At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to ensure top-notch software quality through automation and collaboration.
- Company: Dynamic tech company in Belfast with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with great career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on software quality while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in QA, strong automation skills, and agile experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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
Please note: We offer flexible hybrid working, but candidates should be based in Northern Ireland and able to attend our Belfast office when required.
QA Engineer (Contract) employer: Instil
Join our dynamic engineering team in Belfast as a QA Engineer, where you'll play a crucial role in enhancing software quality through automation and collaboration. We pride ourselves on a flexible hybrid working environment that fosters innovation and continuous improvement, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a strong focus on agile methodologies and a supportive culture, we ensure that every team member contributes meaningfully to our projects while enjoying a rewarding work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land QA Engineer (Contract)
✨Make Your Portfolio Shine
As a freelancer in software development, your portfolio is your bread and butter. Showcase not only your completed projects but also your coding skills on platforms like GitHub or GitLab. This visibility can lead to clients reaching out to you directly!
✨Join Developer Communities
Get involved in developer communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit's r/programming. Contributing to discussions, sharing your knowledge, or even helping others can expand your network and lead to freelance opportunities. Plus, it keeps you in the loop about what’s trending in software development.
✨Freelance Platforms Are Your Friend
Sign up for popular freelance platforms such as Upwork or Freelancer. They’re filled with people looking for talent like yours! Don’t forget to personalise your pitch to each potential client, highlighting how your unique skills can solve their specific problems.
✨Utilise Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your existing contacts - you never know who might need your services or can refer you to someone who does. Personal connections can lead to more reliable gigs than cold applications. And we're here to help too! If you're looking for freelance opportunities, check out opportunities listed on our website.
We think you need these skills to ace QA Engineer (Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your GitHub Projects:When applying for a freelance software engineering gig at Instil, make sure to include your GitHub link in your application. Highlighting your code repositories, contributions to Open Source, and any personal projects can really set you apart and give us insight into your skills and coding style.
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Skills:In software development, the specifics matter! Make sure your CV lists the programming languages and technologies you excel at. Focus on the ones that align with the projects Instil is working on. Listing your tech stack clearly will help us understand how you fit into our team.
Include a Portfolio of Your Work:A solid portfolio is a must when applying for freelance roles. Include links to any apps, websites, or software you've developed. Highlight any projects that reflect a strong user experience, efficiency, or innovative solutions—this is your chance to shine and show us what you can bring to the table!
Mention Your Availability and Rates:Since this is a freelance role, we want to know when you’re available and what your rates are like! Be upfront about your typical work hours and project timelines. This transparency will help us see if we can sync up for future projects at Instil.
How to prepare for a job interview at Instil
✨Showcase Your Code Wizardry
Since you're going for a freelance role in software engineering, have a solid portfolio ready to flaunt your best work. Include projects that highlight your coding skills, frameworks you excel in, and any problem-solving feats you've pulled off. This is your chance to shine, so choose pieces that reflect your unique style and expertise!
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Freelance gigs often involve tech assessments or coding challenges, so be ready to tackle some hands-on problems. Brush up on common algorithms, data structures, and any languages/frameworks relevant to the role at Instil. Being comfortable with platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode can give you an edge and showcase your skills under pressure!
✨Be Clear About Your Rates and Flexibility
As a freelancer, be prepared to discuss your rates upfront. It's crucial to communicate your pricing structure clearly and whether you're open to negotiation. Do your homework on industry standards to ensure you pitch a fair and competitive rate that reflects your skills and experience!
✨Understand Their Tech Stack
Before the interview, get familiar with the tools and technologies used at Instil. Whether it's a particular framework or a specific coding methodology, being knowledgeable about their tech stack not only shows your interest but also helps you present how you could fit seamlessly into their existing projects. Demonstrating you’ve done your homework can set you apart from other candidates!
