At a Glance
- Tasks: Automate testing processes and collaborate on backend development using Python and AI tools.
- Company: Fast-growing tech company revolutionising software solutions for the criminal justice sector.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real impact in justice systems worldwide.
- Qualifications: Strong Python skills and experience with automated testing tools.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Unilink Software is a fast-growing, international company and the leading provider of innovative, award-winning software solutions for the criminal justice sector. Our mission is to empower governments and businesses around the world to effectively secure their operating environments, intuitively manage their data, become more efficient, and foster a culture of rehabilitation. Our purpose is to create technologies that people can rely on so that justice systems work well. We foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and excellence. We care about our staff, our customers, the environment and everything we do - principles encompassed in our social purpose statement.
We work with fantastic customers - government and private sector organisations in the UK, Europe and Australia - who use our software solutions to reduce the administrative burden on staff, improve the information flow and security as well as to implement digital solutions to assist in rehabilitation of people in their care. We are growing quickly, expect that growth to accelerate and are looking for enthusiastic, passionate and driven individuals to join our team. Our offices are located in London, Southampton and Newcastle but our staff are located throughout the UK, in Europe and Australia. We offer flexible working, a good benefits package and competitive salary.
About the Role: We are seeking a hybrid engineer with a passion for testing, quality, and reliable code. This position is well suited to candidates with a strong background in Python and backend systems, who are keen to concentrate on automated testing and, over time, become involved in core software development. You will lead the automation of critical test flows, utilising Playwright (Python), Django's test framework, and contemporary AI tools to design, generate and evolve our test suite. AI is actively used to assist test authoring and maintenance, making this role ideal for those with curiosity or experience in this area. This role plays a crucial part in scaling automated testing for complex domains such as payments, messaging, authentication and video, helping to enable smaller, more frequent and confident releases.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain automated tests using Playwright (Python) and Pytest
- Translate manual smoke test cases into automated end-to-end and functional tests
- Increase test coverage in areas including payment processing, messaging and video sessions
- Utilise AI tools (e.g. GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Testim or similar) to accelerate test writing and code scaffolding
- Maintain structured, maintainable and well-documented test suites
- Collaborate with developers and testers to triage issues and identify test gaps
- Contribute to backend development in Django, particularly where tests and features overlap
- Help define and track test-related KPIs such as regression coverage and automation ROI
Our Tech Stack:
- Python
- Django & Django REST Framework
- Playwright
- Pytest
- PostgreSQL
- GitHub Actions (CI/CD)
- WebSockets, Stripe, HTMX
- AI tools for code and test generation (e.g. GitHub Copilot, Cursor)
What We're Looking For:
- Strong Python skills and enthusiasm for clean, testable code
- Experience writing automated tests using tools such as Playwright, Pytest, Selenium or similar
- Comfortable working in a Django or comparable backend framework
- Experience or interest in using AI tools to generate, extend or validate code and tests
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and Git-based workflows
- Pragmatic approach, balancing automation ROI with test coverage objectives
- Willingness to develop into a broader development role, with quality as a central focus
Desirable (but not required):
- Experience automating tests for multiple user types or sites
- Understanding of payment flows, messaging systems or video/websocket integrations
- Familiarity with tools such as ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Cursor
- Experience converting legacy manual test suites into structured, automated frameworks
- Exposure to performance, integration or data integrity testing
What Success Looks Like:
- Test automation is seamlessly integrated into every release cycle
- Regression coverage is improved and protects essential flows
- Manual testing decreases without compromising quality
- AI-assisted tools are effectively incorporated into the test and development lifecycle
- You are recognised as a valued contributor to both the codebase and overall quality strategy
Software Engineer in Test in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Unilink
Unilink Software is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and continuous improvement within the criminal justice sector. With a flexible working environment, competitive salary, and a robust benefits package, we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth. Our collaborative culture encourages creativity and meaningful contributions, making it a rewarding place for passionate individuals to thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer in Test in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Unilink or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Unilink.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Unilink.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Unilink that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer in Test in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Unilink.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Unilink and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unilink
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Unilink uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
