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- Tasks: Lead automation testing and shape quality across multiple delivery teams.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company driving digital transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive employer with guaranteed interviews for veterans and candidates with disabilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by defining test strategies in a modern microservices environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in automation testing with Java and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Based at one of these locations: Leeds / Manchester / Birmingham / Newcastle - Hybrid (60% onsite).
Our client is delivering a major digital transformation programme and is seeking an experienced Lead Software Test Engineer / Principal SDET to play a pivotal role in shaping quality and automation across multiple delivery teams. This is a high-impact contract role where you will define strategy, set standards and remain hands-on with modern test engineering practices.
Overview
As a Lead Software Test Engineer you will take ownership of an automation-first testing approach, supporting the transition from legacy monolithic systems to a modern microservices architecture. You will work closely with engineering teams, influencing how quality is embedded throughout the software development lifecycle while actively contributing to frameworks and solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- You will define and implement an end-to-end test strategy aligned to microservices architecture.
- You will establish best practices, standards and patterns that can be scaled across multiple teams, assessing existing approaches and driving continuous improvement.
- You will remain hands-on, designing, building and maintaining automated test frameworks across unit, integration, contract, system and end-to-end testing.
- Working primarily in Java-based environments, you will support teams by actively contributing to automation, not just providing direction.
- You will collaborate closely with engineers and stakeholders, providing technical leadership, coaching testers and developers, and ensuring testing practices are applied consistently.
- You will also maintain visibility of quality metrics and delivery outcomes across the programme.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience operating at Lead Test Engineer / Principal SDET level.
- Strong background defining test strategies for microservices environments.
- Hands-on automation experience using Java, Selenium and Rest Assured.
- Solid experience with API, contract and integration testing.
- Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and Spring Boot applications.
- Experience with modern testing practices including contract testing, asynchronous messaging (e.g. Kafka) and non-functional testing.
- Familiarity with MongoDB or other non-relational databases.
Due to the requirements of this position, all applicants must be eligible for SC clearance.
Reasonable Adjustments
Our client is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to inclusive recruitment. Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let us know.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
Disability Confident Scheme - As a member of the disability confident scheme, our client guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, they will interview the best candidates from within that group.
Armed Forces Covenant - Our client is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and as such, they guarantee to interview all veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, they will interview the best candidates from within that group.
If you qualify for the above, please notify us within your application.
Ready to take your next career step? Click Apply Now for a confidential chat today!
This vacancy is being advertised by Belcan.
Software Test Engineer employer: Belcan
Contact Detail:
Belcan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Test Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your automation projects, especially those using Java, Selenium, and Rest Assured. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of microservices architecture and modern testing practices. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented test strategies in past roles and how you can contribute to their teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates who are eager to make an impact in the software testing world.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Test Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Software Test Engineer role. Highlight your experience with microservices and automation, and don’t forget to mention any relevant tools like Java and Selenium. We want to see how you fit into our vision!
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 skills align with our needs. We love seeing enthusiasm and a bit of personality, so let us know what excites you about this role.
Showcase Your Hands-On Experience: Since this role is all about being hands-on, make sure to showcase your practical experience in automation and testing frameworks. Share specific examples of projects where you've implemented best practices or improved testing processes. We’re keen to see your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just click 'Apply Now'!
How to prepare for a job interview at Belcan
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Java, Selenium, and Rest Assured. Brush up on your knowledge of microservices architecture and CI/CD pipelines, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Automation Skills
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with automation testing. Bring examples of frameworks you've built or contributed to, and be ready to explain how you’ve implemented best practices in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and influence quality across teams.
✨Understand the Company’s Goals
Research the company’s digital transformation programme and think about how your role as a Lead Software Test Engineer can contribute to their objectives. Being able to articulate how you can add value will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-world testing challenges. Think of scenarios where you had to define a test strategy or improve existing processes, and be ready to share your thought process and outcomes.