Senior Test Engineer in Manchester

Quality Assurance and Testing is an important part of the delivery of digital systems within the Health Research Authority. We have a team of skilled test professionals who ensure quality is delivered in the most effective way. We are looking to add automation engineering skills to our existing team as we value automating as much of the test effort as possible, allowing our team of specialists to undertake better evaluations of the overall product set.

As a Senior Test Engineer, you will create and drive the automated test engineering approach within the Research Systems Programme, working closely with the Head of Test and other colleagues in the Agile development team. You will determine and implement automation approaches using Playwright (typescript) to assure, measure and build quality into every phase of the software life cycle. This involves developing or enhancing automation frameworks that help deliver scalable tests which are faster, frequent, and continuous. The job also involves performing manual testing where automation is not suitable.

• Identify new and implement existing test automation frameworks
• Work on both functional and non-functional areas of complex system(s) built with multiple technologies (Microsoft, PEGA etc)
• Identify and raise awareness of defects, issues, risks arising from the automation test results
• Work closely with members of the Agile team
• Collaborate with senior test analysts and business to ensure the required business scenarios are covered in the test scripts
• Carry out system, integration and user acceptance testing using manual and automated techniques
• Lead on change impact assessment of all changes ensuring that test coverage mitigates any impact to external stakeholders
• Work with the HRA's User Acceptance Team representatives and external users to perform acceptance testing of HRA software system changes
• Manage own work within the timelines agreed

Duties above are not an exhaustive list. The applicant will be expected to perform their duties as per ISTQB best practices (automation & manual).

At the HRA, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment where we actively invest in the development and empowerment of our staff, enabling them to perform at their best. We strive to promote a healthy workplace culture where wellbeing, collaboration, and professional growth are valued and encouraged.

Working at the HRA, our approach to flexible working is designed to support us all, recognising that for many people, home-based or hybrid working provides us with the most productive environment to work well. We will try to offer a working pattern that suits you where possible. The HRA offers home-based contracts for all locations. Newcastle-based staff can be office-based. For staff based in Manchester, Nottingham or Bristol, hybrid working arrangements may be possible. We encourage you to speak with us to explore how this could be accommodated.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community: age, disability, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and other diverse characteristics, and we have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.

When completing your application, ensure you clearly demonstrate how your experience and skills align with the criteria outlined for this position. We recognise that generative AI tools can be helpful in supporting applicants during the recruitment process, particularly for tasks such as proofreading, structuring, or refining written responses. However, we encourage candidates to use AI responsibly and sparingly. Applications should reflect your authentic voice, personal experiences, and genuine qualifications.

We are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be considered. Applications that do not clearly demonstrate how the essential criteria outlined in the person specification are met will not be shortlisted. We do not accept applications via recruitment agencies or other third parties. The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.

Our fixed-term positions are also open to applicants who wish to apply for the role on a secondment basis. Applicants who fit this category are advised to speak with their Line Manager before applying and visit their organisation's Secondments Policy.

The HRA is made up of five directorates: Approvals, Chief Executive, Digital, Policy and Partnerships, and Resources. This role sits within HRA Digital. The digital directorate is responsible for developing, delivering and supporting complex solutions within the HRA's portfolio of UK-wide information systems for health and care research. This includes a major programme to build new systems and to achieve the successful migration and eventual closure of current systems. The directorate owns, develops, and delivers the HRA's digital strategy in line with government digital and functional standards. The HRA Digital team is a collaborative, supportive team consisting of HRA employees, secondees, contractors and vendors.

• Educated to a master's level or equivalent in IS / IT field or portfolio of equivalent experience demonstrating the ability to work at this level
• Certified in ISTQB Foundation
• Certified in ISTQB Technical Test Analyst
• Working knowledge of any other SQL and relational databases

• Experience of working as an automated test engineer within the test team delivering successful outcomes
• Practical experience of testing on .NET, SQL and Microservices architecture - on-prem and cloud

• Excellent analytical and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and uncertainty to help derive testable scenarios

• Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of testing techniques
• Comprehensive knowledge of code version management tools like GitHub, Azure DevOps

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to understand and interpret complex information. This requires Written English skills at a level to summarise complex issues into a document and Verbal English skills to be able to articulate procedural issues and comprehend complex discussion.

• Commitment to inclusivity and valuing diversity
• Ability to work within and contribute to a high performing team
• Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours