Test Engineer - Java Backend & UI Testing - Compact EW (m/w/x)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Test Engineer - Java Backend & UI Testing - Compact EW (m/w/x)
Company: K-tronik GmbH
Location: Nürnberg, Bavaria, Germany
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Quality Assurance / Software Testing
Date Posted: 2025-09-10T11:01:18.096
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on ensuring the quality and reliability of innovative CESM products within the governmental and military sectors, emphasizing robust testing methodologies.
• The Test Engineer will be instrumental in the development, maintenance, and continuous optimization of automated unit tests for both backend Java applications and frontend user interface modules.
• A key aspect of this position involves active participation in an agile Scrum development environment, contributing to the CI/CD pipeline and fostering close collaboration with development teams and stakeholders.
• The position requires a strong understanding of software testing principles, with a particular emphasis on Java-based backend systems and UI testing automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title suggests a "Test Engineer," the responsibilities heavily lean towards Software Development in Test (SDET) or Quality Assurance Automation Engineering, focusing on building and maintaining test frameworks and automation suites rather than purely manual testing. The "Compact EW" aspect likely refers to Electronic Warfare systems, implying a need for rigorous testing in a specialized, potentially high-stakes environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and continuously optimize unit tests for backend Java software modules, ensuring code quality and functional correctness.
• Design, implement, and execute automated tests for frontend user interface components, validating user experience and functionality.
• Actively participate in the agile Scrum development process, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospective meetings.
• Contribute to and enhance the Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipeline, ensuring efficient and reliable software release cycles.
• Collaborate closely with internal project partners and potentially clients through direct feedback loops to understand requirements and address issues promptly.
• Support the overall advancement of innovative CESM products within the governmental or military technology domain.
• Document test cases, test results, and any identified defects thoroughly and accurately.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to test automation and integration within a development lifecycle. A candidate should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in both writing test code and understanding the broader CI/CD context. The mention of "optimizing" tests implies a need for efficiency and performance considerations in test suites.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A completed technical university degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Alternatively, a completed vocational training as an IT Specialist (Fachinformatiker) with relevant professional experience in software testing or development.

Experience:

• Several years of practical experience in Java development.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining unit tests for software modules.
• Demonstrated knowledge in automating software tests for both frontend and backend components.

Required Skills:

• Java Development: Strong proficiency in Java, including its core libraries and common frameworks.
• Unit Testing: Expertise in developing and implementing unit tests, ideally with frameworks like JUnit or TestNG.
• Frontend Testing Automation: Experience with UI automation tools and frameworks (e.g., Selenium, Cypress, Playwright) for testing web-based interfaces.
• Backend Testing: Ability to test backend services and APIs, potentially using tools like Postman or RestAssured.
• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity and practical experience with agile development frameworks, particularly Scrum.
• CI/CD Tools: Understanding and experience with Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps).
• Structured and Independent Work: Ability to work autonomously, manage tasks efficiently, and take ownership of responsibilities.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication capabilities, both written and verbal.
• Documentation: Proficiency in creating clear and concise technical documentation.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team environment and contribute to collaborative problem-solving.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Jira or similar agile project management tools.
• Familiarity with the specific domain of Electronic Warfare (EW) or similar complex technical environments.
• Experience in optimizing test suites for performance and efficiency.
• Knowledge of version control systems like Git.
• Familiarity with Docker or containerization technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "advantageous" mention of Java development and unit test experience suggests that while strong Java skills are preferred, candidates with solid testing automation experience and a good grasp of Java might still be considered. The emphasis on structured and independent work, alongside communication, points to a role that requires self-management and effective interaction with various project stakeholders.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of automated test scripts written in Java for backend services or APIs.
• Include demonstrations of UI test automation frameworks (e.g., Selenium WebDriver, Cypress) applied to web applications.
• Provide evidence of unit test development, highlighting test coverage and methodologies used.
• Present case studies of process improvements in testing workflows or CI/CD pipeline enhancements, demonstrating efficiency gains.
• Illustrate contributions to bug tracking and resolution processes, detailing how issues were identified and managed.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting test plans, test cases, and test reports.
• Show examples of how you have contributed to refining or optimizing testing processes within a team.
• Illustrate your approach to integrating automated tests into a CI/CD pipeline, including setup and maintenance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to not just write tests, but to integrate them into the development lifecycle and contribute to process improvement. Specific examples of code, framework implementation, and CI/CD integration will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Mid-Level Test Engineer with 2-5 years of experience in Nürnberg, Germany, a competitive salary range would typically fall between €50,000 and €65,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for skilled IT professionals in Germany, factoring in the specialized nature of the role (Java backend, UI testing, potential defense sector context) and the cost of living in Nürnberg.

