Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) in Newcastle upon Tyne

We’re Atom bank, the bank that’s on a mission to make finance faster, simpler and way more human. We’ve ditched the stuffy banking model to build something that actually works for our customers, whenever and wherever they need us. To make this happen, we’re looking for like-minded people who can help us reach our goals and think differently. If you’re ready to build the future of banking, we’d love to meet you. We really value in-person collaboration so this role requires 1-2 days per week in our Newcastle office.

What will your ‘typical’ day look like… (there’s no two days the same in Atom): As a Senior SDET, you won’t just run test packs; you will take full ownership of testing excellence across our Mobile App team. We’re looking for a quality champion. Someone with the character and technical credibility to embed a true “Shift Left” mindset early in the software delivery lifecycle. You will lead and coordinate our offshore test partners to eliminate duplicate effort, drive efficiency, and pave the way for a more hands-on, automation-first future. If you’re excited by modern tech, Kotlin, and leveraging AI tools like Claude Code or Gemini to supercharge test engineering, this is your platform. You’ll seamlessly take ownership of the team’s test strategy, build strong working relationships with delivery leads and engineers, gain control over the offshore test pipeline, slash redundant test steps, and embed proactive “Shift Left” practices.

• Lead App Quality: Drive the overall test approach, quality standards, and automated testing strategy for our core mobile app delivery team.
• Orchestrate & Streamline: Direct and coach 3rd-party/offshore test resources to maximize their output, removing duplication and streamlining test coverage.
• Embed “Shift Left”: Work alongside software engineers from the design phase onward, advocating for testable code, early defect detection, and continuous testing in CI/CD pipelines.
• Leverage AI & Innovation: Explore and integrate cutting-edge AI tools (e.g., Claude Code, Gemini) into the end-to-end testing workflow to boost delivery speed and quality.
• Hands-On Automation: Maintain and evolve test frameworks, review automation merge requests, and write clean, maintainable test code.
• Technical Influence: Act as an escalation point and trusted advisor, holding constructive, high-impact conversations with the Software Engineering team.

What do we need from you?

• Proven track record in mobile app automation leadership (Appium, Postman, UI/API test tools). (Strong Web App testing background considered if paired with exceptional capability across all other areas).
• Hands-on experience with Kotlin is ideal, but strong Java experience with a eager, self-driven desire to adopt Kotlin is equally valued.
• Demonstrated experience directing, mentoring, and getting the best out of 3rd-party test vendors.
• Passion for quality practices, early defect detection, and embedding testability into development teams.
• Experience of embedding “Shift-Left” testing into the Software Delivery Lifecycle.
• Clear, assertive, and persuasive communication skills, you’re able to build cross-functional trust and stand up for quality principles.
• Keen interest or experience in using generative AI tools to accelerate test case creation, execution, or code reviews.

What you’ll get from us:

• Salary £60k-£70k
• Flexible Hybrid 4-day work week
• Discretionary cash bonus (based on performance)
• Incredibly generous company pension scheme (maximum of 13% of Atom input)
• ‘All About Me’ fund: £200 per year to spend on personal development
• 22.5 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan, Life Insurance & Critical illness cover
• Electrical Vehicle Scheme

PLEASE NOTE: You must have the legal right to work in the UK to apply for this role as Atom is unable to support Visa Applications/Sponsorship. Atom is an equal opportunities employer. We value you as an individual and therefore disregard race, religion/belief, gender, sexual orientation, maternity/pregnancy, age, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership and disability in any hiring decisions we make. Atom will always adhere to the Equality Act 2010. All roles within Atom must adhere to the Conduct Rules as set out by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). As part of Atom bank’s commitment to the FCA’s Consumer Duty, Atom will take all reasonable steps to avoid causing foreseeable harm to customers, take all reasonable steps to enable customers to pursue their financial objectives and act in good faith.