Lead Quality Engineer (Backend Platform Lead) in London
Lead Quality Engineer (Backend Platform Lead)

Lead Quality Engineer (Backend Platform Lead) in London

London Full-Time 48000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the evolution of Quality Engineering and build scalable automation frameworks.
  • Company: Join Goodnotes, a visionary tech startup transforming digital note-taking.
  • Benefits: Enjoy equity, flexible hours, wellness budget, and medical insurance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping quality in innovative software development.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in Quality Engineering with strong automation and leadership skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on learning, growth, and collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.

At Goodnotes, we believe that every individual holds untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. By reimagining the way we interact with information, we're merging human creativity with the breakthrough capabilities of AI. Our renewed vision and mission drive us to create the best medium for human and AI collaboration, empowering users to explore new dimensions of productivity, creativity, and learning. Join us on this journey as we transform digital note-taking into an inspiring and innovative experience.

Our Values:

  • Dream big
  • Build great things
  • Operate like an owner
  • Win like a sports team
  • Learn and grow fast
  • Share our passion

About the team:

Join Goodnotes as our Backend Platform Quality Engineer Lead and transform how we build software. We are moving beyond traditional QA to a true Shift-Left Engineering model, and we need a visionary to lead this evolution. You will be part of the Quality Engineering function working across our domain verticals to provide a consistent way to test our backend services for all teams.

In this high-impact role, you will own the automated quality infrastructure that powers our backend services. You won't just run tests; you will engineer the systems that prevent defects before code is even written. Operating at the intersection of our Platform and Product squads, you will drive a strategy centered on API contract testing, performance engineering, and "quality-as-code" within our CI/CD pipelines.

About the role:

We are looking for a leader who views Quality Engineering as an enabler of speed. If you are passionate about building scalable automation frameworks and influencing architecture from day one, this is your opportunity to set the standard for a world‐class engineering team.

This is the role for you, if you're excited to work on the things listed below:

Technical Leadership & Strategy:

  • Define, evangelise, and implement the technical strategy for Quality Engineering within your assigned domain (e.g., Apple platform, Cross-Platform, or Backend services).
  • Collaborate with the QE Architect to research, evaluate, and introduce new testing tools, frameworks, and technologies to enhance our QE capabilities and efficiency.
  • Drive the adoption of best practices in test automation, performance testing, security testing, and other relevant quality disciplines.
  • Work closely with Engineering Leads to integrate quality at every stage of the SDLC.

Automation & Standards:

  • Lead the design and development of scalable and maintainable automation frameworks and test infrastructure.
  • Establish and enforce robust testing standards, coding guidelines for automation, and quality gates for your domain.
  • Define and track key Quality Metrics (e.g., defect density, automation coverage, test execution time, escape defects) to measure and improve product quality.
  • Ensure API testing standards are consistent and effective for backend and service integrations.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to QE Engineers embedded within vertical product teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Conduct training sessions and workshops on new tools, techniques, and quality processes.
  • Support product teams in troubleshooting complex quality issues and implementing effective testing strategies.
  • Act as a key technical liaison between the Head of QE, QE Domain Leads, Product Managers, and Engineering Leads.
  • Influence product design and architectural decisions to promote testability and build quality in from the start.
  • Drive cross-functional initiatives to improve the overall quality posture of Goodnotes.

The skills you will need to be successful in the above:

Experience:

  • 8+ years of experience in Quality Engineering, with a significant focus on test automation and technical leadership.
  • Proven track record as a Senior QE Engineer, Staff QE, or similar technical leadership role.
  • Deep expertise in testing methodologies, tools, and best practices relevant to backend platform.
  • Profound experience with backend services, APIs (REST/gRPC), microservices & event driven architecture, database testing, performance/load testing, and relevant programming languages (e.g., Python, Go, Java, Kotlin, C#).

Technical Acumen:

  • Strong programming skills in at least one relevant language (e.g., Swift/Kotlin, Python, JavaScript, Java).
  • Expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining scalable test automation frameworks.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and integrating automated tests (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions).
  • Solid understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and distributed systems.

Leadership & Communication:

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority and drive technical consensus across teams.
  • Proactive problem-solver with a strong attention to detail and a passion for quality.
  • Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Bonus Points:

  • Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Familiarity with AI/ML model testing strategies.
  • Contributions to open-source testing tools or frameworks.
  • Experience in the EdTech or productivity software domain.

Even if you don't meet all the criteria listed above, we would still love to hear from you! GoodNotes places a lot of value on learning and development and will support your growth if needed.

The interview process:

  • An introductory call with someone from our talent acquisition team.
  • A short take-home assessment.
  • Role-specific interviews with the hiring team.
  • A one-hour call with your hiring manager.
  • A one-hour call with 2-3 stakeholders from cross-functioning team.
  • Executive discussion with our senior management.
  • AI literacy interview to find out your understanding of AI.

What's in it for you:

  • Meaningful equity in a profitable tech-startup.
  • Budget for personal development, professional training, and health & wellness.
  • Sponsored visits to our Hong Kong or London office.
  • Company‐wide annual offsite.
  • Flexible working hours and location.
  • Medical insurance for you and your dependents.

Goodnotes is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Lead Quality Engineer (Backend Platform Lead) in London employer: Goodnotes

At Goodnotes, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. With flexible working arrangements, meaningful equity in a profitable tech startup, and a strong commitment to employee growth through professional development opportunities, we empower our team members to thrive. Join us in London, Singapore, or remotely, and be part of a visionary company that values creativity and user obsession while transforming the digital note-taking experience.
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Contact Detail:

Goodnotes Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Quality Engineer (Backend Platform Lead) in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at meetups. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research Goodnotes, understand their mission, and think about how your skills can help them achieve their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are talking about your experience, the better you'll perform.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to 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 the team.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Quality Engineer (Backend Platform Lead) in London

Test Automation
Technical Leadership
API Testing
Performance Testing
Backend Services
Microservices Architecture
Programming Skills (Python, Go, Java, Kotlin, C#)
CI/CD Integration
Software Architecture
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Mentorship
Quality Metrics Tracking
Agile Methodologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Quality Engineering shine through! We want to see how excited you are about transforming software testing and how you can contribute to our mission at Goodnotes.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in test automation and backend services. We’re looking for someone who can lead the charge, so be specific about your past roles and how they align with what we do at Goodnotes.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on communicating your skills and experiences effectively. Remember, less is often more!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. Let’s get started on this journey together!

How to prepare for a job interview at Goodnotes

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of backend services, APIs, and the specific testing methodologies relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the tools and frameworks mentioned in the job description, as this will show your technical acumen and readiness to lead.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight how you influenced technical decisions and drove quality improvements. This is crucial for a leadership role, so be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and guiding others.

Ask Smart Questions

During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about their current QA processes, challenges they face, and how they envision the future of Quality Engineering at Goodnotes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Quality

Share your enthusiasm for quality engineering and continuous improvement. Discuss any personal projects or contributions to open-source tools that reflect your commitment to the field. This can set you apart as someone who truly cares about delivering high-quality software.

Lead Quality Engineer (Backend Platform Lead) in London
Goodnotes
Location: London

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