Test Automation Lead

Overview

The Test Automation Lead is responsible for developing and implementing automated testing strategies to ensure the reliability, performance, and security of network infrastructure. This role involves leading a team of developers, collaborating with network architects, lab and manual test teams to support test automation of functional and regression scenarios. The successful candidate will drive innovation in testing processes and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement test automation strategies: design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and scripts for network infrastructure using tools and technologies such as VMware, Ansible, Jenkins, Cloudshell.
• Lead automation Dev Team: mentor and lead a team of developers, ensuring best practices in test automation and continuous improvement of testing processes.
• Collaborate with network teams: work closely with manual test engineers and development teams to ensure seamless integration of test automation and to identify testing requirements.
• Execute test plans: coordinate and execute test plans and cases, analyzing test results and reporting on the quality and performance of network products.
• Drive innovation: investigate and institutionalize new tools, methods, and standards to enhance the automation testing process for network infrastructure.

About us

The UK\’s fastest broadband network. The nation\’s best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK\’s biggest companies too. We put our customers first, making life simpler, smoother, and more joyful. With big ambitions and a brilliant team, we\’re building a more connected future for everyone. Our ways of working are flexible-first; we ask everyone to spend at least eight days each month connecting in person. Collaboration can happen anywhere meaningful—office time, meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross-functional projects, or away days.

Requirements

• Significant experience leading network testing and automation initiatives, preferably within the telecom or enterprise networking domain.
• Proven track record in QA leadership, driving automation strategy, and mentoring cross-functional teams.
• Strong proficiency in test automation frameworks and scripting languages such as Python, Java, or PowerShell.
• An understanding of network infrastructure, protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, SIP, DNS), and telecom lab environments.
• Experience in process automation to streamline test execution, reporting, and defect triage aligned with network testing workflows.
• Familiarity with network devices such as Cisco CPEs, Alcatel NTUs, and other carrier-grade equipment.
• Proficient in using traffic generation and analysis tools like Ixia and Spirent for performance and stress testing.
• Practical experience with SD-WAN technologies, including configuration, validation, and performance testing.
• Demonstrated ability to design and develop independent APIs to support test automation and integration with network systems.
• Hands-on experience with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI), containerization (Docker), and infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform.

Notes

Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world.

Additional information

Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you\’d like to. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones. Next steps: after submitting an application, the next steps may include a technical and competency interview. If adjustments are needed for recruitment, let us know. Applications will be reviewed during the advert, so the closing date may change. If offered a role, it will be conditional on background checks. All roles require a criminal record check and some roles require a financial probity check.