Test Engineer (Manual and Automation, UI testing) - Maternity Cover

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Test Engineer (Manual and Automation, UI testing) - Maternity Cover Company: Milestone Systems Location: Sofia, Bulgaria Job Type: Full-time (Maternity Cover) Category: Quality Assurance / Testing Operations Date Posted: August 18, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive quality assurance initiatives within an empowered SCRUM product team focused on enhancing Access Control capabilities for Milestone's core XProtect Video Management System.
• Execute comprehensive manual and automated UI testing strategies to ensure the delivery of high-quality, cutting-edge security software solutions.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional development teams to integrate and validate support for the latest security devices and web solutions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of testing methodologies and operational efficiency by staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a maternity cover, indicating a temporary, project-based engagement. The focus on "Access Control team" and "XProtect" suggests a specialized area within a larger software product suite, requiring an understanding of security systems and their integration. The emphasis on "data-driven video technology software" and "Scandinavian culture" provides context for the company's operational ethos.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively participate in a SCRUM team, providing critical input on testability and quality throughout the development lifecycle.
• Accurately estimate test effort for User Stories, Features, and Epics, ensuring comprehensive test coverage.
• Gather, analyze, and refine technical specifications and requirements to translate them into detailed test plans and test cases.
• Design, develop, and execute manual and automated test scripts, with a particular focus on UI testing using C# or similar languages.
• Identify, document, and track software defects, working closely with developers to ensure timely resolution and verification.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends in software testing and video surveillance, applying this knowledge to improve testing operations and activities.
• Leverage strong organizational skills to effectively manage personal time and priorities within a fast-paced, agile development environment.
• Master diverse technologies and techniques rapidly to adapt to evolving project needs and company objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of traditional QA activities with a strong emphasis on agile methodologies (SCRUM) and automation. The need to "gather and refine specifications" indicates a proactive role in requirement analysis, crucial for effective test design in complex software systems. The mention of "Access Control related capabilities" suggests a need for domain understanding within the security technology sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is beneficial, though practical experience and certifications are highly valued.
• Possession of an ISTQB certificate or equivalent is a strong requirement, demonstrating a foundational understanding of testing principles and methodologies.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of progressive work experience in a Quality Assurance or Software Testing role, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality software.
• Demonstrable experience in analyzing requirements and translating them into actionable test plans and test case definitions.
• Experience working within an Agile development environment, preferably with SCRUM, is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• English Fluency: Exceptional written and spoken English communication skills for effective collaboration with global teams and documentation.
• Test Planning & Execution: Expertise in defining, documenting, and executing comprehensive test plans and detailed test cases for complex software applications.
• Testing Strategies & Methodologies: Good knowledge of various testing strategies, methodologies (e.g., functional, regression, integration, UI testing), and quality assurance principles.
• UI Testing: Proven experience in testing user interfaces, identifying usability issues, and ensuring a seamless user experience.
• Automation Testing: Basic coding skills and/or hands-on experience writing automated UI tests using C# or similar programming languages.
• SCRUM Collaboration: Ability to actively participate and contribute within a SCRUM team, fostering effective communication and collaboration with developers, product owners, and stakeholders.
• Technical Specification Analysis: Proficiency in gathering and analyzing technical requirements and specifications to inform test design.

Preferred Skills:

• Agile Environment Experience: Prior experience working in an Agile development framework, such as SCRUM, is highly preferred.
• C# or Similar Coding: More advanced coding skills or experience in developing automated UI tests with C# or comparable languages would be a strong asset.
• Emerging Technologies: Aptitude for staying updated on and applying emerging technologies and industry trends in software testing.
• Organizational & Time Management: Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time and priorities effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "3+ years" experience requirement positions this role as mid-level. The emphasis on ISTQB and basic coding skills in C# points towards a need for both fundamental QA knowledge and practical automation capabilities. The preference for Agile/SCRUM experience is critical for fitting into the team's workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your approach to manual and automated UI testing for complex software products.
• Include examples of test plans, test case designs, and defect reports that highlight your analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Provide evidence of your experience in translating technical requirements into effective test strategies and execution plans.
• Demonstrate your ability to contribute to process improvements within a testing framework, showcasing efficiency gains or defect reduction.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to have experience in documenting testing processes, including test case management, defect tracking, and test reporting.
• Familiarity with maintaining and updating test scripts for automation frameworks is essential.
• Ability to document findings and contribute to knowledge sharing within the QA team regarding testing best practices and tool usage.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of testing skills, especially in automation and requirement analysis, would be highly beneficial for this role. This aligns with the industry standard for mid-level QA engineers to showcase their problem-solving and execution capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the location (Sofia, Bulgaria), experience level (2-5 years), and the nature of the role (maternity cover), a competitive salary range is estimated between 2,500 - 4,000 BGN net per month. This range is based on typical market rates for skilled QA engineers in Sofia, considering the specific technical requirements.

