At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation testing and enhance quality engineering practices in modern software environments.
- Company: Join InspiredXpert, a specialist IT Talent Solutions company connecting talent with innovative projects.
- Benefits: Remote work, travel expenses covered, and opportunities for impactful projects.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of automation testing and shape the future of software quality.
- Qualifications: Active SC clearance and strong experience in test automation with Selenium.
- Other info: Proactive opportunity for future roles with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Role: Lead Automation Test Engineer
Type: Long-term contract
Location: UK remote, with occasional UK client visits as required, travel expenses covered
Clearance required: Active SC, or SC + NPPV3
Summary
We’re building a network of remote based, SC cleared Lead Automation Test Engineers across the country for upcoming opportunities during 2026. This is not an immediate live vacancy, but a proactive market-mapping exercise to identify cleared professionals for future client demand. Roles could become active imminently or within 3 months. We are interested in speaking with senior automation testing specialists who can lead test automation activities, improve quality engineering practices, and support delivery across modern software environments. Candidates must already hold active SC clearance or SC clearance plus NPPV3. Clearance must be current, or within 3 months of expiry.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, and maintenance of automated test solutions across complex systems.
- Build and improve scalable automation frameworks for web, API, and service-based testing.
- Work closely with developers, analysts, and delivery teams to ensure quality is embedded throughout the software lifecycle.
- Review manual test cases and identify opportunities for automation and test optimisation.
- Execute automated functional, regression, and integration testing across evolving releases.
- Raise, track, and manage defects through to resolution, ensuring issues are clearly documented.
- Contribute to test planning, effort estimation, reporting, and release readiness activities.
- Support shift-left testing practices and help improve automation maturity within CI/CD environments.
Essential skills and experience
- Strong experience in test automation within enterprise or regulated environments.
- Hands-on experience with Selenium and strong working knowledge of C# and/or JavaScript.
- Experience designing and executing automated test cases for user interfaces and service-based apps.
- Experience building, maintaining, or improving automation frameworks.
- Strong understanding of defect management, QA processes, and software testing best practice.
- Able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within distributed teams.
Desirable skills and experience
- Experience with Playwright or similar modern automation tools.
- Experience with Azure DevOps and working within CI/CD pipelines.
- Experience with cloud-based test tools such as BrowserStack or equivalent.
- Knowledge of reporting frameworks such as Allure, Extent, or similar.
- Experience testing across UI, API, middleware, and database layers.
- Relevant certifications such as ISTQB or equivalent.
- Experience working with offshore or distributed QA teams.
Security clearance requirement
Applicants must already hold: Active SC clearance, or Active SC clearance plus NPPV3. Clearance must be live, or due to expire within the next 3 months. This opportunity pipeline is not suitable for candidates who would need to obtain clearance from scratch.
InspiredXpert is a specialist IT Talent Solutions company providing high-quality contract or perm talent across software development, cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and data-driven roles. We connect skilled professionals with innovative companies, offering exciting opportunities to work on impactful projects across the globe.
Xpert: Lead Automation Test Engineer employer: Inspired Testing
Contact Detail:
Inspired Testing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Xpert: Lead Automation Test Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your automation testing projects. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common automation testing scenarios and tools like Selenium. Practice explaining your thought process and how you've tackled challenges in past projects—this will help you shine during those crucial conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our listings and get your application in early to increase your chances of landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Xpert: Lead Automation Test Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in automation testing, especially with tools like Selenium and C#. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about automation testing and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just listing duties. Did you improve a testing process or reduce bugs? Share those successes! Numbers and outcomes can really make your application stand out.
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’re considered for future opportunities. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspired Testing
✨Know Your Automation Tools
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Selenium, C#, and JavaScript. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools and how you've used them to build or improve automation frameworks in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Automation Test Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led test automation activities and improved quality engineering practices in previous positions.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the company and its clients to understand their specific needs and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their success.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to defect management, QA processes, and software testing best practices. Brush up on these topics and be ready to provide clear, concise answers that showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.