Software Test Lead

At ALTEN, we support industry-leading organisations in the development of innovative technology solutions across a range of sectors. We are seeking a Software Test Lead to join our team and support the development of next‑generation marine navigation systems.

Working on market‑leading multifunction display products, you will play a key role in enhancing and evolving software features within an established product portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced test professional to lead testing activities, champion automation best practices, and drive product quality across the software development lifecycle.

Location: Portsmouth
On‑site Requirement: 2 days per week onsite
Seniority: Senior
Security Clearance: Not required

• Lead and mentor a team of test engineers, promoting best practices in software testing, automation, and quality assurance
  .
• Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and test scripts
  , ensuring robust and scalable test coverage.
• Drive test planning, estimation, and testing workshops with stakeholders, supporting effective project delivery.
• Establish and maintain test automation standards, coding standards, and testing strategies across the team.
• Collaborate closely with software engineers, product teams, and stakeholders to ensure quality is embedded throughout the development lifecycle.
• Demonstrable experience leading testing activities and delivering commercial‑grade automated test solutions within complex software environments.

Required Skills

• Extensive experience with Squish test automation.
• Strong Python scripting and test automation development experience.
• Proven background in test design, test execution, and test leadership
  .
• Experience developing and maintaining automated testing frameworks
  .
• Strong understanding of modern software testing methodologies, tools, and industry best practices
  .
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and technical leadership skills.

Soft Skills & Collaboration

• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Ability to influence technical direction and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Collaborative approach to working with cross‑functional software development teams.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical thinking abilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or relevant technical military background with equivalent experience.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with Qt frameworks
  .
• Knowledge of GUI testing and validation.
• Experience working on embedded software or software‑controlled products.
• Familiarity with Agile development environments.
• Experience with in maritime, navigation, electronics, or other safety‑critical industries.

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website  If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected.

Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.