At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape quality engineering from the ground up and drive automation in impactful projects.
- Company: Mission-led tech company focused on improving lives through data and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, career progression, and inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping vulnerable families access financial support.
- Qualifications: Experience with JavaScript/TypeScript and modern testing tools; passion for social impact.
- Other info: Join as the first SDET and enjoy greenfield QA ownership.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you scrolling through roles that all feel the same? Would you like to use your engineering skills to genuinely improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the UK? We’re working with a mission-led technology company that uses data and technology to help households access the financial support they’re entitled to. They’ve already helped millions of people unlock billions in unclaimed support and are now entering an exciting scale-up phase.
This is their first dedicated QA / SDET hire, giving you a rare opportunity to shape quality engineering from the ground up in a product that truly matters. As the QA Engineer, this is far more than a test execution role. You’ll act as the advocate for quality across a growing product suite – from user-facing calculators to complex data and analytics services.
What you’ll be doing:
- Owning and defining the QA strategy from scratch as the first SDET in the business
- Expanding test coverage across existing systems while setting standards for the future
- Leading testing across front-end, back-end, integration, and security
- Driving automation and scalability, reducing manual QA through robust frameworks and infrastructure-as-code approaches
- Coaching and mentoring engineers through pairing, code reviews, and promoting meaningful test coverage
- Ensuring reliability and security in mission-critical, data-driven systems that directly impact low-income families
This role is open to mid-level through to senior engineers – mindset, ownership, and motivation matter more than ticking every box.
What they’re looking for:
- Experience with (or enthusiasm to learn) JavaScript / TypeScript, Node.js, React, and AWS (Lambda, Fargate, S3)
- Exposure to modern testing tools such as Cypress, Playwright, Mocha, or Chai
- A pragmatic, methodical approach to improving legacy systems while continuing to deliver value
- Strong communication skills and confidence collaborating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- A genuine interest in using technology to drive positive social impact
Why consider this opportunity?
- Meaningful impact – your work directly helps people access essential financial support
- Greenfield QA ownership as the first dedicated SDET
- Clear career progression as the engineering function scales
- Primarily remote (UK-based) with quarterly travel to London (fully paid for)
- Inclusive, supportive culture where people genuinely look out for one another
- The chance to shape QA in a purpose-driven organisation at an early stage
If you’re curious to learn more, feel free to apply or drop me a message for a confidential chat.
Software Engineer in Test in City of London employer: SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
Contact Detail:
SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer in Test in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to QA and automation. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do beyond your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common QA scenarios and questions. Think about how you would approach defining a QA strategy or improving legacy systems. Confidence in your answers can really set you apart!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer in Test in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of a QA Engineer. Highlight any relevant projects or technologies you've worked with, especially those mentioned in the job description like JavaScript, Node.js, or modern testing tools.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about using technology for social impact. Share specific examples of how your work has made a difference or how you plan to contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give us a glimpse of your problem-solving approach. Whether it's improving legacy systems or driving automation, we want to see how you tackle challenges and ensure quality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
✨Understand the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the company's mission and how they use technology to help vulnerable people. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to connect your skills to their goals during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your QA Strategy Skills
As the first SDET hire, you'll be expected to define the QA strategy from scratch. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in shaping QA processes and how you would approach building a robust testing framework for their product suite.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Brush up on your knowledge of JavaScript, TypeScript, and modern testing tools like Cypress or Playwright. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these technologies, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key, especially when collaborating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, and think of examples where you've successfully communicated across different teams.