At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and maintain automated test frameworks while collaborating with delivery squads.
- Company: Purpose-led organisation undergoing a significant technology transformation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, strong team culture, and potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Shape automation practices and gain valuable experience in a meaningful programme.
- Qualifications: Hands-on test automation experience, solid C# skills, and familiarity with Playwright.
- Other info: Opportunity to enhance your CV through exposure to transformative projects.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Contract length: Initial 6 months, likely to extend to 12 months
Location: Hybrid – 2 days per week on site (Gatwick, UK)
ASAP / Flexible for the right person
We’re working with a large, purpose-led organisation undergoing a significant technology transformation, driven by an ambitious growth strategy and accelerated delivery roadmap. They are strengthening their test capability and are looking for a Senior Automation Engineer to play a hands-on role in delivering a growing portfolio of initiatives, while helping shape and mature their automation approach. This is a practical, delivery-focused role rather than a purely strategic one. You’ll be embedded within squads, contributing directly to outcomes, while also supporting the uplift of automation capability across the wider testing function.
Responsibilities:
- Designing, building and maintaining automated test frameworks
- Working hands-on within delivery squads to support active programmes of work
- Using Playwright as a core automation tool as the organisation scales its adoption
- Writing and maintaining automation code (primarily C#)
- Supporting and collaborating with manual testers as they transition towards automation
- Providing informal guidance and knowledge transfer where appropriate
- Working closely with engineering, QA leadership and delivery teams
- Contributing to continuous improvement of testing standards and practices
Experience Required:
- Strong, current hands-on experience in test automation
- Solid experience with C# in an automation context
- Commercial experience using Playwright (or very close equivalents with a clear desire to specialise in Playwright)
- Comfortable working in hybrid teams and modern delivery environments
- Able to balance technical delivery with leadership and collaboration
- Confident communicator with good stakeholder awareness
- Pragmatic, delivery-oriented mindset – not over-engineered
Why this role stands out:
- Meaningful, long-term programme of work rather than short-term firefighting
- Opportunity to shape and grow automation practices using modern tooling
- Strong team culture with a reputation for treating contractors well
- Stability and likely extension beyond the initial term
- Exposure to transformation work that materially strengthens your CV
Senior Automation Engineer employer: James Chase
Contact Detail:
James Chase Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Automation Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to automation engineering. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to get comfortable with articulating your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Whether it's through a portfolio or GitHub, let your work speak for itself. We want to see your hands-on experience with tools like Playwright and C#, so make sure it’s easy for potential employers to find.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to dive into exciting projects and contribute to our team culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Automation Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on experience in test automation and your proficiency with C#. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our automation practices. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Since this role involves working closely with delivery squads and manual testers, highlight any past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with others. We value teamwork, so let us know how you’ve contributed to a positive team dynamic!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Chase
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Playwright and C#. Brush up on your knowledge of these tools, as they’ll be central to the role. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used them and how you tackled challenges.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role is all about practical delivery, so come prepared with examples of your hands-on work in test automation. Highlight your contributions within delivery squads and how you’ve supported manual testers transitioning to automation.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since you'll be working closely with engineering and QA teams, demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share instances where you’ve successfully communicated with stakeholders or guided team members through technical challenges.
✨Adopt a Pragmatic Mindset
The company values a delivery-oriented approach, so be ready to discuss how you balance technical delivery with practical solutions. Avoid over-engineering; instead, focus on how you can contribute to continuous improvement in testing standards.