At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and execute automated testing frameworks for innovative digital services.
- Company: Join the DVLA, a leader in digital transformation with a focus on quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how millions interact with essential services.
- Qualifications: Experience in automation testing and modern programming languages required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 € per year.
Software Development Engineer in Test - DVLA - HEO
£35,663 plus Recruitment Retention Allowance of £3,500
Published on 29 October 2025 Deadline 9 November 2025
Location
About the job
Job summary
Do you have experience of automation development and Continuous Integration?
Would you like to work with leading serverless and cloud-based technologies?
If so, we’d love to hear from you!
Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Read more in the Benefits section below!
At the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), we take testing very seriously and we automate as much as we can. Our Software Development Engineer in Test (SDETs) are building best-in-class test automation software so that we can build products quickly and safely.
We will look to you to build and execute test automation for our brand new or newly transformed services. You will be a critical part of a squad following a behaviour-driven design approach (ATDD) making sure our software is tested and testable and continually driving all aspects of quality improvements.
This is a fantastic opportunity to build upon your skills and experience while helping to build world class digital services that pave the way for future business transformation. If you love to test and code and want to work with cutting edge cloud-first technologies, we encourage you to apply.
Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:
- Developing and executing test automated frameworks.
- Working in an agile environment with product development teams.
- Ensuring good engineering practices and knowledge sharing within your team.
- Working closely with business analysts and agile delivery managers to prepare and review user stories and tasks.
- Helping ensure that our services are resilient and supported.
For further information on the role, please read the attached role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.
Person specification
Required experience
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- We are looking for experienced developers who are proficient in Automation Testing, able to use modern programming language and to programmatically test any software product and develop automation for it.
- You will have experience of improving QA efficiency through test automation and tools and will proactively look to implement Continuous Testing principles to speed up the feedback cycle for all elements of quality using automation by default.
- You will have a high attention to detail and not be afraid to challenge when required and will enjoy working as part of a team in a fast-paced Agile delivery environment.
Working for the DVLA Digital Team
At DVLA, licensing is just the start. Every project you implement, touch and deliver has a ripple effect that’ll wash across the nation. Here the work you’re doing has the capacity to change the way 50 million people interact with our services. As we aim to keep our roads some of the safest in the world, our innovative, transformative digital-led services help optimise a nation of individuals and business every single day.
To see how our people are transforming our digital services, head over to our DVLA Digital Services Blog and, to understand more about the great opportunities and benefits of working at DVLA read our Inside DVLA blog.
Additional Information
Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements
Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week. While we welcome applications from those looking to work with us part time, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 35 hours per week.
This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.
The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.
If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).
Visa Sponsorship
Please take note that DVLA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Security Check Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check. To allow for meaningful checks to be carried out, candidates will be required to have at least 5 years continuous residency in the UK. All applicants for this role must ensure that they meet this minimum residency requirement - if you do not, your application will be withdrawn.
Behaviours
We\\\'ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We\\\'ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
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Software Development Engineer in Test - DVLA - HEO in Swansea employer: Manchester Digital
At the DVLA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as a substantial pension contribution, flexible working options, and opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies, our Software Development Engineer in Test role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Development Engineer in Test - DVLA - HEO in Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with current DVLA employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your automation testing skills and be ready to discuss your experience with Continuous Integration. We want to see how you can contribute to building best-in-class test automation software.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for coding and testing! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've improved QA efficiency through automation. This will help us see your potential impact at DVLA.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at DVLA.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Development Engineer in Test - DVLA - HEO in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Software Development Engineer in Test role. Highlight your experience with automation development and Continuous Integration, as these are key aspects of the job.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills! Mention any programming languages you’re proficient in and how you've used them in automation testing. We want to see how you can contribute to our agile environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your experiences and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Know Your Automation Tools
Make sure you’re well-versed in the automation tools and frameworks relevant to the role. Brush up on your experience with Continuous Integration and any specific programming languages mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts, but you can apply them effectively.
✨Understand Behaviour-Driven Development
Since the role involves a behaviour-driven design approach, it’s crucial to understand how this methodology works. Prepare to discuss how you’ve implemented BDD in past projects and be ready to share examples of user stories you’ve worked on. This will demonstrate your ability to align with the team’s practices.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
The DVLA values collaboration, so be prepared to talk about your experiences working in agile teams. Share specific instances where you contributed to team success or improved QA efficiency through collaboration. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Ask about the current challenges the team faces with automation or how they measure the success of their testing processes. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
