At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to build and maintain automated tests for web applications.
- Company: Dynamic tech company in Belfast focused on quality software delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting projects with opportunities to work on cloud systems and AI tools.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on software quality in fast-paced agile teams.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in QA, strong test automation experience, and agile teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a QA Engineer to join our engineering team in Belfast, helping ensure the quality of the software we deliver across a range of projects. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll focus on building out automation, improving test coverage, and working closely with engineers to make quality part of the development process, not something that happens at the end. You’ll be working in fast‑moving, agile teams, contributing to how we test, release, and continuously improve the systems we build.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Build and maintain automated tests for web-based applications using tools like Playwright
- Automate tests across both user interfaces and backend services
- Expand and maintain automated regression test suites to support reliable releases
- Integrate testing into CI/CD pipelines to support continuous delivery
- Contribute to test strategies and quality approaches across projects
- Set up and manage test environments and test data as required
- Identify defects, track them through to resolution, and help ensure root causes are understood
- Communicate testing progress, risks, and outcomes clearly to the wider team
- Participate fully in agile ceremonies, contributing to planning, refinement, and continuous improvement
What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years’ experience in a QA or software testing role
- Strong experience with test automation strategies for web applications
- Experience working with test frameworks in Playwright (or similar tools)
- A good understanding of different testing types (functional, integration, regression, etc.)
- Experience working in agile, delivery-focused teams
- Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and version control tools (e.g. GitHub, Jenkins or similar)
- Strong attention to detail and a pragmatic approach to testing
- Clear communication skills and the ability to work closely with engineers and stakeholders
Nice to Have
- Experience testing cloud-based systems (AWS or similar)
- Exposure to API or service-level testing
- Experience of using AI tools to support testing efforts
- Familiarity with performance or non-functional testing approaches
- An interest in improving QA processes and tooling
- Experience working across multiple projects or client environments
Senior Test Automation Engineer (Contract) in Belfast employer: Instil Software Ltd
Instil is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and growth of its employees, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes flexible working arrangements, a competitive pension scheme, and extensive learning opportunities. With a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and inclusivity, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally, making it a rewarding place to build a career in data engineering. Recognised as a Great Place to Work, Instil not only values your contributions but also invests in your future, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Test Automation Engineer (Contract) in Belfast
✨Get Involved in Open-Source Projects
Diving into open-source projects is a brilliant way to showcase your skills and connect with other developers in the community. Not only will you beef up your GitHub profile but you might also catch the eye of someone at Instil Software Ltd who values hands-on experience over just theory.
✨Attend Local Tech Meetups
Tech meetups are gold mines for networking and discovering job opportunities, especially in the fast-paced world of software engineering. Check out local listings for events in your area and don’t shy away from introducing yourself. This could lead directly to a temporary position at Instil Software Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
With temporary roles, it’s all about standing out in a short space of time. Create a portfolio website where you highlight your projects and skills. Talk about your code, and provide links to your GitHub repositories. This will not only demonstrate your abilities but will also make it easier for recruiters at Instil Software Ltd to see what you bring to the table.
✨Leverage Temporary Job Boards
Don’t forget to check specialised job boards for temporary software development roles. Websites like We Work Remotely or Remote OK often list short-term gigs that can be a perfect fit. Apply directly through our website as well, making sure your application is sharp—temporary roles can move fast!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Test Automation Engineer (Contract) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Skills:Make sure your CV highlights your tech stack and any programming languages you’re proficient in. Include specifics about any frameworks or technologies you’ve worked with; they can make you stand out in the sea of applicants. It’s all about showing that you have the chops we need at Instil Software Ltd!
Portfolio 2.0:Since you’re applying for a temporary gig, it’s super important to showcase a portfolio that highlights your best projects. Include links to GitHub or any personal projects that demonstrate what you can do in a real-world environment. This gives us a taste of your style and your problem-solving approach!
Keep It Brief and Relevant:With a temporary position, we want to see your ability to hit the ground running. Be concise in your CV and cover letter; stick to experiences that directly relate to the role. Highlight any previous temporary roles or freelance gigs that show your adaptability and quick learning!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic cover letter. Personalise it for Senior Test Automation Engineer (Contract) at Instil Software Ltd! Mention why this temporary role excites you and how you see yourself contributing in the short run. Show us what you've got and why you're the one for this quick turn-around!
How to prepare for a job interview at Instil Software Ltd
✨Nail the Technical Skills
For a software engineering role, you'll likely face technical questions or coding tasks during your interview. Brush up on the relevant programming languages and frameworks that Instil Software Ltd uses, and don’t forget to practice some coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. Showing your coding prowess can really make you stand out!
✨Prepare for System Design Questions
Even for a temporary role, having a grasp of system design principles can be crucial. Be ready to discuss how you would architect a software solution, including discussing trade-offs, scalability, and performance considerations. Having examples from previous projects can really show off your analytical thinking.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to emphasise your ability to hit the ground running. Highlight experiences where you quickly adapted to new technologies or teams. Let’s make it clear to the interviewers at Instil Software Ltd that you can learn on the job and deliver results in a short timeframe!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
Make sure to have a portfolio or GitHub ready showcasing your projects. Having tangible evidence of what you've done—be it personal projects, contributions to open-source, or previous work—can convey how capable you are. Tailor this for what might interest Instil Software Ltd, so it's relevant and sparks conversation during your interview.
