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- Tasks: Lead testing and quality assurance efforts in innovative tech for public services.
- Company: Join the award-winning Home Office QA & Testing Team, recognised for excellence in software testing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, remote work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working with cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: Experience with test automation tools and leadership in quality engineering is essential.
- Other info: UK residency required; must have lived in the UK for the past 5 years.
The predicted salary is between 73000 - 78000 £ per year.
Principal Test Engineer Automation and Innovation Centre – Home Office – G6
Manchester Digital
London, Manchester, Sheffield
Remote
GBP 73,000 – 78,000
Be among the first applicants.
7 days ago
Principal Test Engineer Automation and Innovation Centre – Home Office – G6
National £73,900, London £77,900 plus up to £21,700 skills allowance
Published on
Full-time (Permanent) National £73,900, London £77,900 plus up to £21,700 skills allowance
Published on 3 July 2025 Deadline 10 July 2025
Location
Croydon CR0 2WF, Manchester M5 3LZ, Sheffield S3 8NU
About the job
Job summary
We are looking for passionate Quality Assurance professionals to join the award-winning Home Office QA & Testing Team (QAT) within Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT). Our team, comprising over 900 QA experts, supports essential UK services and has been recognized as Testing Team of the Year at the 2024 European Software Testing Awards and is certified at TMMi level 5 globally.
This role provides technical QA leadership within our Automation and Innovation Portfolio, focusing on leveraging cutting-edge technology, including AI, to transform public service delivery. Our work impacts critical areas like Border Security, immigration, asylum management, and Counter-Terrorism, aiming to improve lives and national security.
Key opportunities include:
- Transforming government with AI
- Delivering national-scale impact
- Driving public sector innovation at pace
As Principal Test Engineer, you will lead testing, quality engineering, and assurance efforts, especially in low-code/no-code platforms like PowerApps, and AI systems. You will be part of the leadership team, guiding a team of QAT engineers, collaborating with stakeholders, and integrating test engineering into development processes using tools like AWS, Azure, Playwright, Python, and others.
Required qualifications include experience with a broad range of test automation tools, leadership at senior levels, and strategic planning for AI and low-code/no-code testing approaches. Familiarity with SFIA framework and behaviors like managing quality services, developing others, and strategic thinking are also essential.
Person specification
UK residency and security requirements – You need to have lived in the UK for the past 5 years.
Main responsibilities:
- Set the direction for QAT engineering, AI testing, and assurance practices, promoting DevSecOps.
- Partner with engineering and delivery teams to embed frameworks in QA approaches.
- Lead and mentor quality engineering teams, providing technical guidance.
- Develop scalable, efficient, and cost-effective quality solutions.
- Measure, report, and use risk-based decision making to improve code quality.
- Innovate using new tools and approaches to enhance service delivery.
Experience required:
- Deploy tools and techniques including C#, Java, Python, TypeScript, PowerApps, Azure/AWS, Playwright, and CI/CD pipelines.
- Lead at senior levels, establishing networks and engaging with other leaders.
- Lead test engineering teams and develop organisational testing strategies.
Additional details about SFIA levels, behaviors, and technical skills are provided in the original description.
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Principal Test Engineer Automation and Innovation Centre - Home Office - G6 employer: Manchester Digital
Contact Detail:
Manchester Digital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Test Engineer Automation and Innovation Centre - Home Office - G6
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in AI and low-code/no-code platforms. Being knowledgeable about these technologies will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your commitment to innovation, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the QA and testing community, especially those who have experience in public sector projects. Engaging with others in the field can provide insights into the specific challenges and expectations of the Home Office QA & Testing Team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail. This role requires guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led projects or mentored others in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of risk-based decision-making in quality assurance. Be prepared to discuss how you've used metrics and data to improve code quality in past projects, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Principal Test Engineer.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Test Engineer Automation and Innovation Centre - Home Office - G6
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Test Engineer position. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and required qualifications, especially around AI testing and low-code/no-code platforms.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in quality assurance, test automation tools, and leadership roles. Emphasise your familiarity with technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Python, AWS, and Azure.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for quality assurance and innovation. Mention specific examples of how you've led teams or projects that align with the Home Office's goals, particularly in public service delivery.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics to show how your contributions improved code quality or enhanced service delivery.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Test Engineer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor teams. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences, how you've guided teams, and the impact of your leadership on project outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Familiarity with tools like Python, C#, and Azure is crucial. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these technologies in past projects, particularly in automation and testing environments.
✨Understand the Role of AI in Testing
Since the role focuses on leveraging AI for public service delivery, brush up on how AI can transform testing processes. Discuss any relevant experience you have with AI tools or methodologies in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in QA and how you approached them, especially in high-stakes environments like national security.
