At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of engineers while delivering high-quality automation code and improving product quality.
- Company: Dynamic tech business with a collaborative culture and global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £80,000 plus equity bonus, flexible work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping quality standards and mentoring future leaders.
- Qualifications: Strong coding skills in Python or TypeScript and experience in team leadership.
- Other info: Join a scaling team where your contributions directly influence product outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 57600 - 84000 £ per year.
Total package - £80,000 (equity bonus)
Location: London 3 days a week
This isn’t a ticket-closing automation role. This isn’t a ‘put your headphones in and work in silence on your own all day’ role. This is definitely not a ‘hold my hand / tell me what I should do’ role.
We’re looking for a Senior QA / SDET who wants to lead from the front... someone who still loves solving technical problems but is ready to mentor 3 - 4 engineers and shape how quality is delivered across a growing product team. You’ll be joining a scaling, product-led tech business (c.100 people in UK, 600 globally) where engineering, product and QA collaborate closely to deliver features quickly and properly. There’s a real opportunity to raise standards, introduce better practices, and influence direction over the next 6–12 months.
What you’ll do:
- Alongside QE Manager, deliver automation strategy within a product area
- Write high-quality automation code (Python or TypeScript)
- Work across backend APIs (REST, ideally GraphQL exposure)
- Line manage 3 - 4 QAs (light-touch mentoring & performance reviews)
- Partner with Product & Engineering to improve release quality
- Build tools or frameworks where gaps exist
What they’re looking for:
- Strong coding ability (Python or TypeScript essential)
- Automation-first mindset (Playwright a plus, not essential)
- Confident working with APIs & backend systems
- Experience mentoring or line managing engineers
- Someone proactive, not reactive
- Comfortable challenging constructively and driving improvement
This would suit:
- A Senior SDET ready to step into team leadership
- A hands-on QA Lead who still wants to code
- Someone who cares about product outcomes, not just test coverage
Key priority hire with interview availability as soon as this week. Please apply ASAP. No sponsorship.
Senior SDET in England employer: Balance Talent
Contact Detail:
Balance Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior SDET in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can lead to referrals, and we all know how much that can boost your chances!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to SDET roles. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with articulating your thoughts.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for quality and coding during interviews. Share examples of how you've solved technical problems or improved processes in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate that you’re not just about test coverage!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior SDET in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Quality: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for quality assurance and software development. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved processes in previous roles. We want to know what drives you!
Highlight Your Technical Skills: Make sure to showcase your coding abilities, especially in Python or TypeScript. Include any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your automation-first mindset and familiarity with APIs. This is your chance to shine!
Be Yourself: We’re looking for someone who’s proactive and confident, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share your thoughts on how you can influence our team and improve our practices. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you into the interview process as soon as possible. Don’t wait too long!
How to prepare for a job interview at Balance Talent
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring and leading a small team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share specific examples of how you've guided others in the past and how you plan to foster growth within your team.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Expertise
Brush up on your coding skills, especially in Python or TypeScript. Be ready to solve technical problems on the spot or discuss your approach to writing high-quality automation code. They’ll want to see that you can lead by example.
✨Discuss Collaboration
This isn’t a solo gig! Prepare to talk about how you’ve successfully collaborated with product and engineering teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve improved release quality through teamwork.
✨Be Proactive in Your Approach
They’re looking for someone who’s proactive, not reactive. Think of instances where you’ve identified gaps or areas for improvement before they became issues. Show them you’re someone who takes initiative and drives change.