Job Overview
Semantics 21 are a leading UK technology company specialising in digital-forensics and investigative software. Our products are used globally by law-enforcement, government and investigative organisations, and our work has been recognised through multiple national and international awards - including awards from both the late Queen Elizabeth II and His Majesty King Charles III.
We are continuing to expand our Stafford-based team and are looking for an Application Tester & Technical Support team member to help test, validate and support our specialist desktop software.
The primary focus of this role is application testing and User Acceptance Testing (UAT), alongside providing technical support to customers using S21 software.
You do not need previous professional software-testing or UAT experience. We provide structured training, step-by-step testing instructions and ongoing guidance. We are more interested in finding someone who is technically confident, methodical, curious about how software works and willing to learn.
This is also an opportunity to work in an area where what you do can make a genuine difference. S21 software supports organisations working in public safety, so the quality of our products matters. Your testing, feedback and ideas will directly contribute to improving software used by investigators around the world.
Responsibilities
You will:
- Carry out structured UAT across S21 desktop applications.
- Test new features, updates and release candidates using provided test plans and guidance.
- Carry out exploratory testing to identify unexpected behaviour and usability issues.
- Reproduce reported bugs, clearly document them and verify fixes.
- Test complete user workflows, including installation, licensing and update processes.
- Maintain accurate testing records and help improve our testing processes.
- Work closely with developers to explain user-facing problems and provide practical feedback.
- Provide high-quality technical support to external customers.
- Investigate customer issues and gather the information needed before escalation.
- Help identify whether problems relate to software, configuration or product understanding.
- Contribute to support documentation, release information and test scenarios.
- Support wider company activities such as demonstrations, training, webinars and events where appropriate.
Some application testing is naturally repetitive and requires patience and concentration. At the same time, good testers are curious - they think about what users might do differently, what could go wrong and how software could be improved.
The role uses controlled test, demonstration and workflow data. You will not be exposed to anything illegal or disturbing.
About You
You do not need to arrive as an experienced software tester. We are looking for someone with the right attitude, attention to detail and willingness to learn.
You should have:
- Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach.
- Good technical confidence with computers and desktop software.
- An interest in testing, troubleshooting and understanding how applications behave.
- Good problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- A professional and helpful approach when dealing with customers.
- The ability to follow detailed instructions while also thinking independently.
- Good organisation and accurate record keeping.
- Reliability, discretion and sound judgement.
- The confidence to suggest ideas and better ways of doing things.
- A friendly, positive personality and a genuine desire to be part of a small team.
- Eligibility to live and work in the UK.
- A full driving license, access to your own vehicle, and willingness to travel when required.
- Due to the nature of our work with law-enforcement and government organisations, employment will be subject to satisfactory background and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. Applicants must be able to meet the security and suitability requirements of the role.
Experience in software testing, UAT, technical support, digital forensics or other specialist software would be useful, but is not essential.
A relevant technical or digital-forensics qualification would be advantageous, but practical ability, attitude and willingness to learn are more important.
Working at Semantics 21
We are a small, friendly and sociable team where everyone’s contribution matters. You will work directly with our developers and company leadership, and we actively encourage people to suggest improvements rather than simply follow processes without questioning them.
Some application testing is naturally repetitive and requires patience and concentration, but that does not mean we want the workplace to feel dry or overly corporate. We enjoy having a laugh while taking the quality and importance of our work seriously.
We want someone who will get involved, bring their own personality and ideas to the team and develop with S21 over the longer term.
We have a strong track record of helping people learn new skills and take on new responsibilities. If you see a better way to improve our software, testing, customer support or the way we work, we want you to be comfortable suggesting it.
In a small team, good ideas do not disappear through layers of management - your contribution can genuinely influence what we build and how we support the people using it.
What We Offer
- Salary of £25,500 - £28,000, depending on experience.
- 28 days’ paid holiday per annum, inclusive of public and bank holidays.
- Company pension.
- Step-by-step UAT and product training.
- Ongoing opportunities to learn new skills and take on greater responsibility.
- Direct involvement with our development and product teams.
- Genuine input into product quality, usability and customer experience.
- Free onsite parking.
Location, Hours and Travel
This is a full-time, office-based position at our Stafford office, ST18 0WL. This is not being recruited as a remote-working role.
Normal working hours are 10:00 - 18:00, Monday to Friday.
As we support customers internationally, occasional flexibility may be required outside normal UK working hours with suitable notice. There may also be occasional travel for customer visits, training, conferences or other company activities.
Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A detailed CV
- Details of your current role and remuneration package.
- A link to your LinkedIn profile, where available.
Direct applicants only - no recruitment agencies, please.
Pay: £25,500.00-£28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Stafford ST18 0WL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you currently have the right to work in the UK without requiring employer visa sponsorship now or in the future?
- Some software testing is repetitive and requires careful attention to detail. Are you comfortable carrying out detailed tests repeatedly and accurately recording the results?
- Please briefly explain what interests you about application/software testing and technical support.
- Please briefly describe any experience you have with software testing, UAT, troubleshooting, technical support or investigating software problems. It is fine to state that you have no professional experience if you are interested and willing to learn.
- Please provide details of your current or most recent role, your reason for considering a move, your current notice period and your salary expectations for this position.
- Please provide a link to your LinkedIn profile, or state if you do not have one.
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
