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 57400 - 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 employer: AQA
AQA is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development of its employees while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills in automation testing and contribute to meaningful projects that support education across the UK. Join us in Guildford or Manchester, where your expertise will directly impact learners and help shape the future of assessment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Test Engineer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works in testing. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just tell them you’re great at automated testing; show them! Create a portfolio of your work or contribute to open-source projects. This way, you can demonstrate your expertise in tools like Selenium and SpecFlow.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for those tricky interview questions by practising your responses. Think about how you can explain complex technical issues in simple terms. Remember, they want to see your problem-solving skills and how you collaborate with others.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Lead Test Engineer role. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to reach out directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Test Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Test Engineer role. Highlight your automation testing experience and any relevant tools you've used, like Selenium or SpecFlow. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality assurance and how your background aligns with our goals at StudySmarter. Be sure to mention your collaborative spirit and focus on continuous improvement.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t shy away from detailing your technical expertise in automated testing frameworks and API testing. We love candidates who can clearly communicate complex ideas, so make sure to include examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Know Your Automation Tools
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automation testing tools like Selenium and SpecFlow. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects, and think about specific examples where your expertise made a difference.
✨Showcase Your Agile Experience
Since the role involves working in an Agile environment, be prepared to talk about your experience with Agile methodologies. Share examples of how you've contributed to Agile teams and how your testing strategies have supported agile delivery.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to convey complex ideas to both technical and non-technical colleagues. Think of scenarios where you've successfully done this before.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
This position values a focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss how you've driven improvements in testing practices in previous roles. Highlight any innovative approaches you've taken, especially if they involved AI tools or new technologies.
