Lead Test Engineer

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Lead Test Engineer to join a major public sector digital transformation programme on an initial 12-month contract.

This is a senior, hands-on technical leadership role where you will be responsible for defining and embedding an automation-first testing strategy across multiple delivery teams. The programme is focused on modernising large-scale platforms and transitioning from monolithic systems to microservices architecture.

Location: Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham or Newcastle
Working Pattern: Hybrid - 60% onsite
Contract Length: 12 months
Security Clearance: Required
Rate: Competitive market rate

Key responsibilities:
Define and implement scalable end-to-end testing strategies across complex engineering environments
Lead automation initiatives and champion quality engineering best practice
Design, build and maintain reusable automated test frameworks
Drive continuous improvement across testing standards, tooling and delivery approaches
Work closely with engineering, DevOps and delivery teams across a large-scale transformation programme

Key skills and experience:
Strong hands-on automation testing experience using Java, Selenium and Rest Assured
Experience working within microservices and API-driven environments
Strong knowledge of integration, contract, system and end-to-end testing
Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
Exposure to tools/technologies such as Playwright, Serenity BDD, Pactflow, Kafka, MongoDB, Jenkins, GitHub/GitLab, AWS and Docker
Understanding of performance and non-functional testing approaches
Previous experience operating at Lead Engineer, Principal SDET or similar level
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

If you consider yourself to have a disability or if you are a veteran, and you meet the essential criteria for the role, you will be put forward for the Guaranteed Interview' scheme whereby you will have the opportunity to discuss this role and your suitability with a member of the Sourcing team.

How to Apply

• Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application.
• Submit your CV in Word format.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis-early submission is recommended.

We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, as many candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Please disregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles.

If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us.

Qualification details and any other experience/skills relevant to the role to help support your application should be clearly shown in your CV.