Lead Test Engineer in Guildford

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract until 31 December 2027

Location: Guildford and Manchester

Salary: Guildford - £59,800 to £67,400 and Manchester - £57,400 to £64,700

Working arrangements: Hybrid working, 2 days a week in office

Do you enjoy shaping quality from the ground up, leading Automation testing approaches that improve both products and team performance? This is a great opportunity to play a key role in delivering reliable, high quality software that supports assessment and learning. This is a chance to use your Automation testing expertise to shape outcomes that directly impact learners while working in a collaborative and forward thinking environment.

You will help ensure that systems are secure, reliable and fit for purpose. Your work will support AQA’s mission by enabling fair and consistent assessment for learners of all abilities. You will influence quality across delivery, helping teams make informed and confident decisions while promoting strong testing practices.

In this role, you'll be responsible for:

• Delivering thoroughly tested software that supports reliable assessment design and delivery and meets customer needs
• Supporting agile delivery by shaping Automation testing approaches, providing estimates and advising on quality and risk
• Driving strong Automation testing best practices and continuous improvement, while contributing to high quality team outcomes

You will thrive in this role if you are collaborative, proactive and focused on delivering quality outcomes. You’ll bring:

• Experience of automated testing within an Agile environment
• The ability to design and implement automated testing frameworks using tools such as Selenium, SpecFlow or similar and languages such as Gherkin and C#
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues clearly to both technical and non-technical colleagues
• Experience of API testing and a solid understanding of testing techniques and approaches
• An awareness of AI tools and technologies and how they can be used to improve test preparation and efficiency, and the ability to promote their use within the team
• A pragmatic, analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and a focus on continuous improvement

You will have the opportunity to develop your skills while working on systems that make a meaningful difference to learners. You’ll benefit from:

• The chance to work on products that support education and impact learners across the UK
• Opportunities to grow your expertise in automation and modern testing practices
• Flexible working arrangements that support work life balance
• A collaborative, supportive and inclusive team culture
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: 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.

Application process: To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role by 23.59 on Sunday 14 June. First stage interviews will take place remotely on the week of 22 June, second stage interviews will take place in our Manchester and Guildford offices on the week of 29 June.

Key performance indicators include:

• Delivering demonstrably secure, reliable, agile and cost-effective systems
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of AI and champion its utilisation with the wider team to make Test Prep more efficient
• Deliver Test Automation Framework(s) to support the use of Automation in line with the AQA Automation Strategy
• Implementation of Test Automation frameworks
• Coaching and mentoring of colleagues on automation practices
• Successful delivery of (agile) delivery team output that has been thoroughly tested to a very high standard

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• A broad understanding of testing and its role, relevance and application in either a commercial or an educational environment
• In-depth understanding of the testing life-cycle in context of the SDLC (Agile and at least one other)
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of testing (including automation) techniques and management tools and their application in Agile and at least one other methodology
• Detailed knowledge of Agile best testing practice techniques and SCRUM

Skills required include:

• Proven ability to develop solutions in a .Net/C# environment
• Proven ability to coach and mentor colleagues in automated testing techniques
• Proven oral and written communication skills and ability to explain issues to technical and non-technical staff
• Proven ability to devise and implement automated testing; eg TDD/BDD, Cucumber, Specflow, Selenium, CodedUI
• Ability to undertake both functional and non-functional testing
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills in a variety of situations
• Excellent analytical skills
• Proactive and motivating who facilitates quality and collaboration amongst the team.
• A questioning and investigative mind
• A pragmatic approach with requisite attention to detail
• Ability and willingness to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team
• Ability to apply a risk-based testing approach and awareness of commonplace system malfunctions and defects
• Ability to quickly glean knowledge of systems and components under test
• Ability to adapt to new approaches, technologies, tools and procedures
• Ability to positively influence colleagues with regard to Testing matters
• Demonstrates resilience and calmness under pressure to meet tight deadlines in complex contexts
• Receive feedback and learn from mistakes for continuous self-development
• Demonstrates proactive collaborative working across functional areas to deliver shared goals

Experience required includes:

• Demonstrable experience of successfully undertaking Lead Test Engineer tasks in line with the Key Accountabilities
• Demonstrable experience of operating in Agile environments
• Experience in using one or more testing tools in a day-to-day hands-on automated testing role
• Experience in API testing
• Demonstrable experience and knowledge of recognised testing techniques (eg black box, white box, risk-based, scenario-based)
• Experience of different Test Activities (eg System, Integration, User Acceptance) including both functional and non-functional testing