Senior Test Engineer

Job summary

The central responsibility of this role is for delivering excellent, scalable automated and manual testing capability and providing overall direction and management of software testing, while ensuring that technology standards are defined and followed to meet users’ needs efficiently and reliably.

You will perform gap analysis on current testing processes, competencies and capacity and implement plans to remove identified gaps, while keeping abreast of new technology patterns and trends to lead the evolution of test standards, tools, and processes.

The focus will be on building in quality from the start and testing throughout development phases.

Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here

• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday

• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

Read more in the Benefits section below!

Find out more about what it's like working at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency - Department for Transport Careers

Job description

Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:

1. Managing all test processes, including test plans, resources, costs, timescales, test deliverables and traceability.
2. Coordinating, managing, and communicating the planning of the system and/or acceptance tests within a development or integration project / programme.
3. Providing authoritative advice and guidance on any aspect of test planning and execution.
4. Building tests to a standard that allows multiple use.
5. Serving as coach and mentor to individuals in the service assurance team to ensure that the team is appropriately trained and up to speed regarding methodologies, policies, and tools.
6. Providing input to the environment requirements, setup, manage, maintain, and ensure test data & environments are available to satisfy project and/or work package test requirements.

Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.

For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

1. Experience in testing within a large-scale ICT estate, including integrating new and legacy products.
2. Experience building test frameworks and detailed knowledge of at least one programming language (we use a range of languages including Java, JavaScript, Groovy and Scala) and awareness of front-end web development (CSS/HTML).
3. Ability to quickly research and learn new programming tools and techniques, learn by proof of concepts and iteration.
4. Ability to mentor and coach other QA & testing colleagues.

Government Digital and Data Allowance

The role is part of the Government Digital and Data (or Government Security Profession Career Framework) profession and utilises an enhanced Capability–Based Pay Framework which provides access to a Digital and Data allowance.

The base pay is £44,241. In addition to this the role includes a Digital and Data allowance of up to £14,756.

The value of allowance awarded will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated through the selection process. Here are more details on the pay framework.

Additional Information

Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements

Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.

Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week.

Occasional travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays.

This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements.

The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace (one of the locations cited in the advert) or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location. There may be occasions where you are required to attend above the minimum expectation.

If you have a question about hybrid working, part time/job share hours, flexible working, travelling for work, or require a reasonable adjustment, please contact the Vacancy Holder during the recruitment process to avoid possible disappointment later in the process should your working arrangements not be compatible with the requirements of the role (see below for contact details).

Please note that we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate rights to work in the UK before application.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Communicating between the technical and non-technical
• Managing, reporting and resolving defects
• Designing and executing tests
• Test engineering
• Test and quality planning
• Test analysis

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,241, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency contributes £12,816 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here

• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).

• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.

• Access to the staff discount portal.