At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead test engineering activities, ensuring high-quality products through comprehensive testing.
- Company: Join the Government Digital Service, shaping a modern digital government for the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, remote work options, and the chance to impact millions.
- Other info: Work with top digital professionals and contribute to innovative public sector solutions.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team tackling national digital challenges with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in software testing, CI/CD integration, and Agile methodologies required.
The predicted salary is between 42793 - 50220 £ per year.
Full-time (Permanent) £46,725 - £50,220 (London) / £42,893 - £45,653 (National) plus additional allowance
Published on 20 August 2025
Location
Bristol, London, Manchester
About the job
Job summary
The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government. We are responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government.
Our priorities are to drive a modern digital government by:
- joining up public sector services
- harnessing the power of AI for the public good
- strengthening and extending our digital and data public infrastructure
- elevating leadership and investing in talent
- funding for outcomes and procuring for growth and innovation
- committing to transparency and driving accountability
We are home to the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (I.AI), the world-leading GOV.UK, and at the forefront of coordinating the UK’s geospatial strategy and activity. We lead the Government Digital and Data function and champion the work of digital teams across government.
We’re part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and employ more than 1,000 people across the UK, with hubs in Manchester, London, and Bristol.
The Government Digital Service offers a platform where talent translates into impact. From your first day, you’ll be working with some of the world’s most highly-skilled digital professionals, contributing their knowledge to make a difference on a national scale.
Join us for rewarding work that impacts millions of people across the UK. You will tackle some of the nation’s highest-priority digital challenges, helping to improve access to essential services.
Role Overview
We are seeking highly skilled Test Engineers to join our dynamic product teams. In this role, you will lead test engineering activities at the product level, ensuring our products meet high standards of quality. You will work closely with developers, product managers, architects, and stakeholders to design and execute comprehensive test plans covering all product lifecycle aspects. Additionally, you will support the seamless integration and delivery of testing across the program, identifying opportunities for process improvement and innovation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a multidisciplinary team and play a key role in testing excellence.
Technology Stack
Our technology stack includes AWS serverless compute and storage, with backend services in TypeScript/Node.js and JVM technologies. Web applications also utilize TypeScript.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain test automation frameworks and scripts using industry-standard tools
- Collaborate with stakeholders to foster a culture of quality
- Design and execute comprehensive test plans and cases, covering functional, regression, and integration testing
- Integrate automated tests into the CI/CD pipeline and participate in early development stages
- Analyze test results to identify trends, risks, and patterns for quality improvements
- Participate in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and refinement sessions to identify risks, gaps, and test dependencies
Person Specification
We are looking for candidates who:
- Have extensive experience in software testing across the full SDLC, including test strategy, automation, defect management, and reporting
- Are proficient in integrating tests into CI/CD pipelines
- Possess knowledge of non-functional testing, including performance and accessibility testing
- Can identify defect trends, conduct root cause analysis, and drive preventive actions
- Have strong collaboration skills to embed quality practices throughout the SDLC
- Have experience working in Agile environments, participating in sprint planning, stand-ups, and TDD/BDD practices
- Are committed to continuous learning and staying updated with testing tools and methodologies
Test Engineer - GDS - SEO in Bristol employer: Manchester Digital
At Manchester Digital, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. As a Chief Software Engineering Leader, you will not only lead a talented team but also enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive pension contributions, and generous annual leave that grows with your tenure, making it an ideal environment for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Engineer - GDS - SEO in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as AWS, TypeScript, and Node.js. Having hands-on experience or projects showcasing your skills in these areas can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the GDS community online. Follow their social media channels, participate in discussions, and attend relevant webinars or meetups. This will not only increase your visibility but also help you understand their culture and values better.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with CI/CD pipelines and automation frameworks in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've integrated testing into development processes, as this is a key responsibility for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaboration skills by preparing examples of how you've worked within Agile teams. Highlight your participation in sprint planning and daily stand-ups, as these experiences are crucial for the Test Engineer role at GDS.
We think you need these skills to ace Test Engineer - GDS - SEO in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Test Engineer position at GDS. Familiarise yourself with their technology stack and key responsibilities to tailor your application effectively.
Tailor Your CV:Highlight your relevant experience in software testing, particularly in areas like test strategy, automation, and CI/CD integration. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for digital government services and your understanding of the role. Mention how your background aligns with GDS's mission and values, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to their projects.
Showcase Continuous Learning:Mention any recent training or certifications related to testing tools and methodologies. GDS values candidates who are committed to continuous learning, so highlight any relevant courses or workshops you've attended.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Test Engineer at GDS. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like test automation and CI/CD integration.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be ready to demonstrate your technical expertise, particularly with the technology stack mentioned, such as AWS, TypeScript, and Node.js. You might be asked to solve a problem or explain your approach to testing, so brush up on relevant tools and frameworks.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your collaboration skills and how you handle challenges in an Agile environment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide concrete examples from your past experiences.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, current projects, or the company’s approach to innovation. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
