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- Tasks: Lead automation testing and enhance quality engineering in modern software environments.
- Company: Join InspiredXpert, a specialist IT Talent Solutions company with exciting global opportunities.
- Benefits: Remote work, travel expenses covered, and potential for long-term contracts.
- Other info: Proactive role for future opportunities with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of tech innovation while making a real impact on future projects.
- Qualifications: Active SC clearance and strong experience in test automation required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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
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 (SC Cleared - UK based) 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 (SC Cleared - UK based)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who are already in automation testing roles. They might have insider info on upcoming opportunities or even refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your automation projects, frameworks you've built, and any cool tools you've used. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated with the latest trends in automation testing. Follow relevant blogs, join forums, and participate in webinars. This not only boosts your knowledge but also shows employers that you're passionate about your field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Xpert: Lead Automation Test Engineer (SC Cleared - UK based)
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 languages like C# or JavaScript. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your 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. We love seeing enthusiasm and a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Clearance: Since active SC clearance is a must, make sure to clearly state your current clearance status in your application. This helps us quickly identify candidates who meet this essential requirement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for upcoming opportunities. Don’t miss out!
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 Importance of Clearance
Since this role requires active SC clearance, be prepared to discuss your current clearance status and any relevant experiences working in regulated environments. Highlight how your clearance has enabled you to contribute effectively in past roles.
✨Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, so think of examples where you've successfully bridged that gap in your previous work.