Test Analyst

Test Analyst – Fixed Term Contract

Job Type: Fixed Term Contract until 31 December 2027

Location: Guildford & Manchester

Salary: Guildford £41,500–46,400;
Manchester £39,900–44,500

Working Arrangements: Hybrid – 2 days a week in office

We’re looking for a Test Analyst to join our Agile teams to deliver high‑quality technology that supports learners across the UK. Your role will involve designing, planning and executing tests, providing insight to stakeholders and supporting AQA’s transition to cloud‑based technologies.

• Design and deliver functional and non‑functional testing to meet requirements and identify risks early.
• Collaborate with an Agile development team – contribute to daily activities, backlog refinement and iteration planning with a focus on quality and risk‑based testing.
• Provide clear insights and raise defects, supporting stakeholders to assess quality and continuously improve testing practices.
• Support the transition to modern cloud‑based tools and agile ways of working.
• Assist with planning and coordination of non‑functional testing and penetration testing in collaboration with technical and security teams.
• Help develop and maintain test documentation and metrics.
• Advocate for process improvement and share best practices across the group.
• Produce deliverable reviews, static testing, and dynamic execution, ensuring results are compared and reported.

• Experience testing within Agile environments and a strong understanding of the testing lifecycle.
• Ability to carry out functional and non‑functional testing, including performance and security aspects.
• Awareness of AI tools and how they can improve test preparation and efficiency.
• Proficiency with testing tools and techniques (risk‑based, scenario‑based, BDD, CI).
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Proactive, improvement‑focused mindset with a risk‑aware approach.
• Qualification:
  
  Degree in Software Engineering or equivalent, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience using at least one ALM tool in agile settings.

• Opportunity to contribute to large‑scale technology transformation, including cloud and continuous delivery initiatives.
• Ongoing development and learning opportunities in modern testing practices and tools.
• Flexible working arrangements supporting work‑life balance.
• Collaborative and inclusive culture valuing ideas and input.
• Work on systems that impact learners and education across the UK.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone – regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation or background – is valued, respected and empowered to thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.