At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead QA initiatives, define testing strategies, and mentor QA engineers in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Aker Systems delivers ultra-secure cloud-based data infrastructure for enterprises, recognised for its innovative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, medical insurance, life assurance, and perks like a cycle scheme and tech loans.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team that values collaboration and innovation while making a real impact in tech.
- Qualifications: Experience in QA leadership, backend testing, and automation tools; strong analytical and communication skills required.
- Other info: UK Government Security Check clearance is needed; support provided for applicants without existing clearance.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 Β£ per year.
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Aker Systems was founded in 2017 by a team of experienced technology professionals who recognised an opportunity to provide highly secure enterprise data platforms to large organisations. We build and operate ground-breaking, ultra-secure, high performance, cloud-based data infrastructure for the enterprise. Our proprietary technology solutions drive performance and reduce costs while helping our clients to improve the management and sharing of data across their organisations.
In 2024, Aker Systems won the Breakthrough Culture Awards highlighting growth companies putting culture first. In 2020 Aker Systems was recognised as a \’One to Watch\’ on the Sunday Times Tech Track. The Company was also recognised at the Thames Valley Tech Awards 2020; winning the Thames Valley Tech Company of the year, the Emerging Tech Company and High Growth Tech Business categories. We encourage people of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive, and supportive place for you to do your very best work.
A UK Government Security Check (SC) clearance is required for this role. If you don\’t hold SC clearance, we will support you to apply assuming you have lived and worked in the UK for a minimum of 5 years.
We are seeking a highly experienced Lead QA Engineer to spearhead quality assurance initiatives across our agile delivery teams. You will be responsible for defining and executing the overall testing strategy, ensuring rigorous QA practices across all phases of software delivery. This role demands strong leadership, technical proficiency, and a collaborative mindset to work across teams and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own the QA strategy and ensure robust test planning, execution, and reporting across all phases of delivery.
- Lead and mentor QA engineers, establishing best practices in both manual and automated testing.
- Collaborate with business analysts, developers, and product owners to define acceptance criteria and translate business requirements into comprehensive test plans and scenarios.
- Design, implement, and maintain test automation frameworks, with a focus on CI/CD integration (e.g., GitLab, Jenkins, Drone).
- Plan and execute functional and non-functional testing including performance, security, and regression testing.
- Ensure quality gates are met before software is released into production.
- Analyse complex data flows and verify data quality in ETL/data pipeline environments.
- Act as the primary point of contact for all testing-related matters, including risk and issue reporting, and stakeholder communication.
- Review and optimize existing QA processes, tools, and documentation.
- Ensure compliance with quality standards, policies, and governance procedures.
Skills & Experience Required:
- Proven experience in leading QA efforts in complex, data-centric environments (including data migration, ETL, and streaming platforms).
- Expertise in backend testing, preferably in Linux-based environments.
- Strong understanding of Kafka and Docker from a QA standpoint.
- Proficiency with testing tools and frameworks such as Selenium, FitNesse, SoapUI, Cucumber, and performance testing tools (e.g., LoadRunner).
- Automation experience using Python, Shell Scripting, Java, MySQL, or Perl.
- Solid knowledge of BDD/TDD methodologies and hands-on experience using tools like Cucumber and Gherkin.
- Hands-on experience with Agile management tools such as Jira and build tools like Maven.
- Demonstrated ability to design test strategies for cloud-based applications (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
- Excellent analytical skills to evaluate test outcomes and trace defects to root causes.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to articulate testing status, risks, and issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Desirable:
- Experience developing or maintaining end-to-end automation frameworks integrated with CI/CD pipelines.
- Familiarity with security and compliance testing in government or highly regulated environments.
Aker Systems Attributes
At Aker we work as a team, we are collaborative, hardworking, open, and delivery obsessed. There is no blame culture here: try things, and take responsibility for the outcomes. You are always part of the wider Aker. We help out our colleagues and take pride in successfully achieving difficult tasks. We run towards problems and help solve them. Communicate always, do so accurately and in a timely fashion.
In return, we offer a competitive salary, 25 days holiday (excluding bank holidays), Company Paid Medical Insurance, Life Assurance (4x times basic salary), Pension scheme, Perks at Work, Cycle Scheme, Tech Scheme and Season Ticket Loan. Plus, a list of voluntary benefits including Dental Insurance, Critical illness cover and Virtual GP.
Equal Opportunities
Aker Systems fosters a diverse environment that encourages openness in its communications and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, veteran status or other personal characteristics. We embrace differences of opinion and diversity because they help challenge us and find new groundbreaking technical solutions.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
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Industries
Software Development
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Lead QA Engineer employer: Aker Systems
Contact Detail:
Aker Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Lead QA Engineer
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Aker Systems' culture and values. They emphasise collaboration, openness, and a blame-free environment. Demonstrating an understanding of their culture during your interactions can help you stand out as a candidate who aligns with their ethos.
β¨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in leading QA efforts in data-centric environments. Aker is looking for someone with proven expertise in complex testing scenarios, so be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented QA strategies.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your technical skills relevant to the role, especially in backend testing and automation frameworks. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with tools like Selenium, Cucumber, and CI/CD integration, as these are crucial for the Lead QA Engineer position.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare to articulate your approach to stakeholder management and communication. Aker values strong communication skills, so think of examples where you've effectively communicated testing statuses and risks to both technical and non-technical audiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead QA Engineer
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in quality assurance, particularly in data-centric environments. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific tools or methodologies mentioned in the job description, such as Selenium, Kafka, or Agile practices.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Aker Systems. Discuss how your background aligns with their focus on secure enterprise data platforms and your experience in leading QA initiatives. Mention your understanding of their company culture and values.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If applicable, include specific projects where you have successfully implemented QA strategies or led teams. Highlight any achievements related to test automation frameworks or CI/CD integration that demonstrate your technical proficiency.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate technical questions related to your expertise in backend testing and automation. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Docker and performance testing, as well as your approach to risk management and stakeholder communication.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aker Systems
β¨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Aker Systems and their company culture. They value collaboration, openness, and a delivery-focused mindset. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've embodied these traits in your previous roles.
β¨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Lead QA Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your technical proficiency. Be ready to discuss your experience with backend testing, automation frameworks, and tools like Selenium and Cucumber. Prepare specific examples of how you've implemented testing strategies in complex environments, especially those involving data migration or ETL processes.
β¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to lead a team. Think about challenges you've faced in previous QA roles and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
β¨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this role, as you'll be liaising with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts on testing status, risks, and issues in a way that's understandable to both technical and non-technical audiences. Confidence in your communication will help you make a positive impression.