linux command-line operations, Git usage, CI/CD concepts, and your approach to embedded/GUI testing. You may be asked to solve a small coding or scripting problem.

• Portfolio Review/Case Study: You might be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio, explaining your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the impact on quality or efficiency. Prepare to discuss a specific example of automated test development and its benefits.

• Team/Manager Interview: An opportunity to meet potential colleagues and the hiring manager. Focus on demonstrating your teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and how you align with the company's collaborative culture. Discuss your understanding of the wireless and communication industry.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management to discuss career aspirations and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Automation: Prioritize examples of automated test scripts, CI/CD pipeline contributions, and workflow automation projects.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, quantify the benefits of your work (e.g., reduced test execution time, increased defect detection rate, faster release cycles).

• Explain Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project.

• Process Focus: Highlight how you approached process design, optimization, and documentation in your projects.

• Code Examples: Be ready to share well-commented code snippets or links to public repositories (if applicable) that demonstrate your proficiency in Python and Git.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scripting Challenges: Practice writing small Python scripts to automate tasks, parse data, or interact with system commands.

• CI/CD Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would set up or improve a CI/CD pipeline for testing embedded software.

• Problem-Solving: Think about common challenges in test automation (e.g., flaky tests, environment setup, integration issues) and how you would address them.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is key for this role. Candidates should focus on tangible evidence of their automation skills and their impact on improving development and deployment processes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming/Scripting Languages: Python (MUSS), potentially others like Bash.

• Operating Systems: Linux (MUSS), Windows (MUSS).

• Version Control: Git (MUSS).

Automation & CI/CD:

• CI/CD Platforms: Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, or similar (MUSS experience).

• Build Systems: Make, CMake, or similar (MUSS experience).

• Test Automation Frameworks: Experience with Python-based frameworks (e.g., Pytest, Unittest) or other relevant tools for embedded/GUI testing.

Embedded & Communications:

• Simulation Environments: Proficiency in using or configuring simulation tools for testing.

• Protocol Analysis Tools: Experience with tools for analyzing communication protocols (e.g., Wireshark, specialized protocol analyzers).

Other Potential Tools:

• Issue Tracking: Jira, Confluence, or similar for defect tracking and documentation.

• Containerization: Docker (beneficial for creating consistent test environments).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Python, Linux, Windows, Git, CI/CD, and Build Systems as "MUSS" requirements highlights the core technical stack. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate practical experience with these technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality code, robust testing, and efficient automation practices.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among team members and across departments.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly learn, adapt, and optimize processes and technologies to enhance product quality and delivery speed.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges.

• Customer Focus: Ensuring that all efforts ultimately contribute to delivering reliable and high-performing products to end-users in the communication industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with software developers, system engineers, and potentially project managers to ensure seamless integration and rapid issue resolution.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging regular feedback on test processes, automation scripts, and CI/CD workflows to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture where team members share best practices, insights on new tools, and solutions to common problems, potentially through internal workshops or documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "kollegiales und freundschaftliches Arbeitsklima" suggests a supportive environment where open communication and mutual respect are highly valued, which is crucial for effective operations team dynamics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Embedded Systems: Testing intricate embedded software often involves unique challenges related to hardware interaction, real-time constraints, and debugging across different environments.

• Dynamic Industry Trends: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in wireless and communication technology requires continuous learning and adaptation of testing strategies.

• Balancing Automation and Exploration: Effectively integrating automated testing while still allowing for exploratory testing to uncover unforeseen issues.

• CI/CD Optimization: Continuously refining CI/CD pipelines to ensure speed, reliability, and comprehensive test coverage without compromising deployment velocity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automation Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement more sophisticated automation strategies, potentially including AI-driven testing or performance modeling.

• Industry-Specific Training: Access to training and certifications relevant to the wireless and communication sector, deepening domain expertise.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Guidance from experienced engineers and potential pathways to lead automation initiatives or manage testing efforts.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining insights into other areas of the product development lifecycle, such as software architecture or system design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Individuelle Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten" and "Karriereplanung" mentioned in the benefits directly address the growth opportunities, indicating the company's commitment to employee development in facing industry challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex automated test you developed for an embedded system. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, tools, and problem-solving.)

• "How would you set up a CI/CD pipeline for a new embedded software project? What tools would you use, and what tests would you include?" (Demonstrate understanding of workflow automation and GTM acceleration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about K-tronik GmbH and the wireless/communication industry?" (Show research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and friendly work environment, as mentioned in K-tronik's benefits?" (Align your team values with theirs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly outline: the objective, your specific role/contributions, the technologies/tools used, the process followed, the challenges encountered, the solution implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., time saved, bugs found).

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss code snippets, architecture decisions, and the reasoning behind your approach to automation.

• Process Focus: Emphasize how your work improved efficiency, reliability, or speed in the development and deployment process.

• Conciseness: Practice presenting your key achievements within a reasonable timeframe, focusing on the most impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that highlight your Python scripting, CI/CD integration, and problem-solving skills within the context of embedded or GUI testing will be crucial for success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with Python, Linux, Git, CI/CD tools, and test automation for embedded/GUI systems. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Reduced test execution time by X%," "Automated Y% of regression tests").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples of your automation scripts, CI/CD contributions, and any documented test processes. Be ready to discuss these in detail, focusing on process improvement and efficiency gains.

• Research K-tronik: Understand their focus within the wireless and communication industry and their company culture. Visit their website and LinkedIn page.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational questions, particularly those related to test automation strategy, CI/CD, and problem-solving in a development environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.