Benefits:

• Retirement & Financial: Company pension plan (Betriebliche Altersvorsorge) and company-sponsored savings plans (Vermögenswirksame Leistungen).
• Time Off: Generous 30 days of annual leave with flexible vacation planning.
• Team Engagement: Regular team events to foster camaraderie and collaboration.
• Recognition: Awarded as a Kununu TOP Company, indicating a positive employee experience.
• Employee Perks: Access to Corporate Benefits (employee discount programs).
• On-site Amenities: Complimentary beverages provided.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for individual further training and skill enhancement.
• Comprehensive Support: 360° support including feedback sessions, career planning, and relocation assistance.
• Work Flexibility: Flexible working hours to accommodate work-life balance.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with the added benefit of flexible working time arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is quite comprehensive, emphasizing employee well-being, professional growth, and financial security. The "360° Betreuung" is a significant plus, suggesting a supportive environment for career development and personal needs. The flexible working hours offer a good degree of autonomy within the on-site work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: K-tronik GmbH operates within the technology sector, likely specializing in communication technology, potentially with a focus on governmental or military applications given the mention of "Compact EW" (Electronic Warfare). This implies a need for high reliability, security, and precision in their products and development processes. Company Size: K-tronik GmbH is a medium-sized company, which often blends the agility and close-knit feel of smaller organizations with the more structured processes and resources of larger ones. This can mean more direct impact for individuals and closer collaboration across departments. Founded: Founded in [Company Founded Year - if available, otherwise omit or state as unknown], K-tronik GmbH has established itself within the German technology landscape. [ Add a brief sentence about the company's mission or history if available and relevant to operations. ]

Team Structure:

• The Test Engineering team is likely part of a larger software development or engineering department, possibly organized into project-specific sub-teams.
• Reporting structure would typically place the Test Engineer under a Team Lead, QA Manager, or Head of Engineering.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with Software Developers, Project Managers, System Engineers, and potentially client representatives, especially within the agile framework.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis: Testing activities will involve analyzing test results, defect patterns, and performance metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role requires planning test execution, optimizing test suites for efficiency, and contributing to the refinement of the overall development and testing workflow.
• Automation & Efficiency: A core focus will be on leveraging automation to increase testing speed, coverage, and reliability, thereby enhancing overall development efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of governmental/military applications suggests a culture that values meticulousness, adherence to standards, and possibly a degree of confidentiality or security awareness. The "Kununu TOP Company" award indicates a positive internal culture, likely characterized by good management practices and employee satisfaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the Mid-Level, typically requiring 2-5 years of hands-on experience. It signifies a move beyond junior responsibilities, expecting individuals to independently manage testing tasks, contribute to test strategy, and mentor less experienced colleagues. Reporting Structure: The Test Engineer will likely report to a Test Lead or Engineering Manager, who oversees the quality assurance function for specific projects or product lines. This structure allows for direct guidance and career development support. Operations Impact: The Test Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring product quality, which directly impacts customer satisfaction, product reliability, and the company's reputation, especially in sensitive sectors like defense or government. Effective testing minimizes post-release defects, reduces development costs, and contributes to the timely delivery of high-quality software.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific testing domains like performance testing, security testing, or advanced test automation frameworks relevant to the EW sector.
• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Test Engineer role, taking on more complex testing challenges, leading test initiatives, or mentoring junior team members.
• Cross-functional Movement: Transition into roles such as a SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test), Automation Architect, or even a Software Developer role, leveraging their strong Java and testing background.
• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance testing methodologies, CI/CD practices, or quality assurance processes within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Test Engineer in this context is robust, offering opportunities for technical deepening, leadership, and even lateral moves into development. The company's commitment to individual development and career planning (as per benefits) suggests a supportive environment for achieving these growth milestones.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "On-site," meaning the primary work environment will be within K-tronik GmbH's offices in Nürnberg. This suggests a traditional office setup designed for collaboration and focused work. Office Location(s): The primary office location is Nürnberg, Bavaria, Germany. Candidates should be prepared for regular presence at this site.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a workspace that facilitates interaction with fellow engineers, developers, and project managers, likely through open-plan seating or dedicated team areas.
• Tools and Technology: Access to modern development and testing tools, including robust workstations, necessary software licenses, and potentially specialized hardware for testing EW components.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with the immediate testing and development teams, as well as participation in broader company meetings and events.

