Lead Test Engineer

Job title:
Lead Test Engineer
Contract type: x2 Fixed Term Contract positions (a 12 month and an 18 month contract)
Location:
Manchester
Salary:
Manchester - £57,400 to £64,700
Working arrangements:
Hybrid working, 2 days a week in office

Are you a technically skilled test automation engineer who enjoys building solutions in C# and improving quality?

This is a great opportunity to play a key role in delivering reliable, high-quality software that supports assessment and learning across the UK. As a Lead Test Engineer, you'll combine hands‑on technical expertise with leadership in testing, helping teams build quality into products from the start and driving the adoption of modern automation practices.

You'll work closely with developers, analysts and product teams to ensure solutions are secure, scalable and fit for purpose. You'll have the opportunity to shape automation strategy, develop robust test frameworks and influence engineering practices across the wider team.

• Designing, developing and maintaining automated test frameworks using C#, Spec Flow, Playwright and other modern testing tools
• Supporting agile delivery teams by providing technical leadership on automation, API testing and quality engineering approaches, helping teams make informed decisions around quality and risk
• Driving continuous improvement in automation practices, mentoring colleagues and helping embed a culture of quality across the software development lifecycle

• Strong commercial experience developing automated tests and frameworks in C#/.NET environments
• Experience using automation tools and technologies such as Playwright or Selenium, Spec Flow, Gherkin and modern test automation frameworks
• Experience of API testing, including designing and executing automated API tests within development pipelines
• A strong understanding of Agile software delivery, testing methodologies and quality engineering principles
• Awareness of AI tools and technologies, and how they can be used to improve test preparation, productivity and testing effectiveness
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences

• The opportunity to lead automation engineering practices and influence technical direction across multiple products
• Exposure to modern cloud technologies, continuous delivery pipelines and evolving development practices
• Flexible working arrangements that support work‑life balance
• A collaborative, supportive and inclusive team culture
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your technical and leadership skills

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.