At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team while delivering high-quality automation strategies.
- Company: Dynamic tech company focused on collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £80,000 plus equity bonus and flexible work arrangements.
- Why this job: Shape the future of quality in a growing product team and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in QA/SDET with strong coding skills in Python or TypeScript.
- Other info: Join a scaling team where your influence can drive better practices.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ 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)
Senior SDET employer: Balance Talent
Contact Detail:
Balance Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior SDET
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in product-led tech businesses. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a GitHub repository showcasing your automation code and any projects you've led. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your leadership style! Since this role involves mentoring, think about examples where you've guided others or improved processes. We want to see how you can shape quality delivery in a team.
✨Tip Number 4
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 growing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior SDET
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for the role! In your application, share why you’re excited about being a Senior SDET with us. Highlight your love for solving technical problems and mentoring others – it’s what we’re all about!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with leading teams and delivering quality. Don’t just list your skills; show us how you’ve used them in real-world scenarios.
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your unique approach to QA and how you’ve influenced quality practices in previous roles. We want to know the real you!
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 connect and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with StudySmarter!
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 raise standards within the team.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Brush up on your automation skills, especially in Python or TypeScript. Be ready to talk about your experience with backend APIs, particularly REST and GraphQL. You might even want to prepare a mini coding challenge to showcase your problem-solving abilities.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This isn’t a solo gig, so highlight your experience working closely with product and engineering teams. Discuss how you’ve collaborated in the past to deliver features quickly and effectively, and how you can contribute to a product-led environment.
✨Prepare for Cultural Fit Questions
Understand the company culture and be ready to explain why you’re a good fit. They’re looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, so share stories that reflect your adaptability and enthusiasm for shaping quality practices.