At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and maintain automated tests for web applications using Playwright.
- Company: Join Instil, an award-winning tech company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a Great Place to Work® and enjoy excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on software quality in a fast-paced, agile setting.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in QA, strong test automation experience, and clear communication skills.
We’re looking for a Senior Test Automation 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
Please note: We offer flexible hybrid working, but candidates should be based in Northern Ireland and able to attend our Belfast office when required.
Senior Test Automation Engineer (Contract) in Belfast employer: Instil Software
Instil Software is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for Senior Penetration Testers to thrive. With a focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior testers while working on diverse projects across various sectors in Scotland. The flexible working arrangements and commitment to high-quality engagements ensure that you can achieve a meaningful and rewarding career in cybersecurity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Test Automation Engineer (Contract) in Belfast
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Instil Software or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Instil Software.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Instil Software.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Instil Software that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Test Automation Engineer (Contract) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Instil Software.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Instil Software and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Instil Software
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Instil Software uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
