Automation Test Engineer

Sanderson Government & Defence; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and government technology provider is looking for an Automation Test Engineer to develop and maintain automated testing frameworks and suites. The role is based in Manchester, requiring one day on-site per week. Ideal candidates will have strong hands-on experience in Java or JavaScript, proven background in automation testing, and solid understanding of CI/CD environments. The position offers a maximum pay of £360 per day for a 12-month contract, with an emphasis on continuous quality practices.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience in Java or JavaScript.
• Proven background in automation testing.
• Solid understanding of shift-left principles and working within CI/CD environments.
• Knowledge of non-functional testing practices such as performance, security, and accessibility testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automated test frameworks and suites.
• Work closely with developers, analysts, and DevOps engineers to embed testing early in the delivery lifecycle.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and continuous quality practices.
• Perform non-functional testing, including performance, security, and accessibility.
• Support ongoing improvements to testing processes, tooling, and standards.

Skills

Java

JavaScript

Automation Testing

Performance Testing

Security Testing

Accessibility Testing

Job description

Role and Location

Automation Test Engineer – Leeds or Manchester (1 day on-site per week)

Duration and Pay

12 months. Pay: max £360 per day inside IR35.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automated test frameworks and suites.
• Work closely with developers, analysts, and DevOps engineers to embed testing early in the delivery lifecycle.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and continuous quality practices.
• Perform non‑functional testing, including performance, security, and accessibility.
• Support ongoing improvements to testing processes, tooling, and standards.

Skills & Experience Required

• Strong hands‑on experience in Java or JavaScript.
• Proven background in automation testing.
• Solid understanding of shift‑left principles and working within CI/CD environments.
• Knowledge of non‑functional testing practices such as performance, security, and accessibility testing.

Reasonable Adjustments

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.