At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and maintain automated testing frameworks for our innovative AI SaaS platform.
- Company: Join Singer Instruments, a leader in laboratory automation with a fun, relaxed culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, remote work options, and a vibrant team atmosphere.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive, employee-owned company that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on scientific discovery while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in software test automation and experience with Agile methodologies.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Singer Instruments empower scientists in laboratories in over 60 countries to accelerate their research efforts on global challenges. We are looking for an Automation Tester to ensure the stability and flawless performance of our new AI SaaS platform, building testing frameworks from the ground up to support cutting-edge scientific workflows.
Supported by a newly secured public funding grant, we are initialising an intensive engineering phase to transition a proprietary, laboratory-validated technical imaging technology from a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 Proof of Concept into an operationally ready, commercially viable TRL 7 multi-tenant AI SaaS platform.
We are seeking a skilled Automation Tester to design, build, and maintain our automated testing frameworks from the ground up. In this role, you will champion a continuous testing culture, ensuring the quality, stability, and performance of our AWS-hosted SaaS platform and preventing regressions across our Python, Node.js, and React ecosystems.
What you'll bring to our team (key contributions)
- Design, execute, and maintain scalable, robust automated test suites for web applications and APIs.
- Analyse product requirements to create comprehensive test plans, identifying high-risk areas that require automation.
- Embed yourself within an active Agile development team, contributing to daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospective sessions.
- Embed automated test suites directly into our CI/CD pipelines to achieve continuous testing and rapid deployment cycles.
- Identify, log, track, and thoroughly document bugs, collaborating closely with developers to ensure swift resolution.
- Conduct automated API integration tests and basic load/performance testing to verify system resilience.
Who you are (essential skills & attributes)
- 3+ years of commercial experience in software test automation.
- Extensive experience working within fast-paced Agile delivery methodologies (Scrum/Kanban) and expert-level proficiency with project management tools, specifically Jira and Confluence.
- Strong proficiency with modern UI automation tools, specifically Playwright or Cypress (rather than legacy Selenium frameworks).
- Competency in writing clean test scripts using JavaScript/TypeScript or Python.
- Deep experience testing RESTful APIs and backend web services using tools like Postman, SuperTest, or automated requests.
- Prior experience testing multi-tenant SaaS environments, ensuring data isolation and user subscription logic function perfectly.
- Hands-on experience executing automated tests within AWS cloud environments and integrating them into pipelines (e.g., GitHub Actions, GitLab CI).
Desirable / Nice-to-Have
- Experience or interest in validation methodologies for AI capabilities, such as testing chatbot responsiveness, data analysis models, or regression testing non-deterministic outputs.
- Familiarity with performance or load testing tools or security vulnerability testing.
- Proactive use of modern developer and agentic coding tools (e.g., Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot) to accelerate test creation and debug automation scripts.
Your journey so far (qualifications)
You will bring 3+ years of commercial experience in software test automation to the role. Crucially, while this outlines typical pathways, we firmly believe that the right person can come from any background. Your unique journey matters more than just a qualification.
Mandatory Grant Compliance & Eligibility
To comply with the strict terms of our public funding body, all applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:
- Sovereignty Status: Candidates must possess an absolute, unrestricted right to work in the UK (UK Nationals preferred). We cannot offer visa sponsorship or international remote working arrangements for these fixed-term packages.
- Geographic Restriction: Every hour of work, line of code, and data annotation must be executed strictly on UK soil. Working from overseas (including temporary remote working holidays) is contractually prohibited.
How to Apply
If you are ready to deliver a critical work package for this high-velocity technical automation project starting 1 July 2026, please submit your CV and a brief summary of your technical background. Please explicitly state your eligibility to work under UK Sovereignty Status guidelines.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
We encourage applications from all individuals and respect and appreciate differences and unique ways of thinking. We are flexible and can adapt both our application and assessments by discussing your individual needs first.
About us
Singer Instruments, headquartered in Somerset on the edge of Exmoor, develop laboratory automation to accelerate research for scientists who want to make the world a better place. The company supports a global customer base, across a spectrum of interests such as healthcare, antibiotics, biofuels, renewable fabrics, and plant-based alternatives to meat.
As an employee-owned company, Singer puts their people first. Singer Instruments are very proud to have won the Somerset Business Awards Employer of the Year; By supporting our teams and investing in our people, we get the best results for our customers. Staff are highly motivated by their global scientific impact and a shared value for company culture. Table football in the staff room, boules in the Japanese garden, and table tennis and barbecues on the deck form part of our working ethos. The atmosphere is relaxed, attitudes are positive, and nobody wears a suit. Work in a rapidly growing business should be fun, so Singer take any opportunity possible to celebrate success.
HOLIDAY
Holiday: 25 days per year + 8 bank holidays (pro-rata) Zero-notice time off for surf and sun.
LOCATION
Singer, Minehead, Somerset/Remote
TYPE
Full time - Fixed Term Contract 6-Month Work Package Strictly UK-Based (Sovereignty Grant Constraints Apply)
Automation Tester - 6-month Fixed Term Contract employer: Singer Instrument Co
At Singer Instruments, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. Located in the picturesque Somerset region, our team enjoys a relaxed atmosphere with unique perks like table football, barbecues, and a strong sense of community, all while contributing to meaningful scientific advancements. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on celebrating successes, we empower our employees to thrive in their roles and make a global impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Tester - 6-month Fixed Term Contract
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Automation Tester role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your automation testing projects. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews like a pro! Research common automation testing questions and practice your answers. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Playwright or Cypress, and how you've tackled challenges in past roles.
✨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 hearing from passionate candidates who want to shape the future of AI products with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Tester - 6-month Fixed Term Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Tester role. Highlight your experience with automated testing frameworks, Agile methodologies, and any relevant tools like Playwright or Cypress. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience:In your application, don’t just list your past jobs—describe your achievements! Talk about specific projects where you designed and executed test suites or collaborated with developers. This helps us understand the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear About Eligibility:Since we have strict eligibility criteria due to our funding, make sure to clearly state your right to work in the UK in your application. This will save us both time and ensure you're considered for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and allows us to keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Singer Instrument Co
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re familiar with the technologies mentioned in the job description, like Python, Node.js, and React. Brush up on your knowledge of modern UI automation tools like Playwright or Cypress, as well as RESTful APIs. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Agile Experience
Since this role is embedded within an Agile team, be prepared to talk about your experience with Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to sprint planning or daily stand-ups, and how you’ve used tools like Jira and Confluence to manage your work.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to automated testing frameworks and CI/CD pipelines. Be ready to explain how you would design and maintain test suites, and discuss any past experiences where you’ve successfully identified and resolved bugs. This is your chance to demonstrate your problem-solving skills!
✨Cultural Fit Matters
Singer Instruments values a relaxed and positive atmosphere, so don’t forget to let your personality shine through! Be genuine and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a team that makes a global impact. Sharing your passion for science and technology can help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
