At a Glance
- Tasks: Own quality from day one and drive automation in testing.
- Company: Join a leading automotive giant with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work, and potential for long-term progression.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of software delivery and influence quality engineering practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in CI/CD pipelines and strong opinions on modern testing approaches.
We’re partnering with a leading automotive organisation to hire multiple Senior Software Engineers in Test for a major digital programme across a cloud-based, connected data platform.
This isn’t a traditional testing role. This is about owning quality from day one – not testing at the end.
What makes this role different?
- Automation-first mindset – focused on bug prevention over bug detection
- Working on cloud-native, event-driven systems (APIs, message queues, data platforms)
- A mature engineering environment where testing is embedded into delivery
- Opportunity to shape test strategy and influence architecture
- Part of a collaborative test community, sharing best practices across teams
The kind of problems you’ll solve:
- Improving and maintaining existing automation suites
- Embedding testing directly into CI/CD pipelines (not siloed test stages)
- Driving testability in design and refinement sessions
- Moving teams from reactive testing → proactive quality engineering
- Enhancing defect triage and cross-team quality processes
- Supporting integration with third-party systems and services
What we’re really looking for:
This is a genuinely senior role. We need engineers who:
- Think test-first, not “test after build”
- Have experience embedding tests into CI/CD pipelines
- Can influence engineers on testability and quality practices
- Bring strong opinions on modern testing approaches
- Understand backend/API and distributed systems
Tech environment:
- Python + Java-based services
- AWS (or similar cloud platforms)
- API & event-driven architecture (Kafka, RabbitMQ, SQS etc.)
- CI/CD (GitLab or similar)
- Backend-focused (no UI-heavy testing)
The role:
- Hands-on automation engineering
- Driving quality strategy across squads
- Mentoring engineers and contributing to continuous improvement
- Collaborating closely with engineering and SRE teams
Location & setup:
- Manchester
- Hybrid – typically 1–2 days per month onsite
- 12 month contract (£500 a day) Inside IR35
Why join?
- Work on cutting-edge connected platforms
- Influence how software is built, tested, and delivered at scale
- Opportunity for long-term progression or permanent conversion
- Be part of a team that treats quality as an engineering discipline
Senior SDET in Manchester employer: Nixor
Join a leading automotive organisation in Manchester as a Senior Software Engineer in Test, where you'll be part of a forward-thinking team that prioritises quality from the outset. Enjoy a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and continuous improvement, with opportunities for professional growth and the chance to influence testing strategies in a cutting-edge digital programme. With a hybrid working model and a focus on automation-first practices, this role offers a unique environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the automotive industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior SDET in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive and tech industries. Attend meetups or webinars related to cloud-native systems and testing. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your automation projects, especially those involving CI/CD pipelines. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of backend/API testing and event-driven architecture. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced quality practices in previous roles – they’ll want to see your test-first mindset in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior SDET in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Automation Mindset:Make sure to highlight your automation-first approach in your application. We want to see how you think about quality from the get-go, not just at the end of the process. Share examples of how you've embedded testing into CI/CD pipelines.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on the technologies mentioned in the job description. Talk about your work with Python, Java, AWS, and any event-driven architectures you've tackled. This helps us see how you fit into our tech environment.
Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit:This role is all about teamwork, so don’t forget to mention your experience working closely with engineering and SRE teams. We love candidates who can share best practices and drive quality across squads, so let that shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nixor
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp what it means to be a Senior Software Engineer in Test. Familiarise yourself with concepts like CI/CD pipelines, cloud-native systems, and the importance of an automation-first mindset. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Automation Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented automation in previous roles. Highlight your experience with Python, Java, and any cloud platforms like AWS. Prepare to explain how you've embedded testing into delivery processes and improved quality from day one.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that assess your understanding of backend/API testing and distributed systems. Brush up on your knowledge of event-driven architectures and tools like Kafka or RabbitMQ. Being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your expertise.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role involves working closely with engineering and SRE teams, so be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've mentored others or contributed to a test community, as this shows you're a team player who values shared best practices.