Benefits:

• 25 days of paid vacation annually, ensuring ample time for rest and rejuvenation.
• Flexible working hours, allowing for better work-life integration and personal scheduling.
• Public transport card or parking spot in the office, providing convenient commuting options.
• Compliments gift card, a token of appreciation for employee contributions.
• Company-sponsored mobile phone, facilitating communication and connectivity.
• Sports card, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
• Food vouchers, assisting with daily meal expenses.
• Luxury health and dental package, offering comprehensive medical coverage for employees and potentially their families.
• Life insurance, providing financial security for loved ones.
• Learning and training plan, supporting continuous professional development and skill enhancement in testing technologies and methodologies.

Working Hours:

• The role is expected to align with a standard 40-hour work week, with the flexibility of "Flexible working hours" allowing for some adaptation around core business needs and team synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed benefits are extensive and align with a company that prioritizes employee well-being and professional growth, typical of Scandinavian-influenced corporate cultures. The salary estimate is based on general market data for Sofia, Bulgaria, for mid-level IT professionals with specialized QA skills.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Milestone Systems operates within the Video Technology Software sector, specifically focusing on video management software (VMS), video surveillance as a service (VSaaS), and analytics. This places them at the intersection of IT, security, and data analytics.
• The company's mission to "amplify what organizations of any size can see, do and achieve with video" indicates a strong focus on innovation and providing actionable insights through their technology.

Company Size:

• Milestone Systems is a significant player in its industry, suggesting an organization with established processes, a robust product suite, and a global presence. While the exact number of employees isn't provided, the mention of a "leading provider" and "market leader" implies a medium to large enterprise.
• For operations professionals, this means opportunities to work within structured teams, leverage established systems, and potentially influence process improvements in a well-resourced environment.

Founded:

• Milestone Systems was founded in 1998, indicating over two decades of experience and evolution in the video surveillance market. This longevity suggests stability, adaptability, and a deep understanding of customer needs and technological advancements.
• The company's Scandinavian roots influence its culture, emphasizing a people-first approach, trust, and a commitment to employee growth and well-being.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Access Control team, which is described as an "empowered product team." This suggests a high degree of autonomy and ownership within the team.
• The team consists of 6 people currently, implying a relatively small and cohesive unit where individual contributions are highly visible.
• They work closely with "multiple teams of developers," highlighting a collaborative, cross-functional work environment essential for integrating new hardware and software features.

Methodology:

• The team operates using SCRUM, a popular agile framework that emphasizes iterative development, collaboration, and continuous feedback.
• The focus on "data-driven video technology software" implies that data analysis and leveraging insights from video data are core to the company's product strategy and likely influence internal operations as well.
• A commitment to supporting "newest cameras, video servers and other cutting-edge security devices" indicates an operational focus on integration, compatibility, and staying at the forefront of technological advancements.

Company Website: https://www.milestonesys.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on data-driven video technology and its Scandinavian culture are key differentiators. For a QA role, this translates to a methodical, data-informed approach to testing, with a strong emphasis on team collaboration and employee development. The "Access Control team" specialization suggests a need for understanding security systems integration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This "Test Engineer (Manual and Automation, UI testing)" role is positioned at a Mid-Level. It requires a solid foundation in QA principles (evidenced by ISTQB) and practical experience in both manual testing and basic automation scripting (C#).
• The role involves active participation in a SCRUM team, estimation, and requirement analysis, indicating a level of responsibility beyond entry-level testing tasks.

Reporting Structure:

• While not explicitly detailed, as part of an "empowered product team" operating within a SCRUM framework, the Test Engineer likely reports to a Team Lead, Product Owner, or a QA Manager.
• Collaboration is key, with close interaction expected with developers, other QA engineers, and potentially product management stakeholders.

Operations Impact:

• The Test Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of Milestone's core XProtect product, specifically its Access Control features.
• By identifying and preventing defects, particularly in UI and automation aspects, the role directly impacts the user experience, product stability, and ultimately, customer satisfaction and adoption of Milestone's video management solutions.
• Contributing to efficient testing processes also impacts the speed-to-market for new features and updates, supporting the company's competitive edge.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in test automation, particularly with C# and relevant frameworks, or specialize further in security systems testing and access control functionalities.
• Skill Development: Gain advanced experience in Agile/SCRUM methodologies, test automation architecture, performance testing, or security testing. The company provides a "Learning and trainings plan" to support this.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Work closely with various development teams and product stakeholders, gaining a broader understanding of the software development lifecycle and product strategy.
• Leadership Potential: With proven success and further development, there could be opportunities to move into Senior Test Engineer roles, Test Lead positions, or even explore adjacent areas like QA Management or DevOps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The maternity cover nature of the role might limit long-term career growth within this specific position, but it offers excellent experience in a leading company and a dynamic team. The company's investment in learning and training suggests a commitment to employee development, which is a strong indicator for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This is an On-site role, indicating a traditional office-based work environment.
• The company fosters a "Scandinavian culture," which typically translates to a collaborative, open, and respectful workplace.

