At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation testing to ensure high-quality software for education.
- Company: AQA, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving assessment and learning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values inclusion and promotes continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners while shaping quality in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in automated testing and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 59800 - 67400 £ per year.
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'll 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.
Lead Test Engineer in Guildford employer: AQA
AQA is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture in Guildford and Manchester. With flexible working arrangements, ongoing learning opportunities, and a commitment to diversity, AQA empowers its team members to make a meaningful impact on education while developing their expertise in automation testing. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values quality and innovation in assessment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Test Engineer in Guildford
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at AQA or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to AQA.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like AQA.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like AQA that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Test Engineer in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at AQA.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at AQA and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If AQA uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
