Lead Test Engineer

At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.

Job title:
Lead Test Engineer
Contract type:
Fixed Term Contract until 31 December 2027
Location:
Guildford and Manchester
Salary:
Guildford - 59800 to 67400 and Manchester - 57400 to 64700
Working arrangements:
Hybrid working 2 days a week in office

Do you enjoy shaping quality from the ground up leading Automation testing approaches that improve both products and team performance

This is a great opportunity to play a key role in delivering reliable high quality software that supports assessment and learning. This is a chance to use your Automation testing expertise to shape outcomes that directly impact learners while working in a collaborative and forward thinking environment.

You will help ensure that systems are secure reliable and fit for purpose. Your work will support AQAs mission by enabling fair and consistent assessment for learners of all abilities. You will influence quality across delivery helping teams make informed and confident decisions while promoting strong testing practices.

In this role youll be responsible for:

• Delivering thoroughly tested software that supports reliable assessment design and delivery and meets customer needs
• Supporting agile delivery by shaping Automation testing approaches providing estimates and advising on quality and risk
• Driving strong Automation testing best practices and continuous improvement while contributing to high quality team outcomes

You will thrive in this role if you are collaborative proactive and focused on delivering quality outcomes. Youll bring:

• Experience of automated testing within an Agile environment
• The ability to design and implement automated testing frameworks using tools such as Selenium Spec Flow or similar and languages such as Gherkin and C#
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues clearly to both technical and non technical colleagues
• Experience of API testing and a solid understanding of testing techniques and approaches
• An awareness of AI tools and technologies and how they can be used to improve test preparation and efficiency and the ability to promote their use within the team
• A pragmatic analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and a focus on continuous improvement

You will have the opportunity to develop your skills while working on systems that make a meaningful difference to learners. Youll benefit from:

• The chance to work on products that support education and impact learners across the UK
• Opportunities to grow your expertise in automation and modern testing practices
• Flexible working arrangements that support work life balance
• A collaborative supportive and inclusive team culture
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At AQA we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone regardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or background is valued respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application process

• To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role by 23.59 on Sunday 14 June.
• First stage interviews will take place remotely on the week of 22 June second stage interviews will take place in our Manchester and Guildford offices on the week of 29 June.

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Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Purpose:

Reporting to the Head of Test and representing the Test Team this role operates day to day within the Agile team as Lead Test Engineer. This role will personally undertake hands on manual and automated functional and non-functional testing. A key purpose of the role will also be to design tests based on requirements / acceptance criteria to produce manual and/or automated test scripts to provide the appropriate level of test coverage.

To code debug and maintain automated tests and frameworks. Raising defects when encountered and ensuring that initial process steps are undertaken in accordance with defect management processes.

To represent the Test Team in the day-to-day activities identifying areas of risk and applying appropriate testing techniques to mitigate them.

To help complete AQAs ongoing transition to a single consistent set of cloud-based technologies (technology re-platform) and move to an…