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- Tasks: Ensure quality and reliability across complex, secure systems through testing and collaboration.
- Company: Leading technology and services organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, double-matched pension, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-stakes projects in a fast-paced, secure environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in all testing phases and strong teamwork skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Sanderson are excited to be working with a leading technology and services organisation on a major programme delivering secure, innovative solutions. There are three Senior Test Specialist positions available:
- Two roles require active DV clearance
- One role allows SC clearance initially, with DV clearance sponsored by the client
All roles require eligibility for high-level security clearance and will be fully onsite in Basingstoke.
Role Overview
As a Senior Test Specialist, you will play a key role in ensuring quality and reliability across complex, secure systems. Working within a collaborative delivery programme, you'll analyse requirements, design and execute tests, and contribute to integration and design activities. This is an opportunity to work on high-impact projects in a fast-paced, secure environment. You'll have plenty of opportunities to expand your skillset, step into leadership roles, and make a real impact on the projects and people around you.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day support to the Program and Project Managers to deliver the required testing.
- Lead and/or support a team of testers, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
- Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders to define testing scope.
- Design and execute test plans, scripts, and reports for applications, infrastructure, and hardware.
- Perform manual and automated testing across functional, non-functional, and end-to-end scenarios.
- Manage test environments, tools, and resources to meet project timelines.
- Track and report progress, risks, and incidents throughout the testing lifecycle.
- Drive continuous improvement in testing processes and methodologies.
- Mentor and develop team members to strengthen the Test Practice.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Hands-on experience across all phases of testing: Integration, System, Regression.
- Strong understanding of Software Development & Testing Lifecycles.
- Familiarity with delivery methodologies: Agile, V-Model, Waterfall.
- Experience testing both infrastructure and applications.
- Ability to create and execute test cases, log defects, and produce test metrics.
- Proficiency in tools like JIRA and version control systems (e.g., Subversion).
- Knowledge of Windows Server 2019, Active Directory, SCOM, SCCM, VMware.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- ISTQB Foundation Level or above.
Desirable
- Exposure to NXLog, McAfee, SQL, Terminal Server, Juniper Networking, Cisco Viptela, Cisco ISE, KeePass.
Benefits
- 10% DV allowance + SIS Bonus
- 26 days annual leave plus public holidays (3 flexible)
- Double-matched pension contributions up to 10%
- Life assurance
- Companywide incentive plans
- Flexible benefits (extra holidays, travel, dental, critical illness, and more)
- Employee discounts and perks
- Employee assistance programme and virtual GP
Reasonable Adjustments: Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.
Senior Test Specialist in Reading employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Test Specialist in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work in testing or security. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to testing methodologies and tools. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with articulating your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio! If you’ve worked on any testing projects, compile them into a neat presentation. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Test Specialist in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Test Specialist role. Highlight your hands-on experience in testing phases and any relevant tools you've used, like JIRA. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about testing and how you can contribute to our projects. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Team Spirit: Since collaboration is key in this role, make sure to mention your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've led or supported teams in the past. We’re all about working together to achieve great results!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your Testing Phases
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the different testing phases like Integration, System, and Regression. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience in these areas and how you've applied them in past projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
Get comfortable with tools mentioned in the job description, such as JIRA and version control systems. If you have experience with Windows Server 2019 or VMware, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've used these tools effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with project managers and stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Highlight your communication skills and how they contributed to project success.
✨Prepare for Security Clearance Questions
Given the requirement for high-level security clearance, be ready to discuss your eligibility and any previous experiences with secure environments. Understanding the importance of security in testing will show that you're a good fit for the role.
