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- Tasks: Design and execute test cases for AI-generated software in UK government projects.
- Company: Cognizant, a leader in AI-driven quality engineering.
- Benefits: Fast career progression, access to cutting-edge AI tools, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and quality in the AI landscape.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while advancing your skills in an AI-native setting.
- Qualifications: Basic understanding of software testing and familiarity with programming languages.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Cognizant has set the standard for the AI builder company, being first to market with this concept—moving beyond integration to building the context-infused platforms, agentic journeys, tools and models that make AI’s potential real for the enterprise. This means closing the gap between AI hype and real business outcomes for our clients by blending people, platforms, and context to build agents that do real work. As AI generates more code than ever before, a new imperative has emerged: the Verification Economy. Every AI-generated line must be validated, every agent tested, every public-sector service proven safe before it ships. This role sits at the centre of that mission — and we believe early-career engineers are more critical to that mission, not less.
WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
- Design and execute test cases, automated scripts, and regression suites for web, API, and backend services across UK government digital programmes.
- Work within Agile delivery teams — contributing quality perspectives, supporting defect triage, and maintaining test environment readiness across release cycles.
- Review and validate AI-generated code and outputs, developing the judgment to distinguish between what an AI has produced and what is actually safe to ship.
- Apply scripting and CI/CD skills to support test automation pipelines, with hands-on exposure to AI-assisted quality practices including prompt testing and non-deterministic behaviour.
- Monitor quality metrics and test coverage, identifying breakdowns in automated workflows and escalating where AI outputs diverge from expected behaviour.
- Build the foundations of a career in AI-led Quality Engineering — understanding not just how to test software, but how to test software that was itself built by AI, using AI.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- Understanding of software testing fundamentals — able to write a test case, identify equivalence classes, and articulate what a defect lifecycle looks like end to end.
- Working knowledge of at least one programming or scripting language (Java, Python, C# or JavaScript preferred) — sufficient to read existing test code, modify a script, and understand what it is doing.
- Familiarity with one or more test automation frameworks — Selenium, Playwright, Cypress, Webdriver IO, Jmeter or Loadrunner — and an understanding of when automation adds value and when it does not.
- Awareness of CI/CD concepts and version control — comfortable working with Git, and familiar with how test automation pipelines fit into tools such as Azure DevOps or Jenkins.
- Awareness of Agile ceremonies and the role quality plays within a sprint — not just testing at the end, but contributing to definition of ready and definition of done.
- Able to think critically about AI-generated outputs — questioning results, recognising when behaviour is unexpected, and knowing when to escalate rather than accept.
WHY COGNIZANT
- Real impact. Work on UK government accounts — where quality and resilience are the product, not an afterthought.
- Fast track. AI compresses the path to seniority. You will use AI to acquire skills faster, perform judgment-based work earlier, and reach higher-value roles sooner.
- Deliberate investment in you. We hired 25,000 fresh graduates in 2025 and expect to exceed that in 2026 — a deliberate bet that digital natives are the most valuable asset in an AI-first workforce.
- AI-native environment. Access a $1 billion AI ecosystem: Synapse skilling (2M target), Agent Foundry for enterprise agents, and Neuro® AI tooling embedded in your daily work.
- Leadership that delivers. Join a CEO named to the TIME 100 AI 2025 list for building the talent infrastructure the AI economy demands — and a Chief People Officer who is making that case globally.
Junior SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) in Plymouth employer: Cognizant
Contact Detail:
Cognizant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) in Plymouth
✨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.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to software testing and AI. Mock interviews with friends or using online platforms can help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio of your projects, especially those involving test automation or AI. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of landing that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior SDET (Software Development Engineer in Test) in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Junior SDET role. Highlight your understanding of software testing fundamentals and any relevant programming or scripting skills you have. We want to see how you fit into our mission!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! If you’ve worked with test automation frameworks or CI/CD concepts, share specific examples. We love seeing how you’ve applied your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for quality, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognizant
✨Know Your Testing Fundamentals
Brush up on your software testing basics! Be ready to discuss how to write test cases, identify equivalence classes, and explain the defect lifecycle. This knowledge will show that you understand the core of what the role entails.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Automation Tools
Make sure you’re comfortable with at least one test automation framework like Selenium or Cypress. Be prepared to talk about when automation is beneficial and when it might not be the best approach. This will demonstrate your practical understanding of the tools you'll be using.
✨Show Off Your Scripting Skills
Since the role requires some programming knowledge, brush up on a language like Python or Java. Be ready to discuss how you can read and modify existing test scripts. This will highlight your ability to contribute to the team right from the start.
✨Understand Agile Methodologies
Get familiar with Agile ceremonies and how quality fits into the sprint process. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the definition of ready and definition of done. This shows that you’re not just a tester but a team player who values collaboration.