Automation Test Specialist - Defence in Manchester

In this role, you’ll work in one of our IBM Consulting Client Innovation Centres (Delivery Centres), where we deliver deep technical and industry expertise to a wide range of public and private sector clients around the world. The job focuses on delivering high-quality software to clients by planning, designing, developing and executing test scripts and frameworks. You’ll collaborate with development, QA and project management teams and work in an agile environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain automated test scripts and frameworks using Selenium, Appium or other tools.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify and prioritise testing requirements.
• Develop and execute automated tests to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Analyze test results, identify defects and report issues to the development team.
• Work closely with the development team to resolve defects and improve overall product quality.
• Maintain test automation frameworks, including test data management and test environment set‑up.
• Participate in Agile development activities such as sprint planning, daily stand‑ups and retrospectives.
• Collaborate with the QA team to develop and maintain testing strategies, test plans and test cases.

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

• Experience designing, developing and maintaining automated test scripts and frameworks.
• Proficiency with Selenium, Appium or other automation testing tools.
• Experience collaborating with development, QA and project management teams.
• Ability to develop and execute automated tests to meet regulatory and industry standards.
• Strong defect analysis, reporting and defect resolution skills.
• Experience in automated test framework maintenance and test environment setup.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.
• Experience developing testing strategies, test plans and test cases.

Preferred Technical and Professional Experience

• Experience in automation testing, preferably in the public sector.
• Strong experience with Selenium, Appium or similar tools.
• Proficiency in Java, Python or C#.
• Experience with Agile and Git.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience with cloud‑based technologies and DevOps practices.
• Knowledge of GDPR, ISO 27001 or other public sector regulations.
• Certifications such as ISTQB, CSTE, CTFL, Selenium, Appium, AWS/ Azure/ Google Cloud credentials.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree

Employment Details

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level.
• Employment type: Full‑time.
• Job function: Engineering and Information Technology.
• Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting.

Benefits and Development Opportunities

• Regular promotion and career progression opportunities.
• Continuous feedback and checkpoints throughout the year.
• Training programs, e‑learning, mentoring, coaching and industry certifications.
• Diversity & Inclusion culture supported by policies and employee network.
• Open culture that welcomes innovative ideas.
• Internal peer‑to‑peer recognition programmes.
• Work‑life balance support: flexible working, sabbatical, 1‑month paid paternity leave, 16‑week fully paid maternity leave, innovative maternity returner scheme.
• Traditional benefits: 25 days holiday, gym discount, online shop discounts, Employee Assistance Program, group personal pension plan with an additional 5 % of base salary paid monthly.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, must not be seeking visa sponsorship and must be a UK resident with at least 10 years of continuous residence. A UK government security clearance is required.