Work Schedule: The position offers flexible working hours, allowing employees to structure their workday within reasonable parameters, which is beneficial for managing testing cycles and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator. While flexible hours offer some autonomy, candidates must be comfortable with a physical presence in the office, likely to facilitate direct collaboration and access to specific testing environments or equipment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and potentially a brief introductory call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more technical interviews focusing on Java development, unit testing principles, UI automation techniques, and your experience with agile methodologies and CI/CD. Be prepared for coding challenges or discussions about your past projects.
• Portfolio Review/Presentation: You may be asked to present specific examples from your portfolio, detailing your approach to test automation, process optimization, and problem-solving.
• Team/Manager Interview: A session with the hiring manager or potential team members to evaluate your technical depth, problem-solving skills, and how you would integrate into the existing team dynamics and company culture.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a senior leader to confirm suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure your portfolio: Organize projects logically, perhaps by technology (Java backend, UI automation) or by impact (process improvement, bug reduction).
• Highlight your process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach (methodology, tools used), the solution you implemented (code snippets, framework design), and the measurable results (e.g., increased test coverage, reduced execution time, fewer escaped defects).
• Demonstrate impact: Quantify the benefits of your work whenever possible. For example, "Implemented automated regression suite reducing manual testing effort by 40%."
• Tailor to the role: Emphasize your Java backend testing and UI automation skills, as these are core requirements. Showcase your experience with CI/CD and agile workflows.
• Be ready to explain: Prepare to walk through your code or diagrams, explaining your design choices and the rationale behind them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Exercises: Brush up on Java fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, and common testing patterns. Practice writing unit tests for given code snippets.
• Automation Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would automate testing for specific UI components or backend APIs. Consider edge cases and error handling.
• Process Thinking: Prepare to discuss how you approach test strategy development, test case design, defect reporting, and continuous improvement of testing processes.
• Agile/CI/CD: Be prepared to discuss your experience working in Scrum teams and integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both technical skills and the ability to articulate one's contributions. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates practical application of skills and measurable impact is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Language: Java (primary for backend and test development).
• Testing Frameworks: JUnit, TestNG (for Java unit and integration testing).
• UI Automation: Selenium WebDriver, Cypress, Playwright, or similar tools for frontend test automation.
• API Testing Tools: Postman, RestAssured, SoapUI for backend service validation.
• Version Control: Git (essential for code management and collaboration).

Analytics & Reporting:

