Senior Warehouse Automation Test Engineer in West Midlands

WCS Test Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a highly capable WCS Test Engineer to take ownership of testing Warehouse Control System solutions within complex warehouse automation environments. This role will be responsible for designing, planning, and executing comprehensive testing activities across WCS integrations, ensuring robust system performance before deployment to customer sites.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge of warehouse automation systems and have experience leading testing activities, developing test strategies, and validating integrations across multiple technologies including WMS platforms, PLCs, AMRs, and other automation equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute comprehensive test plans and test cases for Warehouse Control System (WCS) solutions.
• Analyse technical specifications, design documentation, and system requirements to create effective testing strategies.
• Lead testing activities throughout the project lifecycle, taking ownership of the overall testing approach and quality outcomes.
• Perform hands-on manual testing within emulation and simulation environments to validate system functionality prior to deployment.
• Validate integrations between WCS platforms and:
• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
• Other warehouse automation and material handling systems
• Identify, assess, and prioritise testing activities using risk-based testing methodologies.
• Investigate defects, analyse root causes, and collaborate with software and engineering teams to resolve issues.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and customer demonstrations.
• Present system functionality confidently to customers and stakeholders.
• Support project delivery teams by ensuring testing activities align with customer and business requirements.
• Produce clear and detailed testing documentation, reports, and supporting evidence throughout project delivery.

Essential Experience & Skills

Warehouse Automation & WCS Knowledge

• Strong understanding of Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) and their role within automated warehouse environments.
• Experience working with and testing integrations involving:
• WMS platforms
• PLC-controlled automation
• AMRs and robotic systems
• Conveyor, sortation, and other automated material handling equipment

Testing Experience

• Demonstrable experience performing manual testing within emulation or simulation environments.
• Experience testing WCS functionality and system integrations before deployment to live customer environments.
• Practical experience with tools such as:
• Geek+
• Experior
• Other warehouse automation emulation or simulation platforms
• Testing background gained primarily through development, integration, or bench-testing environments rather than solely through commissioning or end-user acceptance testing.

Test Leadership

• Experience acting as the lead or primary tester on projects.
• Ability to define testing scope, coverage, priorities, and approach rather than simply executing pre-defined test scripts.
• Strong ownership mentality with the ability to drive testing activities independently.

Technical Analysis

• Ability to review large volumes of technical documentation and translate requirements into structured test scenarios and test cases.
• Experience developing tests from documentation including:
• Functional Design Specifications (FDS)
• WMS integration specifications
• AMR interface specifications
• PLC interface specifications
• Material Flow Diagrams (MFDs)
• Mechanical and system design documentation

Risk-Based Testing

• Strong understanding of risk-based testing principles.
• Ability to identify:
• High-risk functional areas
• Potential failure points
• Business and customer impacts
• Appropriate levels of test coverage

Stakeholder & Customer Interaction

• Experience leading Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), customer demonstrations, or similar formal testing events.
• Ability to:
• Demonstrate system functionality to customers
• Respond to technical questions confidently
• Troubleshoot issues under pressure
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences

Desirable Experience

• Experience supporting Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and commissioning activities within live customer environments.
• Experience troubleshooting operational issues on customer sites.
• ISTQB Foundation Certification or willingness to obtain certification.
• Exposure to automated testing frameworks and test automation techniques.
• Experience developing automated tests within warehouse automation, integration testing, or WCS environments.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a proactive and technically strong Test Engineer who enjoys understanding complex automation systems, identifying risks, and ensuring high-quality software delivery. You should be comfortable working independently, engaging directly with customers, and taking ownership of testing activities from initial requirements through to final acceptance.

The successful candidate will combine strong analytical skills, a methodical testing mindset, and excellent communication abilities to support the successful delivery of industry-leading warehouse automation solutions.

To find out more about Computer Futures please visit (url removed)

Computer Futures, a trading division of SThree Partnership LLP is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy | Registered office | 8 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ, United Kingdom | Partnership Number | OC(phone number removed) England and Wales