At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Agile team to test and improve media player technology for iOS and Android.
- Company: Dynamic tech company focused on innovative media solutions.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a 10% pension contribution.
- Why this job: Make an impact in media technology while mentoring junior colleagues.
- Qualifications: Experience in test automation and strong coding skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid work environment with potential for contract extension.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: London and Manchester Hybrid – 1-2 days a week in the office. Eligibility to work in the UK.
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly senior technical testing role that sits within an Agile/Kanban environment. The focus is on the Standard Media Player (SMP) for iOS and Android, with occasional involvement in testing the web-based player. The team maintains the underlying AV player technology rather than end-user products, so testing is carried out at a lower system level using bespoke test harnesses rather than consumer-facing apps.
The role requires an excellent communicator and collaborative team player who is naturally curious, confident in questioning assumptions, and proactive in sharing knowledge. You will be a power user of iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, with strong experience in test automation for complex systems, including solid coding skills beyond basic UI or Selenium-style testing.
Responsibilities include:
- Planning, organising, and supervising release test cycles.
- Driving improvements in software quality through Quality Engineering and shift-left practices.
- Diagnosing root causes of failures while supporting and mentoring junior colleagues in effective problem solving.
Desirable experience includes:
- Familiarity with audio and video playback technologies.
- An understanding of media streaming standards such as DASH and HLS.
- Experience working with Swift, Kotlin, Java, or Objective-C.
- A track record of improving the reliability of automated test suites by identifying and fixing flaky tests.
An interest in how large-scale media platforms work under the hood, combined with a pragmatic and detail-oriented testing mindset, will help you succeed in this role.
You will:
- Be an excellent communicator and strong team player: must be curious, vocal, and eager to question.
- Be a power user of iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS.
- Plan, organise, and supervise release test cycles.
- Have a drive to improve software quality using Quality Engineering/Shift Left approaches.
- Diagnose the root cause of failures and support junior colleagues with problem solving.
- Be comfortable with reading and understanding code and pairing with developers (Ideally Swift, Kotlin, Java, Objective-C).
Desirable Skills/Knowledge/Experience:
- Familiarity with audio/video playback technologies.
- Knowledge of media streaming technologies such as DASH and HLS.
- Improving reliability of test automation by fixing flaky tests.
- Experience with X Code, Android Studio, Source Labs.
- Test automation using JavaScript, WebdriverIO, SauceLabs.
Tools and Technology:
- JavaScript
- iOS & Android
- Swift
- Kotlin
- Objective C
- Pair Programming
Experience:
- A degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field or similar work-based experience.
- Proven experience as a Senior Software Engineer ideally with a focus on media-related projects.
- Very good working knowledge of standard software development frameworks, techniques, and methodologies.
- Experience with providing coaching and mentoring.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team, contributing to the development of business scenarios.
- Knowledge of software development tools and technologies.
- You are flexible and curious in your approach.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Additional information:
- Duration of the contract: initially 6 months with the possibility of extension – contract FTC (full-time).
- Application Process: In addition to our standard recruitment process, you will be invited to a final online face-to-face meeting with our client, for you to meet them and learn more about the role.
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays plus birthday paid each year.
- Sick leave following probation (20 days per each rolling period each year).
- Pension contribution is 10% employer from qualifying earnings following auto enrolment after 3 months service.
- Private medical insurance via Vitality after 6 months of service.
- Life assurance (5 x salary) after 6 months service.
- Access to a free Eye voucher with Specsavers and a Flu vaccination with Boots.
- Access to the cycle-to-work scheme.
- Enhanced parental leave.
Senior Test Engineer - FTC [UK] employer: Spyro Soft
Contact Detail:
Spyro Soft Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Test Engineer - FTC [UK]
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your problem-solving skills. We all know how important it is to demonstrate your technical prowess, so be ready to dive deep into your experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for job openings and apply directly! We love seeing candidates who are proactive and genuinely interested in joining our team. It’s a great way to stand out from the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Test Engineer - FTC [UK]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Test Engineer role. Highlight your experience with test automation, coding skills, and any relevant media technologies. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for testing and media technologies. Tell us why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute to our team at StudySmarter.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: As an excellent communicator, make sure your application reflects that! Use clear and concise language, and don’t hesitate to share examples of how you've collaborated with teams or mentored others in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spyro Soft
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of iOS, Android, and the relevant coding languages like Swift and Kotlin. Be ready to discuss your experience with test automation and how you've tackled complex systems in the past.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've diagnosed root causes of failures and improved software quality. Think about specific instances where you mentored junior colleagues or fixed flaky tests, as these will demonstrate your collaborative spirit and technical prowess.
✨Be Curious and Engaging
During the interview, don't hesitate to ask questions about the team’s processes and the technologies they use. Show that you're genuinely interested in how their media platforms work and be vocal about your thoughts on improving testing practices.
✨Practice Agile Mindset
Familiarise yourself with Agile and Kanban methodologies if you haven't already. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these frameworks in your previous roles, especially in planning and supervising release test cycles.