QA Engineer - Job Opportunity at TOMRA

Dublin, Ireland
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 2, 2025
On-site
EUR 45,000 - 65,000 per year based on Dublin market rates for mid-level QA engineers with specialized hardware testing experience. The role's focus on complex optical systems and AI testing typically commands a 15-20% premium over standard software QA positions.

Benefits

Equal opportunity employment ensuring fair treatment regardless of personal characteristics
Professional development opportunities through collaboration with cross-functional teams
Access to cutting-edge technology and AI solutions in the food industry
Travel opportunities for professional growth and system implementation
Work flexibility across multiple office locations (Leuven or Dublin)
Exposure to innovative sensor-based technology and optical sorting systems

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement robust test frameworks for automated end-to-end testing of optical sorting systems, directly impacting product quality and customer satisfaction
Lead integration testing across complex multi-component systems including optical sensors, embedded hardware, and distributed software architectures
Drive continuous improvement of test processes and infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy across the organization
Conduct hands-on exploratory testing at machine level, ensuring real-world performance meets stringent food industry standards
Collaborate strategically with stakeholders and development teams to ensure high-quality software releases that maintain TOMRA's market leadership
Develop comprehensive understanding of mechanical and optical systems to perform critical system integration testing
Automate manual testing processes to scale quality assurance operations and reduce time-to-market for new solutions

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Software Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related field

Experience

Proven experience in test solution architecture

Required Skills

Ability to write production-quality code in Python and other programming/scripting languages as needed Experience in test automation development patterns Expertise in manual testing for web-based and/or desktop applications Familiarity with automation test frameworks and equipment such as BDD frameworks (any language), Robot framework (Python) and hardware-in-the-loop systems Solid understanding of LAN and relevant troubleshooting Experience with Git Strong communication skills for effective interactions with project stakeholders Ability to present technical content clearly and concisely Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The food technology sector is experiencing rapid growth driven by increasing global food safety regulations and the need to minimize food waste, with sensor-based sorting technology becoming critical infrastructure for food processors worldwide. AI integration in food sorting systems is accelerating, creating demand for QA professionals who can test complex machine learning algorithms alongside traditional hardware systems. Hardware-in-the-loop testing is becoming the gold standard for companies developing integrated physical-digital products, as it provides the most realistic testing environment for complex systems that combine optical sensors, embedded systems, and software applications. The shift towards sustainable food production is driving investment in advanced sorting technologies, with companies like TOMRA positioned at the forefront of this transformation, creating stable long-term career opportunities in specialized testing roles.

Role Significance

Likely part of a 4-8 person QA team within a larger R&D organization, with direct collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines including software developers, hardware engineers, and AI specialists.
Mid-level individual contributor role with significant technical ownership and autonomy. The position involves architecting test solutions and making critical decisions about testing strategies, indicating substantial responsibility despite not being a formal leadership role.

Key Projects

End-to-end validation of new optical sorting machine models before market release Development of automated testing infrastructure for AI-powered food classification algorithms Integration testing for complex distributed systems spanning multiple hardware and software components Performance testing of optical sensors under various environmental and operational conditions

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in both hardware and software testing methodologies, as the role requires understanding complex interactions between optical systems, embedded hardware, and distributed software applications Strong problem-solving abilities combined with hands-on technical skills, as the position involves both strategic test architecture decisions and practical implementation of testing solutions Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively across multiple engineering disciplines and present technical findings to diverse stakeholders Adaptability and continuous learning mindset to keep pace with rapidly evolving AI and sensor technologies in the food industry

Market Demand

High demand driven by the specialized skill set combining hardware, software, and AI testing capabilities, particularly in the growing food technology sector where few professionals have experience with optical sorting systems.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Python programming proficiency is essential as it serves as the primary language for test automation framework development, and the ability to write production-quality code directly impacts the scalability and maintainability of testing infrastructure BDD and PyTest framework expertise is crucial for implementing the behavior-driven development approach that enables clear communication between technical and business stakeholders while ensuring comprehensive test coverage Hardware-in-the-loop testing experience is vital because optical sorting systems require validation of complex interactions between physical sensors, embedded systems, and software applications under real-world conditions System integration testing skills are critical for validating the end-to-end functionality of distributed systems that span multiple technological domains

Beneficial Skills

Experience with .NET technologies (C#, F#, Blazor/WPF) would accelerate onboarding and enable more effective collaboration with the existing development team Knowledge of optical systems and sensor technologies would provide deeper insight into the products being tested and enable more sophisticated testing strategies AI/ML testing experience would be valuable given TOMRA's investment in AI-powered sorting solutions and the growing complexity of machine learning components in their products Industrial automation or manufacturing systems experience would provide context for the operational environment where these systems are deployed

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to work with cutting-edge optical sorting technology that directly impacts global food safety and sustainability, providing meaningful work with tangible societal benefits
Combination of hardware, software, and AI testing responsibilities offers exceptionally broad technical exposure and skill development opportunities rarely found in traditional software QA roles
Access to specialized laboratory facilities and industrial-grade equipment provides hands-on experience with advanced sensor technologies and complex mechanical systems
Position at the intersection of multiple high-growth technology areas including AI, IoT, and sustainable food production, offering excellent long-term career prospects

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior individual contributor roles within 2-3 years, with management opportunities emerging after 3-5 years of demonstrated leadership in complex testing environments.

Potential Next Roles

Senior QA Engineer or Test Architect with expanded responsibility for testing strategy across multiple product lines QA Team Lead or Manager overseeing quality assurance operations for entire product portfolios Product Quality Manager bridging engineering and business operations Technical Specialist in AI/ML testing or Hardware-Software Integration

Company Overview

TOMRA

TOMRA is a well-established Norwegian multinational corporation with over 50 years of experience in sensor-based sorting and resource recovery solutions. The company has built a strong reputation as a technology leader in the food processing industry, with a global presence and significant R&D investments in AI and optical sorting technologies.

Market leader in sensor-based sorting solutions for the food industry, with a strong competitive moat built through decades of technological innovation and extensive patent portfolio. The company's focus on sustainability and food safety aligns with major global trends.
The Dublin office represents TOMRA's commitment to establishing strong engineering capabilities in Europe's growing tech hub, providing access to top talent while serving European markets. This location offers excellent career stability and growth potential within a global organization.
Innovation-focused culture emphasizing responsible development and sustainable solutions, with strong emphasis on employee empowerment and risk-taking in pursuit of breakthrough technologies. The company's values suggest a collaborative environment with significant investment in employee development.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.