At a Glance
- Tasks: Test and ensure the quality of secure systems that protect national interests.
- Company: Join CGI, a leader in IT systems integration for defence and security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health support, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on teamwork and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in testing, CI tools, and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 β¬ per year.
Overview
Manual Tester (DV Security Clearance)
Are you an experienced Test Analyst with a background in secure or classified programmes, ready to contribute to projects of national importance? Step into a role where you\\\'ll challenge the complex to strengthen security and help protect what matters most. As a DV Cleared Test Analyst, you\\\'ll work on highly sensitive programmes, ensuring the quality and reliability of systems that underpin the UK\'s national interests.
The Space, Defence and Intelligence business unit in CGI is a true IT Systems Integrator. We work, build and operate bespoke, technically complex, mission-critical systems which help our clients keep us all safe and secure. We bring innovation to our clients using proven and emerging technologies, agile delivery processes and our deep expertise across space, defence, intelligence, aerospace and maritime, all underpinned by our end-to-end cyber capability. We work collaboratively with global technology companies, cutting edge SMEs and academia to deliver the optimal solution for each client.
Due to the highly secure nature of this role, you must either already hold, or be eligible to obtain, Developed Vetting (DV) - the highest level of UK Security Clearance. To be eligible, you must be a sole UK national (i.e. not hold dual nationality). Please note that this role is based full-time on a secure client site near Reading due to the sensitive nature of the work involved.
Responsibilities
- Define and maintain comprehensive test plans for infrastructure and DevOps workflows, including environment provisioning, CI/CD pipelines, container orchestration, and cloud services.
- Collaborate with product owners, DevOps engineers, and architects during sprint planning to ensure test coverage aligns with user stories and infrastructure-as-code deliverables.
- Design, develop and execute manual tests for infrastructure components (e.g., server builds, network configurations, storage systems) and automated scripts for regression, integration, and acceptance testing.
- Author and maintain automated test suites using tools such as Selenium, Robot Framework, or custom Python/Bash scripts, integrating with Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or Azure DevOps pipelines.
- Provision and validate ephemeral test environments using Docker, Kubernetes, Terraform, or CloudFormation, ensuring consistency with production configurations.
- Execute infrastructure smoke tests, configuration drift checks, and idempotency validations through IaC testing frameworks (e.g., Terratest, InSpec).
- Embed automated test execution within build pipelines to trigger unit, integration, and end-to-end tests on code commits and pull requests; monitor pipeline health and test results.
- Lead root-cause investigations for infrastructure incidents, producing clear post-mortem reports and remediation recommendations.
- Log, triage, and track defects in Jira (or equivalent), ensuring clear reproduction steps, priority ranking, and lifecycle management through to closure.
- Champion infrastructure and security testing best practices, including vulnerability scanning, compliance checks, and disaster-recovery validations.
- Actively participate in daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, backlog grooming, and retrospectives, bringing a testing perspective to ensure quality is shifted left.
Required qualifications
- Prior experience in a dedicated testing role, ideally within a secure or mission-critical environment.
- Experience with Continuous Integration tools.
- Proven ability to design and run manual or automated tests.
- Proficiency with test management tools such as ALM or TestRail.
- ISTQB Foundation Certification (strong asset).
- Familiarity with Agile frameworks such as SAFe.
- Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to perform problem investigation and root-cause analysis.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a cross-functional team in a sensitive, secure environment.
Together, as owners, CGI aims to turn meaningful insights into action.
Life at CGI is rooted in ownership, teamwork, respect and belonging. You\\\'ll be supported by leaders who care about your health and well-being and provide opportunities to deepen your skills.
Manual Tester (DV Security Clearance) employer: CGI
CGI is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work on projects of national importance within the Space, Defence and Intelligence sector. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, respect, and belonging, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises health and well-being, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and skill development. Located near Reading, this role not only provides the chance to contribute to mission-critical systems but also fosters collaboration with leading technology companies and innovative SMEs.
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Manual Tester (DV Security Clearance)
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to manual testing. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with your responses.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio of your testing projects, including any automated scripts or test plans you've developed. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Manual Tester (DV Security Clearance)
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manual Tester role. Highlight your experience in secure environments and any relevant testing tools you've used. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for what we do.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to work in sensitive environments. Mention specific tools and methodologies you've used, especially those related to CI/CD and manual testing.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, itβs super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at CGI
β¨Know Your Security Clearance
Make sure you understand the implications of holding a DV Security Clearance. Be prepared to discuss your eligibility and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your trustworthiness and ability to handle sensitive information.
β¨Familiarise Yourself with Testing Tools
Brush up on your knowledge of tools like Selenium, Jenkins, and Docker. Be ready to talk about how you've used these in past roles, especially in relation to manual testing and CI/CD pipelines. Real examples will show your hands-on experience.
β¨Understand Agile Methodologies
Since the role involves working within Agile frameworks, be prepared to discuss your experience with Agile practices. Highlight your participation in daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and how youβve contributed to shifting quality left in the development process.
β¨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to infrastructure testing and DevOps workflows. Brush up on concepts like environment provisioning and configuration drift checks. Being able to articulate your thought process during problem-solving will impress your interviewers.