At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and execute test plans for APIs in a dynamic game studio environment.
- Company: Join tombola, a supportive tech company that values quality and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a people-first culture.
- Other info: Great opportunities for growth and learning in a friendly team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on game quality while working with innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience with RESTful APIs, Postman, and a collaborative mindset are key.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Game Studio Hybrid – Sunderland (3 days onsite, 2 days remote)
At tombola, everything is built in-house, and care is taken in both what is created and how teams work together. Collaboration, ownership, and doing the right thing are part of everyday life. An opportunity has opened for a Senior Test Engineer to join the Game Studio team, helping to ensure APIs are reliable, resilient, and ready for release in a fast‑paced, regulated environment. This hybrid role combines time in the Sunderland office with remote working, offering space for both collaboration and focused work.
This role goes beyond testing alone. As a Senior Test Engineer, quality is championed across the team—shaping approaches to testing, risk, and continuous improvement. The position combines hands‑on delivery with the chance to influence how quality engineering evolves over time. Working closely with developers, product, infrastructure, compliance, and growth teams, this role helps ensure everything released is something the whole team can stand behind.
A quick note on terminology: when referring to the “game engine,” this relates to the mathematical and logic platform that powers tombola’s games. It is not a visual or 3D engine (such as Unity), and the focus is on backend systems, APIs, and game logic rather than game graphics or client‑side development. Time spent onsite supports shared learning, stronger collaboration, and meaningful working relationships, while remote days provide flexibility and focus.
What you’ll be involved in:
- Designing, writing, and executing test plans and test cases for APIs and applications within the game engine
- Creating and maintaining manual and automated API tests using Postman
- Managing Postman collections and environments
- Validating response formats, status codes, business logic, and data integrity
- Identifying risks and gaps, supporting confident and well‑informed releases
- Integrating API tests into CI/CD pipelines
- Supporting promotion of releases in test environments and providing QA sign‑off
- Carrying out performance and load testing, identifying regressions or bottlenecks
- Ensuring testing evidence aligns with regulatory and compliance requirements
- Supporting audit readiness and traceability
- Sharing knowledge through mentoring and peer collaboration
- Contributing to continuous improvement across QA practices, tools, and processes
What’s looked for:
- Experience testing RESTful APIs using Postman, including JavaScript‑based test scripting
- Understanding of HTTP methods, status codes, JSON schemas, and API authentication
- Experience working in environments where quality and compliance are important
- Familiarity with version control and CI/CD pipelines
- Confidence communicating with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
- Experience working within agile teams
- Attention to detail, alongside a pragmatic, risk‑based approach
- A collaborative and open way of working
- Curiosity and a proactive mindset, especially in evolving environments
- An interest in learning, sharing knowledge, and developing skills
Nice to have (but not essential):
- Experience with Newman and CI integration
- Familiarity with backend technologies for debugging
- Exposure to performance or load testing tools
- Experience testing real‑time systems or engine‑based platforms
Why tombola:
tombola offers a supportive and friendly environment where people look out for each other and quality is genuinely valued. There’s space to grow, opportunities to learn, and encouragement to share ideas. Hybrid working is supported, alongside a people‑first culture and a range of benefits focused on wellbeing and development. For those looking to make an impact, work collaboratively, and help shape how quality is approached, this could be a great fit.
Senior Test Engineer · Sunderland, UK · employer: Tombola
At tombola, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment where quality is at the forefront of everything we do. As a Senior Test Engineer in our Sunderland Game Studio, you'll enjoy a hybrid working model that balances onsite collaboration with remote flexibility, alongside ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our people-first culture, combined with a commitment to continuous improvement and employee wellbeing, makes tombola an exceptional place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Test Engineer · Sunderland, UK ·
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at tombola on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your API testing skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with Postman and CI/CD pipelines. Show them you’re not just about testing but also about improving quality across the board.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your collaborative spirit! During interviews, share examples of how you’ve worked with developers and other teams to enhance quality. They want to see that you can fit into their team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the tombola family. Let’s get you that Senior Test Engineer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Test Engineer · Sunderland, UK ·
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Test Engineer role. Highlight your experience with RESTful APIs and testing tools like Postman, as well as your collaborative mindset. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific projects where you’ve designed and executed test plans. Mention any experience with CI/CD pipelines and how you’ve ensured quality in a regulated environment. This will help us understand your hands-on delivery skills.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and make sure to highlight your key achievements. We appreciate straightforward communication, so don’t be afraid to show your personality while being professional!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our careers page. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at tombola!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tombola
✨Know Your APIs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of RESTful APIs and how to test them using Postman. Be ready to discuss your experience with API testing, including any specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Show Off Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role emphasises teamwork, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with developers or other teams. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Quality Mindset
Prepare to talk about how you approach quality assurance and continuous improvement. Share specific instances where you've identified risks or gaps in testing and how your proactive mindset led to better outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to HTTP methods, status codes, and JSON schemas. Brush up on these topics and be prepared to explain how they relate to your previous work, especially in regulated environments.