Data Test Engineer

NHS; Reading; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Reading is seeking a Data Test Engineer to enhance the quality and reliability of digital applications and data platforms. The role involves designing and executing functional and non-functional tests, mentoring junior testers, and collaborating with stakeholders. Candidates should have extensive experience in data testing, particularly within healthcare settings, and proficiency in automation frameworks. This position offers a permanent contract and requires a full-time commitment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in data testing and data quality assurance.
• Experience with healthcare-specific digital and data systems.
• Strong understanding of testing frameworks and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute functional tests across data pipelines.
• Conduct non-functional tests of data systems.
• Collaborate with developers to ensure timely resolution of defects.

Skills

Data testing

Automation frameworks (Selenium, Protractor)

Analytical and problem-solving abilities

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Job description

Job summary

The Data Test Engineer plays a key role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of the Trust's digital applications, data platforms, and integrated clinical systems, focusing on areas such as Electronic Patient Records (EPR), Clinical Applications, Interoperability, Data Systems, Infrastructure, and Digital Assurance.

Reporting to the Data Assurance and Quality Lead, the role requires strong expertise in data testing and validation and involves designing, executing, and maintaining manual and automated testing processes, ensuring that all systems meet the highest standards of performance, security, and usability.

The Test Engineer will work closely with developers, business analysts, and other cross‑functional teams to integrate testing into the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), identify and prioritise defects, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

The role requires both functional and non‑functional testing expertise, the ability to mentor junior testers, and effective collaboration with stakeholders to drive quality assurance processes.

This position also includes responsibilities for managing relationships with vendors, coordinating Systems Integration Testing (SIT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and overseeing the use of large data sets across relational databases.

Main duties of the job

• Design and execute a wide range of functional tests across data pipelines and data integrations to ensure data accuracy and completeness for the Trust's systems, ensuring they meet defined quality standards.
• Communicate test results to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, helping the business prioritise defect resolution.
• Conduct a variety of non‑functional tests of data systems to ensure systems meet requirements for speed, scalability, and security.
• Identify, document, and track defects using tools like JIRA, collaborating with developers to ensure timely resolution. Help prioritise defects based on severity and impact on business operations.
• Develop, execute, and maintain automated test scripts using automation tools. Ensure automated tests cover key functionality and validate data quality.
• Lead regression testing efforts to ensure system updates do not negatively affect existing data flows and data quality, with a focus on mitigating risks in EPR, clinical applications, and infrastructure systems.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders as needed to manage dependencies and ensure seamless integration across systems.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders, including the Care Group Directors, Directors of Operations, and IT leadership, ensuring their feedback is incorporated into data testing strategies and outcomes.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to data accuracy and quality, addressing issues before they impact Trust operations.

About us

Diversity makes us interesting… Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Details

Date posted: 18 December 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Reference number: 193‑7678057COR

Job location: Royal Berkshire Hospital, London Road, Reading, RG1 5AN

Person Specification – Experience

• Extensive experience in data testing and data quality assurance, including both manual and automated testing techniques within large‑scale, complex environments, preferably within healthcare settings.
• Experience with EPR systems, clinical applications, data platforms, and digital infrastructure.
• Expertise with automation frameworks such as Selenium or Protractor for data focused testing.
• Strong experience in functional and non‑functional testing, including performance, security, and scalability, with a focus on data validation, data quality, and testing of data flows and integrations.

Person Specification – Desirable

• Testing experience gained in Acute NHS or a healthcare environment, with knowledge of healthcare‑specific digital and data systems.
• Experience with Agile and DevOps practices, particularly within data driven CI/CD pipelines.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities – Essential

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with the capability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary data‑focused team.
• Strong understanding of testing frameworks and methodologies, including functional, non‑functional, data flow and integrations, performance, and regression testing.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey technical information to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple testing activities simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities – Desirable

• Advanced programming skills in languages such as Java, JavaScript, or Python, particularly in the context of writing and maintaining automated tests.
• Strong understanding of NHS digital platforms, data flows, and data driven applications.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Berkshire Hospital

London Road

Reading

RG1 5AN

https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/