Junior Test Automation Engineer
Junior Test Automation Engineer

Junior Test Automation Engineer

Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team as a Junior Test Automation Engineer, ensuring high-quality software delivery.
  • Company: Hastings Direct is a digital insurance provider aiming to be the best in the UK market.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive bonuses, and a range of health and wellbeing perks.
  • Why this job: Be part of an innovative team driving technology and making a real impact on customer experience.
  • Qualifications: Ideal for recent graduates or those with minimal experience eager to learn and grow.
  • Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

We’re a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market. Over the past few years, we\’ve made significant investments in our data and tech capabilities, particularly within our CIO function. Our CIO team is at the forefront of driving innovation and ensuring our technology infrastructure supports our ambitious goals. We’ve nurtured our 4Cs culture, fostering collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.

We’re proud of the journey we’re on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues. The CIO team plays a crucial role in this journey, working on cutting-edge projects that enhance our digital presence and improve customer engagement.

We provide insurance to nearly four million customers, but we know there’s even bigger opportunity out there. The fact you’re now reading this job advert means we’ve tempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD – we really hope you like what you see, and you’ll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead.

We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you are excited about joining us and think you have some of what we are looking for, even if you’re not 100% sure, we would love to hear from you. Our CIO team is always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference and contribute to our success.

Job Details

  • As a Junior Test Automation Engineer, you will be part of the Technology Engineering team within CIO, supporting the definition, implementation, execution, maintenance and traceability of adequate test scenarios to ensure timely, high quality, defect free delivery of outcomes to the production environment
  • Working as an individual collaborator in your Scrum Teams alongside colleagues that cross multiple disciplines
  • Active participation in sprint ceremonies, such as sharing updates and blockers in daily standups, estimating and committing in sprint planning or helping your teams improve KPIs by providing input in sprint retrospectives
  • Ensuring work items meet the Definition of Ready, to only build work items from a common understanding
  • Ensuring work items meet the Definition of Done before being marked as complete
  • Actively understand, review and challenge requirements (or lack of) when things look wrong, to ensure the team jointly achieves the best outcomes
  • Skills we would love you to have

  • This is a junior role, so if you have recently graduated or have little experience but are keen to learn and progress, we would love to hear from you
  • Tools & Technologies:
    o Coding skills in one or more of Java, JavaScript, Typescript, C#, Python.
    o Understanding of source control using GitHub to collaborate with others and share code
    o Ability to manipulate, create and search for data across databases using SQL.

    Desirable
    • Awareness or use of user interface automation with Selenium & Selenium Grid, Playwright or Cypress
    • Understanding of APIs and experience with tools such as Postman to interact with / test the APIs
    • Understanding of continuous integration platforms such as AzureDevOps, Jenkins or equivalent, to run automates tests and / or deploy changes to test environments.

    Unfortunately we are unable to progress with candidates that require sponsorship at this time.

    What we offer

    Join us and you’ll find a different way of doing things. We call it the 4Cs. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company, and community. As one of our colleagues, you’ll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we’ll give you all the support, training and development you need. Not to mention plenty of recognition and rewards, and the scope to voice your ideas and put them into practice.

    Reward

    Salary – Attractive salary based on experience (pay reviews also completed each year)

    Flexible Working – We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.

    Competitive Bonus Scheme – All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus, which is usually paid in March. The scheme is based on Hastings’ performance against our business goals and your own personal performance.

    Physical Wellbeing – We like to help our colleagues take a proactive approach in keeping themselves well, that’s why we fund our colleagues to be able to claim against everyday health care through our healthcare cash plan.

    Financial Wellbeing – As well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover and income protection at no extra cost, pension contribution match up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an AWARD WINNING package which includes – discounts and cashback at everyday retailers and on our own products, fee free independent mortgage advice, and free access to financial wellbeing support.