Office Location(s):

• The primary work location is Sofia, Bulgaria. Specific office details like address or amenities are not provided but are implied to be a professional workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on SCRUM and working closely with multiple teams suggests a highly collaborative workspace where team members interact frequently.
• Technology Access: As a leading software company, employees can expect access to modern development and testing tools, including necessary hardware and software licenses for testing environments and automation frameworks.
• Team Interaction: The small team size (6 people) facilitates close-knit interactions and knowledge sharing, fostering a supportive environment for learning and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely based on a 40-hour week, with the added benefit of flexible working hours. This allows employees to adjust their start and end times within certain parameters, provided core team meetings and responsibilities are met. This flexibility is beneficial for managing personal commitments and optimizing productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Scandinavian culture" aspect is a significant indicator of the work environment, suggesting a focus on work-life balance, transparency, and employee empowerment, which are attractive qualities for operations professionals. The on-site requirement means candidates should be prepared for a traditional office setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.
• Technical Interview: A more in-depth discussion focusing on QA principles, testing methodologies, experience with manual and automation testing, and knowledge of C# or similar languages. This may include scenario-based questions.
• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: An opportunity to meet the team and/or hiring manager to discuss your experience in more detail, assess collaboration skills, and understand your approach to problem-solving. They will likely ask about your experience in Agile/SCRUM environments.
• Practical Assessment/Case Study: You might be asked to perform a small coding task, a test case design exercise, or a brief presentation of a past project to demonstrate your practical skills and thought process. This is where your portfolio can be invaluable.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to confirm fit and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by skill. Clearly label each section (e.g., Test Plans, Automation Scripts, Defect Reports).
• Case Studies: For each case study, describe the project context, your specific role, the challenges faced, the methodologies used (manual/automation), the tools employed, and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., defect reduction, test coverage improvement, efficiency gains).
• Automation Samples: Showcase snippets of your C# automation code, highlighting clean coding practices, effective use of selectors, and robust test logic.
• Defect Reports: Include examples of well-documented defect reports, demonstrating your ability to clearly describe issues, steps to reproduce, severity, and priority.
• Tailoring: Briefly highlight projects or experiences most relevant to Milestone's product (video management, access control, UI testing).

Challenge Preparation:

