Title:

Development Support Engineer - Hants - 32k to 35k

Location:

Hampshire

Salary:

GBP 32,000 to GBP 35,000 per year

Description:

Development Support Engineer (Applications Group)Salary: 30k to 35k basic + benefitsMain Purpose of JobThis role works very closely within the R+D team to provide support, testing and general services to both designengineering and product management primarily for the Control and Monitoring product range. The basic elements of theposition will involve system testing/validation, problem solving and liaising with various departments and developmentteams to resolve customer or internal issues. It will also involve facilitating the transfer of technical informationbetween R+D and other departments within the company such as Projects Team and Field Support. This position will beresponsible for defining the equipment and test procedures to support the successful release of software. As the roledevelops, it is expected that the position will become more involved in developing tools to automate testing activities,and training will be given in this area if required.Initially the principal function will involve the installation, alpha testing and validation documentation of ReleaseCandidates from development before final release to customers or beta sites, for both embedded systems and softwarerunning on PC standard platforms. This will also include upgrading and system testing new hardware options and thirdparty equipment. In addition, the role will be responsible as the R+D support contact for logging, communicating,investigating and tracking technical problems to resolution throughout the life of the product or system, either in-houseor involving customer interaction.The position requires a high degree of flexibility, a practical technical background preferably in a software testing orsupport role, and a good understanding of the importance of systematic problem analysis, thorough documentation andmethodical work practices. Tasks and work may well vary on a day by day basis, so the ability to switch quickly betweenassignments is essential. Although it is mainly an office/R+D lab based function, the role will occasionally involve sometravel to customer facilities or the Company's offices in both the UK, and overseas to perform upgrades, sales support orto resolve system issues. It is therefore important that some one with good communication and customer-facing skillsfills the role. Internally the role may expand to involve working with those providing application support for relatedCompany products.Main Functions and Responsibilities Document and perform alpha testing/validation procedures for PC Application group products. Automation of testing activities where appropriate Defining testing equipment requirements Platform validation and cross-product compatibility through regression testing Perform system characterisation and generate operational documentation Responsible for filing and maintaining a database of product release information Checking of release notes, installation and upgrade instructions, and other information originating from R+D Work with Application Support on customer testing and verification Facilitate the exchange of information between R+D and Projects Team/Support/Sales by providing a consistent interfacebetween R&D and the other departments Proof reading of manuals and associated documentation. Co-ordinate customer support priorities with Engineering Affirming & logging customer bugs through to their testing & resolution Assist in logging customer feedback & contacts with R+D through the support database Configure and maintain systems for demonstration when appropriate Support sales team with product managerESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCEExperience in software testing or technical customer support, ideally within the Broadcast industry, supported with arelevant technical qualification equivalent to A level standard or higher.The candidate must have a minimum of 2 years experience in a similar role.A practical knowledge of networks (CISCO routers, SNMP, TCP/IP) would be a distinct advantageExperience in the following areas is essential: Methodical approach towards following processes and procedures. High attention to detail. Previous experience of producing documentation. Familiarity with the installation of PC hardware & softwareSkills/Abilities: Good interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to organize projects, prioritize workflow and complete multiple tasks simultaneously and accurately. Must demonstrate ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative and tact in dealing with management, supervisors,staff and the customers. Ability to analyze problems and develop solutions to complex project, task or system issues. Confidentiality/trust. Ability to make decisions. Organizational skills. Accurate and attentive to detail. Ability to work unsupervised.