AQA
Lead Test Engineer
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Job title: Lead Test Engineer
Contract type
x2 Fixed Term Contract positions (a 12 month and an 18 month contract)
Location
Manchester
Salary
Manchester - £57,400 to £64,700
Working arrangements
Hybrid working, 2 days a week in office
Are you a technically skilled test automation engineer who enjoys building solutions in C# and improving quality? This is a great opportunity to play a key role in delivering reliable, high-quality software that supports assessment and learning across the UK. As a Lead Test Engineer, you'll combine hands-on technical expertise with leadership in testing, helping teams build quality into products from the start and driving the adoption of modern automation practices.
You'll work closely with developers, analysts and product teams to ensure solutions are secure, scalable and fit for purpose. You'll have the opportunity to shape automation strategy, develop robust test frameworks and influence engineering practices across the wider team.
In this role, you'll be responsible for:
- Designing, developing and maintaining automated test frameworks using C#, SpecFlow, Playwright and other modern testing tools
- Supporting agile delivery teams by providing technical leadership on automation, API testing and quality engineering approaches, helping teams make informed decisions around quality and risk
- Driving continuous improvement in automation practices, mentoring colleagues and helping embed a culture of quality across the software development lifecycle
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You'll thrive in this role if you're a technically minded engineer who enjoys solving complex problems and improving the way software is tested. You'll bring:
- Strong commercial experience developing automated tests and frameworks in C#/.NET environments
- Experience using automation tools and technologies such as Playwright or Selenium, SpecFlow, Gherkin and modern test automation frameworks
- Experience of API testing, including designing and executing automated API tests within development pipelines
- A strong understanding of Agile software delivery, testing methodologies and quality engineering principles
- Awareness of AI tools and technologies, and how they can be used to improve test preparation, productivity and testing effectiveness
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
This role offers the opportunity to further develop your technical expertise while making a meaningful impact on learners and education. You'll benefit from:
- The opportunity to lead automation engineering practices and influence technical direction across multiple products
- Exposure to modern cloud technologies, continuous delivery pipelines and evolving development practices
- Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance
- A collaborative, supportive and inclusive team culture
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your technical and leadership skills
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Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone-regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background-is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Application process
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role by 23.59 on Sunday 26 July.
If shortlisted, you will be invited to complete an on demand video interview over the weekend of 01 August. Final stage interviews will take place in our Manchester office on the week of 10 August.
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