At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and maintain automated tests for web applications and APIs in a collaborative Agile team.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, remote work, and a chance to enhance your skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and learning in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on software quality while working with cutting-edge tools.
- Qualifications: Experience in Ruby, Selenium, and strong manual testing skills required.
Are you an experienced QA Automation Test Engineer who enjoys improving software quality through a blend of automation and hands-on testing? We're looking for someone with a strong technical testing background who can help deliver reliable, secure and accessible digital services within a collaborative Agile environment.
The Role
You'll be responsible for designing, executing and maintaining both manual and automated test activities across web applications and APIs. Working closely with developers, product teams and stakeholders, you'll ensure high-quality releases through robust test coverage, continuous improvement and early defect identification.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop and maintain automated browser test suites using Ruby, Selenium and Cucumber/Gherkin.
- Execute comprehensive manual testing, including functional, regression and exploratory testing.
- Create detailed test cases, record defects clearly and work with developers to resolve issues efficiently.
- Validate RESTful APIs using tools such as Postman or Newman to ensure data quality and service reliability.
- Perform cross-browser and cross-device testing using BrowserStack.
- Assess accessibility compliance using tools including WAVE and pa11y.
- Carry out security-focused testing with tools such as OWASP ZAP and Dependency Check.
- Use browser developer tools, including Lighthouse and JavaScript debugging tools, to investigate defects and improve application quality.
- Collaborate within Agile delivery teams, contributing to test planning, estimation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Manage source-controlled test assets using Git and platforms such as GitHub or GitLab.
Essential Skills
- Commercial experience with Ruby-based test automation.
- Strong Selenium WebDriver experience for browser automation.
- Experience using Cucumber/Gherkin within a BDD approach.
- BrowserStack experience for cross-browser and cross-device testing.
- Strong manual testing experience, including test design, execution, regression testing and defect management.
- API testing experience using Postman, Newman or similar tools.
- Knowledge of accessibility testing using WAVE and/or pa11y.
- Experience using OWASP ZAP, Dependency Check or similar security testing tools.
- Confident using Git with GitHub or GitLab for version control and collaboration.
- Experience using browser developer tools including Lighthouse and JavaScript debugging.
Desirable Skills
- Performance testing using JMeter, BlazeMeter or similar tooling.
- Experience working with the GOV.UK Design System and validating compliance with established design patterns.
- Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and integrating automated test execution into delivery workflows.
The Details
- Contract: 6 months
- IR35: Outside IR35
- Rate: £425-£450P/D
- Location: Remote
If you're an automation-focused QA professional with excellent manual testing experience and enjoy working across modern testing, accessibility and security tooling, we'd love to hear from you.
Automation Test Engineer | Outside IR35 | Remote in London employer: Broadbean Technology
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration, offering a remote work environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. As an Automation Test Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your skills in a supportive Agile culture, with access to continuous learning and professional development resources. Enjoy competitive rates and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that improve digital services for users.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Test Engineer | Outside IR35 | Remote in London
✨Get Involved in Automation Communities
Join online groups and forums where automation enthusiasts hang out, like certain subreddits or dedicated Facebook groups. Share your insights, ask questions, and connect with others in the field—it's a great way to find freelance opportunities and showcase your expertise.
✨Build a Standout Portfolio
Make sure you’ve got a killer portfolio that highlights your past automation projects. Whether you’ve developed control systems or automated industrial processes, displaying your work visually can help attract clients. Don’t forget to include testimonials from previous collaborations to boost your credibility!
✨Reach Out to Local Businesses
Many companies are on the lookout for freelancers with automation skills but don’t know where to find them. Visit local manufacturers or businesses that could benefit from optimising their systems, and pitch your services. A personal connection can make all the difference!
✨Explore Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye out for automation and control systems conferences or networking events happening nearby. Attend these gatherings to meet potential clients or collaborators face-to-face—plus, it’s a chance to keep up with industry trends that can inform your freelance projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Test Engineer | Outside IR35 | Remote in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Projects:When applying for a freelance role in automation control systems, it's all about showcasing your projects. Include detailed case studies or examples of past work in your portfolio that demonstrate your technical skills and innovative solutions, especially the ones that highlight your experience with control systems or automation processes relevant to Broadbean Technology.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Get your certifications front and centre! Many clients in the automation and control systems field value industry-specific qualifications. Be sure to emphasise any relevant certificates you've earned that pertain to automation technologies or software; this can really help you stand out to Broadbean Technology.
Include Your Rates and Availability:As a freelancer, transparency is key. In your application, clearly state your rates and your availability for projects. This allows Broadbean Technology to assess if you’re a good fit for their budget and timelines without back-and-forth discussions.
Tailor Your CV Specifically to the Role:Your CV should be tailored for the automation control systems niche. Focus on sector-specific skills, such as familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and any relevant software. Make sure to adapt your experience to showcase how it aligns with the needs of Broadbean Technology!
How to prepare for a job interview at Broadbean Technology
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Make sure you bring along a well-curated portfolio that highlights your past automation and control system projects. We want to showcase not just the final results but also the process, challenges, and solutions you implemented. This gives potential clients like Broadbean Technology real insight into how you work and what you can deliver.
✨Get Ready for Technical Questions
In this field, you might be quizzed on specific automation tools and programming languages you’ve used. Brush up on common queries about PLCs, SCADA systems, or any relevant software like Siemens TIA Portal or Rockwell Automation. Being prepared to discuss these will certainly set you apart from other freelancers.
✨Understand Their Needs
Since you’ll be freelancing, it’s important to grasp what Broadbean Technology actually requires beyond just the technical skills. Get a good grip on their current systems and any pain points they’re facing. Tailoring your proposal to show how you can resolve these issues will elevate your standing in the interview.
✨Be Transparent with Rates
Freelance roles are all about negotiation, so be upfront about your rates based on your experience and the value you bring. Be prepared to discuss not just your hourly rate but also project-based costs. We need to demonstrate flexibility while still ensuring you're fairly compensated for your expertise in automation-control systems.
