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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation testing and enhance quality engineering in modern software environments.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Remote work, travel expenses covered, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of automation testing and make a significant impact in the tech industry.
- Qualifications: Active SC clearance and strong experience in test automation required.
- Other info: Exciting long-term contract with potential for immediate roles in 2026.
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. 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.
Xpert: Lead Automation Test Engineer (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 (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. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about upcoming opportunities and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your automation projects. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨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 the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Xpert: Lead Automation Test Engineer (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 achievements!
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 relevant to what we’re looking for.
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 if you meet one of the key requirements for the role.
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 it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspired Testing
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your automation testing skills, especially with tools like Selenium and languages like C# or JavaScript. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how you've led test automation activities in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading automation efforts, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the company and its clients to understand their specific requirements and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company's culture and goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and how you handle defects or issues during testing. Think of specific scenarios where you've improved automation frameworks or optimised testing processes, and be ready to discuss them in detail.