At a Glance
- Tasks: Join cross-functional teams to develop and test innovative digital products.
- Company: Autotrader, the UK's trusted automotive marketplace and tech innovator.
- Benefits: £30,000 salary, share options, 28 days holiday, and comprehensive health cover.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a vibrant environment with real impact on user experience.
- Qualifications: Graduating in 2026 with a passion for software testing and some coding experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
You’ve probably heard of Autotrader, but do you know what we’re all about? We’re the most trusted, most visited automotive marketplace in the UK, a heritage brand and a tech innovator. We bring together vehicle buyers and sellers to give them real choices. Cars may be what we’re best known for but we’re also the place for pretty much everything else on wheels, from e-bikes to caravans. In the automotive world, change is a constant, that’s why we take our job of untangling the complex car-buying journey very seriously. At our core, we’re all about people. We go our own way while embracing diversity and celebrating our differences. We dedicate ourselves to the idea that we work better together. Autotrader is a beautiful, surprising and vibrant place to work. We might not be for everyone, but we could be perfect for you.
About the job
We are looking for a Graduate Test Engineer to join our Product and Tech Community. As a Graduate Test Engineer, you’ll be working in cross‑functional teams alongside other engineers, product leads, and designers. You’ll gain exposure to a wide range of technologies and methodologies while helping to develop insight‑driven, market‑leading digital products and services. Our Test Engineers play a key role across multiple stages of software development. Using automated testing tools, exploratory testing, and other techniques, they ensure our software functions effectively and performs optimally. Beyond identifying potential issues, they also find opportunities for improvement to create a seamless user experience. Our graduate programme starts in October 2026.
What we’re looking for
You’ll be a graduate (or graduating in 2026) in any degree discipline with a passion for software testing, coding and technology. You will be passionate about testing and driven to build a successful career as a Test Engineer. You will have some coding experience, whether that be through personal technology projects or university/community hacks you’ve attended. You’ll be curious about how we can leverage developments in AI to improve how we develop and test software. As a digital business, we’re constantly evolving, so the ability to adapt and be comfortable with change in an ever‑changing landscape is a must. Our Product and Tech community values collaboration and teamwork, so you’ll be eager to learn from the people you work with and embrace the opportunities that come your way.
Benefits and more
We’re offering a salary of £30,000, plus an additional 10% of your salary, awarded in shares each year. These awarded shares will become yours in yearly instalments over the next three years, and you can choose to either sell them or keep them as shares. You’ll have 28 days’ holiday per year, and that’s in addition to bank holidays and half‑day closures on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. That’s not all. You’ll be enrolled in our pension scheme, where our standard contributions are 7% and employee contributions are 5%. We also have comprehensive private medical cover, enhanced family leave provisions, a car salary sacrifice scheme, share‑save options, and much more. We always want to give you the support you need and help prioritise your wellbeing, that’s why we provide access to 24/7 online GP and dentist, as well as specialist support for assisted fertility, gender dysphoria, menopause, period care plans and lots more. On top of all that, our hybrid model, Connected Working, combines the best of both worlds – office and home working. You’ll spend a minimum of 3 days a week in the office with your team, focused on collaboration and connection. Additionally, we have our remote‑first periods at set times during summer and winter. During these periods, you can work remotely anywhere in the UK and from certain locations abroad. We are committed to making Autotrader a diverse and inclusive environment for everyone.
Graduate Test Engineer employer: Autotrader
Autotrader is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration within the automotive marketplace. With a vibrant work culture that embraces diversity, employees benefit from a comprehensive package including a competitive salary, share options, extensive holiday allowances, and a strong focus on wellbeing through various support services. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility while fostering teamwork, making it an ideal environment for graduates eager to grow their careers in technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Test Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Autotrader on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role as a Graduate Test Engineer.
✨Tip Number 2
Get hands-on with coding! Work on personal projects or contribute to open-source software. This will not only boost your skills but also give you something impressive to talk about during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on testing methodologies and tools. Familiarise yourself with automated testing and be ready to discuss how you can leverage AI in software development.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Autotrader family.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Test Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for software testing and technology shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and how it fits into your career goals.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Graduate Test Engineer position. Highlight any relevant coding experience or projects you've worked on, even if they were just personal or university hacks. We love seeing what you've done!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our vibrant team at Autotrader.
How to prepare for a job interview at Autotrader
✨Know Your Tech
Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to discuss any personal projects or hacks you've worked on. Autotrader values tech innovation, so showing your passion for software testing and coding will definitely impress them.
✨Embrace Change
Since the automotive world is always evolving, be prepared to talk about how you adapt to new technologies and methodologies. Share examples of how you've navigated change in your studies or projects, as this shows you're ready for the dynamic environment at Autotrader.
✨Team Player Mindset
Collaboration is key in their Product and Tech community. Be ready to discuss how you've worked in teams before, what roles you took on, and how you learned from others. Highlighting your eagerness to learn and grow with your colleagues will resonate well.
✨Show Curiosity About AI
Autotrader is interested in leveraging AI for software development and testing. Do some research on current trends in AI and think about how they could apply to testing processes. Bringing fresh ideas to the table will show your enthusiasm for the role and the industry.