• Automation Scripting: Be prepared for a small coding challenge, likely involving writing or debugging a basic UI automation script in C# or a similar language. Focus on clarity, efficiency, and adherence to best practices.
• Test Case Design: Practice designing test cases for specific features, considering edge cases, positive/negative scenarios, and boundary values. Think about how you would test a feature like user login, data input validation, or a UI element's responsiveness.
• Agile Scenarios: Be ready to discuss your experiences within Agile teams: how you estimate tasks, participate in stand-ups, handle changing requirements, and collaborate with developers.
• Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you approach troubleshooting and identifying the root cause of defects, especially in complex integrated systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations role, demonstrating practical application of skills through a portfolio and being prepared for hands-on technical assessments is crucial. The interview process will likely gauge both technical proficiency and cultural alignment with Milestone's collaborative and agile environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• XProtect: While not a tool the engineer directly uses for testing, understanding its function as a Video Management System is key context.
• Test Automation Frameworks: Experience with frameworks compatible with C# is essential. Examples include Selenium WebDriver (for web UI), Appium (for mobile, if applicable), or specific .NET testing frameworks like NUnit, MSTest, or xUnit.
• C#: The required language for automation scripting necessitates familiarity with the .NET ecosystem and Visual Studio IDE.
• Version Control Systems: Proficiency with Git for managing automation scripts and collaborating with the team is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Test Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Jira (with plugins like Zephyr or Xray), TestRail, or Azure Test Plans for test case management, execution tracking, and reporting is beneficial.
• Defect Tracking Tools: Experience with Jira or similar tools for logging and tracking bugs is a standard requirement.
• CI/CD Tools: Awareness of continuous integration and continuous deployment tools like Jenkins, Azure DevOps, or GitLab CI, as test automation often integrates into these pipelines.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly client-facing, understanding the importance of CRM data integrity and how testing impacts user-facing applications is valuable. The company's core product is a VMS, not a CRM, but integration points might exist.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical stack leans heavily towards .NET development and testing. Candidates should be comfortable with C# for automation and have experience with standard QA tools for test management and defect tracking. Familiarity with CI/CD concepts is also a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People First: Aligned with their Scandinavian culture, Milestone likely values its employees, fostering a supportive and respectful environment. This translates to valuing team members' contributions and well-being.
• Data-Driven Insights: As a "data-driven video technology software" company, decisions are likely informed by data and analytics, which extends to how they approach quality assurance and process improvements.
• Customer Focus: The goal to "amplify what organizations... can see, do and achieve with video" indicates a strong customer-centric approach, meaning quality is paramount to meeting client needs.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Staying at the forefront of technology implies a culture that encourages learning, experimentation, and adapting to new trends, including in testing methodologies.
• Collaboration: The "empowered product team" structure and inter-team work suggest a culture of strong collaboration and shared responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: The SCRUM methodology dictates a highly collaborative and iterative approach, with frequent communication and feedback loops.
• Cross-functional: Working closely with developers means effective communication between QA and development is essential for smooth integration and issue resolution.
• Open Communication: Scandinavian work cultures often promote open dialogue, transparency, and mutual respect, encouraging team members to voice opinions and share knowledge freely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on a "people-first" and "Scandinavian culture" suggests a positive and supportive work environment. For operations professionals, this means opportunities to contribute within a team that values collaboration, data-informed decisions, and continuous learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maternity Cover: Adapting quickly to an ongoing project and team dynamics within a fixed-term role can be challenging. Understanding existing processes and test suites efficiently is key.
• Automation Skill Depth: While "basic coding skills" are mentioned, the team might have more advanced automation needs. Bridging any gaps in automation expertise rapidly will be important.
• Complex System Integration: Testing within a VMS ecosystem that integrates with numerous cameras, servers, and devices requires a good understanding of system interactions and potential failure points.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Thriving in a "fast-paced environment" and "learning rapidly" requires strong adaptability and a proactive approach to skill acquisition.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Automation Expertise: Opportunity to significantly enhance C# automation skills and potentially explore other automation tools or frameworks utilized by the team.
• Domain Knowledge: Gain in-depth understanding of video management systems, access control technologies, and the security industry.
• Agile Mastery: Further refine skills in SCRUM and Agile best practices through daily application and team collaboration.
• Industry Exposure: Work with a leading company in the video technology sector, gaining exposure to cutting-edge software development and testing practices.
• Networking: Build professional relationships within a global technology company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the temporary nature of the role, requiring quick integration and high performance. The growth opportunities are significant, offering hands-on experience with advanced technologies and methodologies in a reputable company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach estimating test effort for a new feature within a SCRUM team?" or "Describe your process for creating test cases from technical specifications." Focus on structured methodologies and clarity.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Tell me about a time you had to work closely with developers to resolve a critical bug. How did you manage that interaction?" or "How do you ensure effective communication between QA and other stakeholders, like product owners?" Emphasize clear communication and problem-solving.
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a complex bug you encountered. What steps did you take to diagnose and resolve it?" or "If a critical UI bug was reported just before a release, how would you prioritize and handle it?" Showcase your analytical and prioritization skills.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations: "What interests you about Milestone Systems and our video management technology?" Research their products and market position. "How do you see your skills contributing to our 'data-driven' approach?"
• Team Dynamics: "What is your experience working in an Agile/SCRUM team?" or "How do you provide constructive feedback to team members?" Be ready to discuss your preferred team working style.
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the effectiveness of your testing efforts?" or "What metrics do you find most valuable in tracking software quality?" Prepare to discuss quantifiable results.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through key highlights of your portfolio within a limited timeframe. Focus on impact and outcomes.
• Technical Depth: When discussing automation code, be ready to explain your design choices, patterns used, and how you ensure maintainability and scalability.
• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your testing process for a given case study, from requirement analysis to test execution and defect reporting.
• Company Alignment: Frame your examples to demonstrate how your skills and approach align with Milestone's culture, technology, and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical skills, Agile proficiency, and a proactive, collaborative attitude. Being able to articulate your thought process and quantify your impact through portfolio examples will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Oracle Cloud portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and any supplementary materials to highlight your experience in manual and automation UI testing, C# scripting, Agile/SCRUM environments, and requirement analysis. Select 2-3 specific projects that best showcase these skills.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of QA experience, ISTQB certification, English fluency, and any experience with test management tools. Use action verbs and focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities. Quantify your impact where possible (e.g., "reduced regression testing time by X% through automation").
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with specific examples related to the job description's responsibilities. Prepare to discuss your approach to test planning, automation strategy, and collaboration within a SCRUM team. Rehearse presenting your portfolio highlights.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Milestone Systems' products (XProtect, Arcules, BriefCam), their company culture, and their position in the market. Understanding their "data-driven video technology" focus will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.