    Mental Wellbeing Programme – At Hastings Direct we understand that mental health cannot not be scheduled, that’s why we have a range of support to help you keep yourself well. We have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own in-house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs

    There\’s more! – 25 days annual leave +bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your contracted weeks, access to private healthcare, dental plans, discounted health assessments, cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more. Most of our benefits and wellbeing resources are available to colleagues from their first day whilst some optional benefits, which involve committing to a 12-month payment schedule, are available as soon as you have completed your probationary period.

    Our 4Cs principles are simple: we believe by creating the right culture for our colleagues and giving them the right tools to do their job, we’ll deliver good outcomes for every customer, helping us to grow the company profitably and sustainably and allowing us to invest in the communities we serve.

    We deliver good outcomes for our customers every time by providing great products at the right price with our simple and straightforward service. We treat customers like we want to be treated – fairly, respectfully and with their best interests at heart.

    Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.

    At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.

    Job posting end date:

    09/02/2026

    Junior Test Automation Engineer employer: Hastings Direct

    Hastings Direct is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture centred around our 4Cs principles of collaboration, creativity, continuous improvement, and community. As a Junior Test Automation Engineer, you'll benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training and development opportunities, and a competitive bonus scheme, all while contributing to innovative projects that enhance our digital presence. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing and a commitment to recognising your contributions, Hastings Direct is the perfect place for those eager to grow their careers in a supportive environment.
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    Contact Detail:

    Hastings Direct Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Junior Test Automation Engineer

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the tools mentioned in the job description, such as GitHub, SQL, and Selenium. Having hands-on experience or even personal projects showcasing your skills with these technologies can set you apart during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Engage with the company’s online presence. Follow Hastings Direct on social media and participate in discussions related to their projects. This shows your genuine interest in the company and can help you connect with current employees.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for common interview questions specific to test automation roles. Be ready to discuss your understanding of continuous integration and how you would approach testing in a Scrum environment, as this aligns with their team dynamics.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Network with professionals in the field. Attend meetups or webinars focused on test automation and software development. Building connections can lead to valuable insights and potentially a referral to the position at Hastings Direct.

    We think you need these skills to ace Junior Test Automation Engineer

    Understanding of source control using GitHub
    Ability to manipulate, create and search for data using SQL
    Familiarity with user interface automation tools such as Selenium, Playwright or Cypress
    Knowledge of API testing using tools like Postman
    Understanding of continuous integration platforms such as Azure DevOps or Jenkins
    Basic programming skills in languages relevant to test automation
    Strong problem-solving skills
    Attention to detail
    Effective communication skills
    Ability to work collaboratively in a Scrum team
    Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies
    Understanding of software development life cycle (SDLC)

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the Junior Test Automation Engineer role. Focus on any experience you have with tools like GitHub, SQL, Selenium, or APIs.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or aspects of Hastings Direct that excite you, and explain how your background makes you a great fit.

    Showcase Your Learning Mindset: Since this is a junior role, emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past or how you've pursued knowledge in test automation or related fields.

    Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Direct

    ✨Understand the Role

    Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Junior Test Automation Engineer. Familiarise yourself with key terms like 'Definition of Ready' and 'Definition of Done', as well as the tools mentioned such as GitHub, SQL, and Selenium.

    ✨Show Your Passion for Learning

    Since this is a junior role, it's important to convey your eagerness to learn and grow. Be prepared to discuss any relevant projects or coursework that demonstrate your interest in test automation and how you've approached learning new technologies.

    ✨Prepare for Technical Questions

    Expect technical questions related to test automation, databases, and APIs. Brush up on your knowledge of SQL queries, how to use Postman for API testing, and the basics of continuous integration platforms like AzureDevOps or Jenkins.

    ✨Engage in the Interview

    During the interview, actively participate by asking insightful questions about the team dynamics, sprint ceremonies, and the company's approach to innovation. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.

    Junior Test Automation Engineer
    Hastings Direct
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