• CI/CD Platforms: Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps, or similar for build automation and test execution integration.
• Reporting Tools: Tools integrated within CI/CD platforms or dedicated reporting libraries to generate test execution reports.
• Project Management: Jira (explicitly mentioned) for agile workflow management, task tracking, and bug reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly a CRM role, understanding how testing integrates with broader product development workflows is key. Familiarity with issue tracking and project management systems like Jira is paramount.
• Integration Tools: Understanding how test suites are integrated into build processes and deployment pipelines is critical.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Java and at least one UI automation framework is non-negotiable. Experience with CI/CD tools and Jira is explicitly required or heavily implied. Demonstrating familiarity with the broader ecosystem of tools used in modern software development lifecycles will be beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality Focus: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable software through rigorous testing and continuous improvement.
• Collaboration: Active participation in team discussions, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional cooperation with developers and project managers.
• Efficiency: A drive to optimize testing processes, reduce execution times, and automate repetitive tasks to improve overall development velocity.
• Continuous Learning: An openness to learning new technologies, testing methodologies, and adapting to evolving project requirements.
• Accountability: Taking ownership of testing tasks, ensuring thoroughness, and proactively identifying and addressing potential issues.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile Partnership: Working closely with developers in a Scrum environment, engaging in collaborative problem-solving and providing prompt feedback.
• Feedback Integration: Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback within the team, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise on testing tools, techniques, and best practices with colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's "Kununu TOP Company" award suggests a culture that values employee development, good working relationships, and a positive work environment. The emphasis on collaboration and continuous improvement aligns with modern software development practices.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Domain Complexity: Understanding and effectively testing complex systems within the governmental or military (Compact EW) domain, which may involve intricate requirements and specialized terminology.
• Test Automation Maintenance: Keeping automated test suites up-to-date and robust as the software evolves, requiring continuous effort and adaptation.
• Balancing Speed and Thoroughness: Ensuring comprehensive test coverage while meeting agile sprint timelines and maintaining efficient CI/CD processes.
• Integrating Legacy and Modern Systems: Potentially working with existing systems and integrating new testing approaches or tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Automation Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement more sophisticated test automation strategies, such as behavior-driven development (BDD) or performance testing.
• Domain Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of Electronic Warfare systems and their specific testing requirements.
• CI/CD Expertise: Deepening skills in setting up, managing, and optimizing CI/CD pipelines for faster and more reliable software delivery.
• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior testers or contribute to the development of internal testing best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for technical growth, particularly in specialized testing areas and automation. Overcoming the challenges will be key to unlocking these development paths and making a substantial impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you improved a testing process or workflow. What was the outcome?" (Focus on process optimization, metrics)
• "How do you approach automating tests for a complex UI feature? What tools and strategies would you use?" (Demonstrate technical depth and planning)
• "How do you ensure adequate test coverage for a Java backend service?" (Highlight understanding of backend testing principles and tools like JUnit)
• "How do you collaborate with developers to resolve bugs efficiently?" (Emphasize communication and agile teamwork)
• "What is your experience with CI/CD pipelines, and how do you see automated testing fitting into them?" (Showcase understanding of the development lifecycle)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about K-tronik GmbH and our work in the Compact EW sector?" (Research the company and its products)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your work?" (Demonstrate receptiveness to feedback)
• "Describe your ideal team environment." (Align with their collaborative culture)
• "How do you prioritize your testing tasks when faced with multiple deadlines?" (Showcase organizational skills)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• STAR Method: For each portfolio example, use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to clearly articulate your contribution and its impact.
• Visual Aids: If possible, use screenshots, diagrams, or short video recordings to illustrate your test automation implementations or process improvements.
• Code Snippets: Be prepared to share or discuss relevant code snippets that showcase your Java coding and test writing abilities.
• Focus on Metrics: Quantify achievements. Examples: "Reduced test execution time by X%", "Increased automated test coverage from Y% to Z%", "Identified X critical bugs before release."
• Conciseness: Present your most impactful projects clearly and concisely, focusing on relevance to the role's requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, process-oriented thinking, and a collaborative attitude. Your portfolio is your best tool to demonstrate practical application of these qualities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on join.com.
• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your Java development experience, unit testing proficiency, UI automation skills, and any experience with agile methodologies and CI/CD tools. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your automated test scripts (Java, UI automation frameworks), documentation of testing processes you've optimized, and any case studies demonstrating your impact on software quality or development efficiency.
• Research K-tronik GmbH: Understand their business, particularly their work in communication technology and potentially the EW sector. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.
• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common technical and behavioral questions, focusing on the STAR method and preparing to discuss your portfolio projects in detail.

⚠️ 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.

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