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Graduate QA Analyst

OCU

Preston

On-site

GBP 25,000 - 35,000

Full time

Today

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Job summary

A leading energy transition contractor in the UK is seeking a Graduate QA Analyst to support quality assurance for new features. This role is ideal for individuals starting their QA career, emphasizing a strong attention to detail and a passion for improving digital products. As a Graduate QA Analyst, you'll collaborate within a squad to execute test cases, log defects, and participate in sprint ceremonies, all while being mentored by experienced colleagues. Opportunities for learning and development are strongly supported.

Qualifications

Foundational understanding of software testing principles gained via study or early experience.
Ability to execute structured test cases accurately and reliably.
Strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

Understand requirements and acceptance criteria with support from senior QA / Engineers.
Execute defined functional test cases covering system integration and regression scenarios.
Raise clear reproducible defects with steps, screenshots, or evidence.
Participate in ceremonies including stand-ups and planning.
Follow QA processes and maintain consistent test execution and documentation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Clear written communication

Basic familiarity with SQL

Basic understanding of software testing principles

Tools

Postman

ClickUp

TestMonitor

Graduate QA Analyst

Role Overview

We’re looking for a motivated Junior QA Analyst to support the quality assurance of new and updated features within OCU One. This role is ideal for someone early in their QA career with a strong eye for detail, a willingness to learn, and a passion for improving digital products.

You will work within a squad environment executing defined test cases validating small features or user stories, logging defects with clear evidence, and learning core functional testing techniques. You’ll be supported by senior QA colleagues, engineers, and architects, gradually increasing your autonomy as your skills develop.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Test Planning & Preparation

Understand requirements and acceptance criteria with support from senior QA / Engineers.
Prepare and organise test cases assigned to you; maintain accurate test evidence.
Ensure you have the correct data environments and access needed to execute test activities.
Raise questions early where requirements or behaviours are unclear.

2. Test Execution (Manual & Exploratory)

Execute defined functional test cases covering system integration and regression scenarios (under guidance).
Perform simple exploratory testing focused on identifying unexpected behaviours.
Begin running basic API checks (e.g. Postman templates) and simple SQL lookups with support.
Test small features or individual user stories within a single functional area of the platform.

3. Defect Logging & Retesting

Raise clear reproducible defects with steps, screenshots or other evidence.
Work with Engineers and Senior QAs to understand severity, priority and expected outcomes.
Re-test fixes and contribute to maintaining a clean defect backlog.
Provide daily concise updates on progress, blockers and test outcomes.

4. Sprint Participation & Collaboration

Participate in ceremonies including stand‑ups, refinements, planning, and retros (with guidance).
Estimate daily testing effort for assigned tasks and flag blockers promptly.
Align your work to sprint goals and commit to delivering within your defined scope.

5. Quality Standards & Continuous Learning

Follow OCU QA processes, Definition of Done, and agreed quality gates.
Maintain consistent, accurate, repeatable test execution and documentation.
Actively seek feedback and coaching to improve your techniques.
Suggest small improvements to test cases or team workflows as you grow.

Skills and Experience

Essential Skills

Foundational understanding of software testing principles (gained via study or early experience).
Ability to execute structured test cases accurately and reliably.
Basic familiarity with tools such as:
ClickUp / TestMonitor for test management
Postman (template‑based API checks)
SQL (simple lookups)
Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
Clear written communication for raising defects and reporting progress.
Collaborative and open to coaching, feedback and new ways of working.

Desirable Skills

Exposure to Agile / Scrum ways of working.
Basic understanding of digital platforms, web applications or enterprise systems.
Interest in expanding into areas such as exploratory testing, non‑functional checks or automation foundations.

What We Value

We value our commitment to each other, summed up in our five values we all sign up to: We care about safety, we lead with integrity, we strive to be better every day, we make a positive impact, we deliver to grow, and we are one company united.

Our Aim & Vision at OCU

To be the UK's leading energy transition and utilities contractor.

We are committed to leading the way in utilities and energy transition contracting; our mission is to innovate and deliver sustainability. At OCU our passion for addressing complex challenges brings new standards of growth in our people and capabilities. OCU is an equal opportunities employer.